Gia Giudice got fans talking after sharing an emotional thought about her dad, Joe Giudice, and his life away from his daughters!
The “Next Gen NYC” star recently took to TikTok with a simple message that appeared to reflect on the years her father has spent outside the US.
“Just sitting here drinking my tea thinking that my dad must look at these photos everyday wishing he was just home with his girls and family,” Gia wrote.
The post quickly sparked a mix of reactions from her followers, with some sympathizing with the reality star’s feelings while others pointed back to the circumstances that led to Joe’s deportation.
Gia’s message appeared to focus less on the legal circumstances affecting her father’s absence and more on the emotional side of being separated from a parent. She has been open about how much she misses her dad over the years, particularly during major moments in her life.
Gia, who was dressed in a white bikini top featuring a gold star, was holding her cup while apparently staring at a wooden shelf filled with adorable photos of the Giudice family. Her post similarly appeared to imagine what Joe might feel when looking at photos of his daughters and seeing the family moments he has missed.
Why Joe Giudice Has Been Away From His Daughters
Joe has been living outside the US since his deportation in 2019. The former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star served three-and-a-half years in federal prison for tax-related offenses before being transferred to immigration custody. As Joe was not a citizen, he was ultimately deported to Italy following his release. He later moved to the Bahamas, where he currently lives.
While Joe remains separated from his daughters geographically, the family has continued to maintain a relationship. Gia has also continued efforts to help her father return to the US. Speaking to FOX 5 New York last month, she said she had visited her father regularly and revealed that the family had filed a humanitarian packet as they continued trying to get Joe pardoned and potentially allow him to return — either long or short-term.
“And you know, we just filed a humanitarian packet for him, just kind of trying to do everything we can to get him pardoned and hopefully come back, or even just on visitation,” Gia explained. “We’re still actively working through that and trying everything we can. I mean, I think any family would want their dad home. Any daughter or child would want their father home.”
Gia Giudice Has Continued To Speak Out About Wanting Her Dad Home
This isn’t the first time Gia has been candid about the impact of her dad’s deportation. During the second season of “Next Gen NYC,” she opened up about missing Joe during important milestones, including moving into her own apartment.
“I miss my dad so much,” Gia said while discussing his absence.
She has also previously spoken publicly about efforts to bring her father back to the US, making it clear that his absence remains an emotional subject for the family. During an April 3 episode of her podcast, “Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice,” the reality star revealed that she and her sisters maintain a very active relationship with their father.
“I mean, we go visit him, but it’s not the same as having your father present,” Gia shared. “It’s definitely rough even now. I actually just got back from visiting him. Arriving in the Bahamas is always so amazing. Leaving is the hardest part.”
She added, “I don’t think the tears will ever end.”
Fans Had Mixed Reactions To Gia Giudice’s Message
As expected, Gia’s emotional post didn’t leave fans completely divided. Some followers appeared to sympathize with her and understood why she would want her father back home with the family.
“He’s such a present father. Even from afar. I can’t imagine how terrible he feels when he’s forced to miss milestones,” one person wrote, while another commented, “My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope everyone can also think about all the other families in similar situations and all they wanted is a better life for their families. We’re all humans. Separating families with no chance of seeing each other does so much damage. I’m glad that you and your dad can still see each other.”
A third user added, “He loves his girls! This is such a hard situation to experience growing up. I know everyone has their opinions, but I think of you as the oldest and your sisters. This wasn’t something you did, and I can’t imagine what it felt like to experience in the public eye.”
Others, however, were less sympathetic and argued that Joe’s deportation was connected to his own legal troubles.
One commenter said, “Well, he did commit a crime,” while another added, “He shouldn’t [have] broken the law then.”
A different follower noted, “He didn’t value his family enough to make better choices. It’s a shame.”
The differing reactions showed how complicated Joe’s situation remains for fans who have followed the Giudice family since their “RHONJ” days.
Joe Giudice Remains Close To His Daughters
Despite living in the Bahamas, Joe continues to maintain a relationship with his daughters, who have traveled to see him over the years. He has also remained active on social media, giving fans glimpses into the life he has built for himself in the Bahamas.
Joe, 54, shares daughters, Gia, 25, Gabriella, 21, Milania, 20, and Audriana, 16, with his ex-wife, Teresa Giudice, 54.
