What drama? As the legal woes of Teresa and Joe Giudice continue to rock the cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa and Joe Gorga — who both previously had tumultuous relationships with the Fabulicious! cookbook author — are sticking by their family during this troubling time.
"We're always here for Teresa," Melissa, 34, told Us Weekly of her sister-in-law at the MTV 2013 Video Music Awards on Sunday, Aug. 25. "She's very strong and has a lot of strength and at the end of the day, it's about those four babies and we're here for them no matter what. She knows that we're here for her."
Joe Gorga's sister, Teresa, 41, and husband Joe, 43, were hit with a 39-count indictment for fraud and tax charges on July 29, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements on loan applications. Joe Giudice was also specifically charged for failing to file tax returns from 2004 through 2008. If convicted, they face 50 years in prison. "It's [been] extremely hard," Teresa's 37-year-old brother, Joe Gorga, adds.
On Aug. 14, the couple pleaded not guilty to federal charges of fraud, with their next hearing set for Oct. 3, and their trial scheduled for Oct. 8.
The pair have been staying positive for their kids — Gia, 12, Gabriella, 10, Milania, 7, and Audriana, 3 — in light of the ordeal. In mid-August, Teresa posted several photos of her family on vacation making "memories at the jersey shore."
"[Their] kids are doing great. They're very happy," the "On Display" singer reassures Us. "They got together for a play date [with our kids] recently and the kids are all very happy."
Tune in to The Real Housewives of New Jersey Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.