Gia Giudice addressed her controversial video asking President Donald Trump to pardon her dad, Joe Giudice, who was forced to leave the country after going to prison for wire and bank fraud. The Next Gen NYC star said she doesn’t believe she’s “privileged,” and she hinted at being “very cautious.”
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Last week, Gia sent character letters for Joe to the White House, seeking a presidential pardon. Joe was born in Italy and never obtained citizenship. Gia said she was inspired by the presidential pardon of Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley from Chrisley Knows Best. Both the Chrisleys and Giudices have suggested they were unfairly targeted due to their status as reality stars. After the post, many fans accused Gia of using her status as a celebrity to get political favor.
On her Casual Chaos podcast, Gia addressed the controversial video.
“Most of you saw that I posted a little video on July 4th in hopes of Trump pardoning my father,” she said. “I had shipped out those letters on Thursday, right before I went down the shore.”
“I did not intend to post it on the Fourth of July. That was just not my intention at all,” Gia added. “I have so much respect for my country, and I was not trying to show any privilege or entitlement.”
“I woke up, knew I had to do something for my dad,” she went on. “And that was the only thing on my mind. I do not think that I am privileged.”
Gia shared that she has “immense respect” for her country. “And this is why, when you have a platform like this, you do need to be very cautious,” she added.
In Gia’s video, she addressed the struggle of being separated from her father.
“Hey, guys, my name is Gia Giudice. I’m the daughter of Joe Giudice, and today I’m using my voice for something deeply personal,” she said. “My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be in the absence of a father, of a parent, it’s something that never stops hurting.”
“Growing up, my dad was present at every cheer competition, every dance recital, holiday, he was our provider and he still is, just now from thousands of miles away,” the star went on. “Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored, and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace.”
