Teresa and Joe Giudice’s 39-count fraud indictment could possibly bring out castmates and producers of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” to testify about the couple’s financial habits.
Because Bravo is an entertainment network and not a news agency, it likely does not maintain any First Amendment privileges, meaning execs and personalities from the network may be called to court, New Jersey-based attorney Darren Del Sardo told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column.
According to RadarOnline, the United States Attorney’s Office is reportedly considering calling the Bravo stars to testify against the pair. The list includes Melissa Gorga, Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita. Producers and executives for Bravo could also be subpoenaed.
“The women could be called to testify at the trial because they could have firsthand knowledge of Teresa’s financial dealings, before and after the show premiered,” an insider explained to Radar. “Prosecutors could also subpoena footage from the New Jersey housewife franchise, along with producers who might also have information.”
Another source told the gossip site, “This could Teresa’s worst nightmare. Think of all the enemies she has on the show. Her sister-in-law Melissa, her ex-pal Jacqueline. Melissa would be more than willing to testify against Teresa. Neither one of them would fight a subpoena.”
The reality television personalities have been charged in a 39-count indictment with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud. They were released on Tuesday on $500,000 bond each. They deny all the charges.
The couple is set to make a plea on August 14 and a trial date will be set.
With Fox News