ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN: It's time to return to school! Of course, some children will be leaving home for the first time. Teresa Giudice of 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' had to say farewell to her daughter Gabriella, who is off to the University of Michigan. Luis “Louie” Ruelas joined the two on the drive to college.
Luis appeared to be overjoyed as he drove his stepdaughter to the University of Michigan, but his supporters had something important to say. Some OG followers thought it was "an insult to Juicy Joe" that Teresa's ex couldn't be with them at such an important time.
Teresa Giudice talks about Gabriella's last night at home before leaving for college
The 'RHONJ' star's child left home with her mother Teresa and stepfather Luis. Gabriella spent her last night of summer vacation with her family, including her sisters Gia Giudice, Milania Giudice, and Audriana Giudice, Teresa said in an Instagram Story on August 21
"I just made Gabriella her last dinner: chicken with spinach," Teresa remarked in a video, before turning the camera to Gabriella. "Hi, Gabriella! Love you." Teresa afterward went out for ice cream "as a famiglia," she added in another Instagram Story. "[Gabriella]’s leaving tomorrow. I’m sad," Teresa further said.
Teresa continued to chronicle the next day as she, Luis, and Gabriella prepared to fly to Michigan. But first, Gia sent a touching farewell message for her sister on her Instagram Stories.
The 22-year-old, who graduated from Rutgers University in May, uploaded a photo of Gabriella waving farewell in the car. "[The University of Michigan] just got really lucky," wrote Gia. "I love you, sister."
Teresa's stories then resumed as she videotaped the three in the car. "On our way to Michigan," she announced to the camera. "Hi, Gabriella! Beautiful porcelain doll. Hi, babe! University of Michigan, here we come!" she said.
Teresa shared another video of Gabriella after the trio boarded the plane, and Luis took a selfie with Teresa.
Luis Ruelas slammed as 'RHONJ' fans feel bad for Joe Giudice
Luis also took to his personal Instagram account to share a happy note for his stepdaughter. Sharing a reel featuring their journey to the University of Michigan, Luis wrote in the caption, "Gabriella, Today begins your incredible journey here at University of Michigan."
He continued, "Words cannot express how proud we all are of you. You are not only smart and creative, but also loving and so thoughtful. Today, as you start your freshman year at the University of Michigan pursuing your dreams in Finance & walking into this new Journey my heart swells with JOY & HAPPINESS for you ❤️."
The caption further read, "Remember, no matter where life’s journey takes you, your family always stands by your side, cheering you on every step of the way!! We believe in you Gabriella wholeheartedly!! Nothing means more to us than seeing you happy ❤️ we cannot wait to witness all the incredible things you will undoubtedly achieve!" He ended the note with, "Love you Gabriella ❤️."
The post didn't quite end there, as the 48-year-old father of two and stepfather to four added hashtags like "#futurefinancepro #stepdaughterLove #porcelaindoll #futureisyours #blankcanvis ##universityofmichigan #family #love #legacy #goingtomissyou."
Luis was soon slammed by fans in the comments section of his post. One person wrote, "I’m sorry but you only know them for 2yrs and you going there and doing all this is like an insult to Juicy Joe @joe.giudice ! But whatever. Good luck to Gabriela ✌️."
Another person chimed in, "First you wore their dads/grandfathers pajamas and bow you Joe and Teresa's daughter is off to college and you do the most it's weird AF!!!! Like literally she has been taking videos of your obsession with Michigan...it's weird again these are not your children you raised nor did her father know you from a gole in the ground while you wore his s**t! One last time your fkn weird!!!"
One user also wrote, "I feel bad Joe couldn't be there." A fourth commenter snapped, "Be divorced in a year."
One user left a bunch of emoji to express their displeasure and commented, "????????️??????????️?️????️?️???." While another wrote, "Poor joe ?." One user also asked, "There's only 1 picture of her on this sideshow?"
Why isn't Joe Giudice with his daughters in America?
Joe Giudice has not lived in the United States since being deported to Italy in October 2019. Teresa chose in October 2018, and by March 2019, she was hinting at divorcing Joe owing to the vast distance. Joe was deported after serving consecutive jail sentences for fraud with Teresa.
Who is Luis 'Louie' Ruelas?
Luis "Louie" Ruelas is a New Jersey businessman. According to a post from the non-profit organization JL Blessings, Teresa's husband is an active philanthropist who has fed over 300 families in Harlem, New York.
Luis is the father of two children, one of whom is autistic. When he's not working, Luis "spends a great deal of time advocating for children with special needs, with a particular focus on autism given his son's condition."
Who is Gabriella Giudice?
Gabriella Giudice was born on October 4, 2004. Teresa's second daughter appears to be more secretive than the rest of her family since she lacks a prominent social media presence.
Teresa told PEOPLE in 2016 that her then-11-year-old daughter aspired to be a professional football player or a model. Years later, Teresa told The Daily Dish that Gabriella was looking at universities before her final year of high school.
Who is Joe Giudice?
Joe Giudice was Teresa Giudice's husband and a star of the reality TV program 'RHONJ'. Over the years, the reality show has chronicled his court appearances and time in jail.
In 2010, he launched a pizzeria. Joe declared bankruptcy in 2009, saying he owed $11 million. In 2011, he filed for bankruptcy again, and his then-wife Teresa stated that she would pay her $8 million in obligations within a year.
In 2013, he and Teresa were charged with more than 50 counts of fraud. Joe checked himself into jail in March 2016 to begin his 41-month term. It was confirmed in October 2018 that he would be deported to his hometown in Italy upon his release in March 2019.