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The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) season 13 aired a brand new episode on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 9 pm ET on Bravo. It documented the cast members spending quality time with each other, while also navigating personal issues, relationship troubles, marital and family dynamics, and fractured friendships, all of which created a lot of drama for viewers.
On this week's episode of RHONJ, Joe and Melissa clarified what they meant on their podcast by the term "putting food on the table." Melissa explained that they helped contribute to the show by filming alongside Joe Giudice when Teresa was in prison, so that he could have someone to talk to.
Fans, however, failed to believe Melissa's stance. They felt that it was Teresa who helped Melissa and Joe Gorga with their checks, and that the Gorgas were only available to Teresa and her family when the cameras were around, just like how Teresa's daughters had stated in a previous episode. One tweeted:
The hit Bravo series has been very popular amongst the audience, who leave no stone unturned to voice their opinions on social media. Cast members include OG housewives Teresa Giudice, Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, Margaret Josephs, and Melissa Gorga. Newcomers include Danielle Cabral and Rachel Fuda. Former castmate Jackie Goldschneider also returned this season as a "friend" of the housewives.
Melissa clarifies her stance on the podcast on RHONJ
Tonight's episode of RHONJ began with the househusbands heading home from their dinner. The get-together was nothing but dramatic, as Joe Gorga confronted Luis about him and Teresa not inviting Melissa's family to the wedding.
When Luis mentioned that the Gorgas were talking about providing for Teresa's family while she was in prison, Joe was furious and slammed Luis for discussing the same.
The official synopsis of the episode, titled Housewarming History Lesson, read:
"After the Guys' Night blowout, the divide between Teresa, Joe and Melissa is at a standstill; Frankie hits Dolores with hard questions about their shifting family dynamic; Rachel and Jen Fessler spill the tea on Jennifer Aydin."
The following morning on RHONJ, Luis updated Teresa with what happened at the party. He explained how Joe got extremely offended when he brought up the podcast issue. Teresa apologized to Luis for dealing with her family's "circus show" when his family members have been nothing but amazing to her.
Meanwhile, Joe and Melissa also discussed the issue. They talked about not just the podcast, but also the fact that Melissa's family wasn't invited to Teresa and Luis' wedding. On her On Display podcast, Melissa talked about "putting food on the table" for Teresa's daughters, when the latter was in prison.
Melissa said:
"There was a point when this show was getting rid of everyone on the cast except for me. Teresa was away in prison. The show was able to be made because Joe needed someone to film with. And here we were. He had us to bounce off of and has someone to talk to on it."
The RHONJ star was referring to the spin-off, Teresa Checks-In, which aired on Bravo in 2015. It chronicled Joe Giudice raising his daughters when their mother Teresa was sentenced to prison. In the episode, Melissa maintained that she and Joe Gorga stepped up when the family needed them.
Melissa further said:
""Put food on the table." Alright, let's twist that and string it out. Throw it the wrong way. I mean, come on."
The Gorgas then discussed how they were disappointed at Joe's in-laws not being invited to the wedding. He was extremely upset that Teresa kicked out the Gorga part of the family dynamics.
Fans don't believe Melissa on RHONJ
Fans took to social media to express their opinions on Melissa clarifying the Gorga family's stance on their podcast statement about "putting food on the table" for Teresa's family.
Season 13 of RHONJ has been an extremely dramatic watch so far. As the season progresses, more chaos and drama is set to occur as the housewives get involved in complicated dynamics, conflicts, and arguments. Viewers will have to stay tuned to witness what's more to come this season.
Don't forget to tune in to a brand new episode of RHONJ next Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 9 pm ET on Bravo.
