'RHONJ' fans criticize Joe Gorga's Mother's Day post for mother-in-law Donna Marco over his 'mom up in heaven'
FRANKLIN LAKES, NEW JERSEY: At last, we've discovered something that all Bravolebs can agree on: mothers are the best. Naturally, touching tributes to mothers everywhere poured in on Sunday, May 12, in honor of Mother's Day. Nevertheless, a particular post sparked some debate among followers.
On Sunday, 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' star, Joe Gorga took to Instagram to share a loving Mother's Day message for his mother-in-law, Donna Marco. Alongside a photo of them at a red carpet event, Joe penned in the caption, "A special happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mother in law. Thank you for loving me as a son."
As sweet as it was to post about Melissa Gorga's mother, fans took note of the missing post for his mother, Antonia Gorga. Observing this, fans voiced their concerns in the comment section, with some remarking, "This guy didn’t have a relationship with his parents because of Melissa."
Another fan said, "No Happy Mother’s day to your mom up in heaven 🤷🏽♀️." One fan asked, "I understand acknowledging your mother in law? But what about your mom Joe? Wow 😮."
Another fan added, "Wow. What disrespect to your mom. But it’s typical of you. Where is your wishes to your mother who birthed you." While another wrote, "U need help Joe." One fan asked, "How about your mom?" One fan wrote, "But not your own mom, now that is disgraceful."
What happened to 'RHONJ' star Joe Gorga's mother?
The mother of Joe and Teresa Giudice, Antonia, died from pneumonia on March 3, 2017, at the age of 66. On April 3, 2020, Giacinto Gorga, their father, died at the age of 76. Before her death, Antonia was a familiar presence on her children's popular Bravo show.
"My mother, she fought really hard." In October 2017, Teresa wept during the 'RHONJ' Season 8 premiere, stating that the pneumonia had become too difficult for her. "My mom, she was just the most caring, loving mom ever."
Who is 'RHONJ' star Melissa Gorga's mother?
Like her husband and sister-in-law, Melissa comes from a tightly-knit, small-town family background. Raised by her mother, Donna, Melissa has two sisters, Kim Marco Pirrella and Lysa Marco Simpson.
After Melissa's father, Anthony John Marco, tragically died in a vehicle accident in 1994 when Melissa was just seventeen, Donna courageously raised their daughters on her own.
It's unknown what Melissa's mother worked for a career or how she lived before her daughter became well-known. But, Donna's social media profiles make it clear that she is a proud mother and grandmother.
Donna frequently features alongside one of her children or their infants in nearly every photo on her social media profiles. She also doesn't find it difficult to appear on reality TV. Donna has made numerous appearances on 'RHONJ' since Melissa joined the cast in the second season, continuing through Season 13.
Donna took a picture of Margaret Josephs's mother, Marge Sr, and her sister, Angel, during Melissa's skating party in February 2023, as seen in the Season 13 opener.
What happened between 'RHONJ' star Teresa Giudice and Donna Marco?
Donna's presence at her daughter's skating party was not her only scene that season. Melissa and Joe met with Donna and Angel in Season 13, Episode 3, "Boys Will Be Boys," to discuss Teresa's wedding.
During the meeting, Donna confirmed that Teresa hadn't extended invitations to her or Melissa's sisters for the wedding. This revelation left the couple shocked and dismayed, viewing Teresa's oversight as a breach of etiquette and a slight toward Melissa's family.
Teresa's failure to invite Melissa's family to the wedding resurfaces during the cast's trip to the Jersey Shore in Episode 7, "Shots and Shade." The tensions between the "Namaste B—hes" host and Melissa's mother date back to longstanding issues, which began at Joe and Melissa's son Joey Jr's christening in Season 3.
Teresa found herself embroiled in a significant altercation with Melissa and her sisters as her life became increasingly hectic due to her rising popularity on 'RHONJ,' as fans will recall from day one. Melissa's sisters called Teresa a "liar" and a "diva" on Twitter, escalating the conflict.
Melissa's mother has addressed comments from fans comparing Teresa's daughter Gia to Melissa and Joe's daughter Antonia, saying the two are "completely different". Notably, she did not refute the fan's suggestion that Gia is "thirsty."
Donna, Kim, and Lysa reportedly backed Melissa after Jacqueline Laurita stated on the 'Reality With the King' podcast that Melissa joined 'RHONJ' behind Teresa's back by following many producers, including the podcast's host, Carlos King.