Real Housewives of New Jersey Recap: Flappers of Fury

RHONJ stars Melissa Gorga, Danielle Cabral, and Margaret Josephs

The highly anticipated Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 finale episode is FINALLY here!

The Real Housewives of New Jersey episode begins with flashbacks of the drama from Paulie Connell and Dolores Catania‘s house for an Irish-prohibition-themed flapper party, and it’s ugly.

The Secret Revealed

Melissa Gorga claims she’s been keeping this secret for the last six months in order to keep the peace within her family, while Teresa Giudice says she never wanted to say anything about the secret because she knew it would ruin her wedding to Louie Ruelas.

RHONJ’s Melissa Gorga

The 44-year-old mom of three tells Dolores that there’s no way she can go and celebrate Teresa and Louie’s wedding when she tried to ruin her marriage to Joe Gorga.

She then calls Teresa and Louie “toxic” and says that she’s “done” with them for good.

So, what’s the secret? The secret is the allegation that Melissa cheated on Joe with their good friend,  Nick Barrotta.

The Build-Up to the Drama

We then go rewind 12 hours to the start of Paulie and Dolores’ party. The entire Real Housewives of New Jersey cast, including the husbands, are attending the party, which is a recipe for disaster as well all know.

Everyone starts to arrive, and they all look amazing in their flapper/1920s outfits. Dolores and Paul know how to throw a party – everything looks amazing, from the Irish dancers to the flowers to the food and more.

The drinks and the food are flowing, with everyone having a good time.

Danielle and Rachel Fuda Squash their Drama

Rachel Fuda and Danielle Cabral talk out their issues, especially their heated convos in Ireland, and seem to have officially squashed their beef. Rachel points out that it seemed like Danielle had something on her mind in Ireland that had her all riled up. Danielle tries to play it off, but Melissa seems to poke, asking if they were things that happened in Ireland that some of the group didn’t know about. The mom of two plays coy, saying she just had “things that weighed on my mind.”

The Gorgas aren’t Popping Teresa and Louie’s Love Bubbe

Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Jennifer Aydin

Teresa and Louie arrive at the party. Joe Gorga and Frank Catania agree that Louie is short with them. While Joe can’t stop bad-mouthing Louie, the groom-to-be can’t get past Joe being so selfish ahead of his and Teresa’s wedding. Teresa said she doesn’t care about her brother and isn’t going to let anyone pop their love bubble. You can feel and see the tension between Joe and Louie. Both are one comment away from snapping.

Danielle Tells Jennifer Aydin She Has to Reveal All to Melissa

Things at Paulie and Dolores’ flapper party are going swell when Danielle tells Jennifer that she has to tell Melissa about the cheating rumor going around about her. Jennifer begs Danielle not to tell Melissa, explaining that she doesn’t want to see Melissa’s family, especially her children, get hurt over the accusation.

Jennifer explains:

“No, Danielle, you can’t do that. Nobody protected me [last season]. Nobody protected my children. I don’t want to be that girl to another family. The point of me telling you was really just to justify the fact that all of this stuff, at the end of the day, comes from Margaret.”

However, Danielle disagrees, saying that if she were in Melissa’s position, she’d want to know.

The newcomer said:

“If somebody was saying this about me, I’d want to know. I don’t want to hurt Melissa. I don’t want to believe the rumor’s true. I just want to tell [her], ‘This is what your friend has told this woman.'”

Danielle Drops the Bomb on Melissa

The party is in full swing, and everyone is having fun when Danielle pulls Melissa aside to have a chit-chat. Naturally, Margaret Josephs notices and wonders aloud, ‘What’s going on over there?’

Danielle admits in her confessional that she has no plan on how or what she’s going to say to Melissa. She’s hopeful that Melissa will laugh off the gossip and not be upset. Yeah, right.

RHONJ’s Margaret Josephs and Jennifer Fessler

The Real Housewives of New Jersey newbie explains to Melissa that in Ireland, she learned some information about her. Danielle explains that Margaret’s friend, Laura Lee Jensen, said that Margaret told her that she caught Melissa making out with a guy in the back of a car during a night out in NYC.

Melissa seems amused by the news but not shocked at all. Instead, she goes right to blaming Teresa for the gossip. Melissa says she already heard this story from her husband, who learned about the allegation from Teresa. She claims that Teresa called Joe over to her house to secretly tell him the allegation. In her confessional, Melissa claims that Teresa believed the rumor, which is why she went to Joe.

Melissa quips:

“Pretty f–ked up sister-in-law.”

However, she doesn’t stop there. Melissa encourages Danielle to call Teresa over so they can all discuss the allegation. Danielle says she knows they have issues but doubts Teresa would wish this to be true; however, Melissa doesn’t agree and says all Teresa wants is to see her and Joe break up. Melissa adds that this rumor is why Joe can’t stand to look at Teresa right now.

RHONJ’s Melissa Gorga

Danielle wonders why Margaret is getting any of the heat when she’s the messenger, who is going around telling people about this rumor. Melissa doesn’t believe Margaret would ever tell anyone about this rumor because she knows it isn’t true. Margaret overhears her name being mentioned in Danielle and Melissa’s conversation, so she heads over to see what’s going on.

Margaret vs. Danielle

Margaret goes over to Danielle and Melissa, ready for a fight. Melissa explains that Danielle was telling her about a rumor Laura was telling people about, which sets Margaret off. Margaret freaks out on Danielle, questioning why she’s talking about someone she’s never met.

Danielle tells Margaret not to shoot the messenger. Things get heated when Danielle stands up and puts her finger in Margaret’s face. The two get into each other faces and need to be pulled apart by the rest of the ladies.

RHONJ’s Danielle Cabral

Chaos Ensues as Melissa and Teresa go Head to Head

As the rest of the ladies are trying to figure out what’s going on, Melissa points the blame at Teresa and Jennifer Aydin, as they were the ones who met Laura for lunch. Melissa calls Teresa a “loser,” which sets off the Real Housewives of New Jersey OG.

Teresa calls Melissa “disgusting” and walks away from the drama, but Melissa follows Teresa into the kitchen.

As chaos ensues, Teresa explains that Louie is the one who called Joe to tell him about the rumor. Louie confirms this by saying he wanted Joe to know what Margaret was saying about his wife.

Louie seems to give zero f–ks at this point as looks directly into the camera, saying that he and Teresa are “winning.” Teresa, on the other hand, says that she doesn’t care about this BS and isn’t giving Melissa any more attention because that’s what she wants.

Joe and Melissa claim that they’ve been protecting Teresa and that they need to stop. Margaret then fuels the flames by alleging that Teresa set this whole thing up and that Danielle and Jennifer wouldn’t do anything without Teresa’s approval. She also claims that Teresa looks nervous before going over to confront Teresa for trying to bring her down.

Danielle is lost as to why Margaret continues to deflect any blame in this whole situation when she’s the one who spread the gossip about Melissa in the first place. Jennifer questions why Laura would lie about Melissa cheating – especially with such detail, including names, dates, times, etc.

The drama between Margaret and Jennifer as they fight over Laura’s claims. Jennifer’s anger with Margaret for outing Bill’s affair last year comes out and she almost goes after Margaret for the pain she caused her kids. Naturally, Margaret could care less.

Joe and Louie’s Showdown

Melissa can’t help but continue to antagonize Louie for telling Joe about the cheating rumor. Louie tells the group that he told Joe a lot as Melissa continues to poke Louie, which only enrages Joe.

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Joe Gorga

Joe tells Louie not to talk to Melissa like that and gets in Louie’s face. The men are holding both Joe and Louie back at this point before Joe breaks free and charges Louie.

The Aftermath

Joe and Melissa decide to skip Teresa and Louie’s wedding. They accuse Teresa of trying to destroy their marriage, while Teresa believes that the Gorgas “hate” her and Louie.

Teresa adds that she’s done with this drama and is starting a new chapter of her life. She notes that Melissa “got her wish” of “wanting to get my brother away from me.”

The Gorgas and Teresa will come face to face for the first time in nearly a year at the upcoming Real Housewives of New Jersey season 14 reunion.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm.

Thoughts on this all? Sound off below!

In the latest episode, “Flappers of Fury,” the Real Housewives of New Jersey faced intense drama and confrontations as they attended a 1920s-themed party. The episode featured explosive arguments, shocking revelations, and unexpected alliances among the cast members.

During the “Flappers of Fury” episode, Teresa and Melissa engaged in a heated argument over unresolved issues, leading to an emotional confrontation. Additionally, Jackie and Jennifer found themselves at odds once again, reigniting their ongoing feud and causing tension at the party.

As of this episode, there were no new housewives introduced, but a surprise guest star made a memorable appearance. An iconic 1920s flapper performer surprised the cast and added an unexpected twist to the party, leaving the housewives in awe.

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Melissa Gorga Says She Enjoys Working Hard While She Waits To Hear If She’ll Be Back On RHONJ

Jennifer Pedranti Talks Getting Support From Teresa Giudice & Being In The Middle Of Shannon Beador & Alexis Bellino

35 comments

marlin May 18, 2023 - 10:54 am
You gotta admit, Luis saying he had his private detective friend dig up dirt on every single other cast member is weird. He and Theresa tried to walk it back on WWHL but I believe he did it. Something isn’t right about him.
Que Sera May 19, 2023 - 7:01 am
Sounds like maybe the guy did it for him on the side, not through the company. So Luis blabs it on TV and the guy puts out a statement saying something like, "We weren't hired to....". Then Luis has to say he was just talking when he said that on TV. It was obvious when he was on last season something isn't right about him. His past shows it and he really showed it on TV this season, too.
cammierari May 17, 2023 - 5:43 pm
And I was really starting to like Danielle, but that move was shady! A big boozy party is not the time to tell someone as dramatic as Melissa that you know about a rumor. I don’t know why she thought it would go down well and shame on her for confronting someone at a party. Dumb. As far as Louie is concerned, I know you all think he’s out of control and crazy, and I admit he does seem to go a little overboard at times, but he was trying to help settle this bitter feud for Teresa’s sake. I give him credit for that, and completely understand his total frustration at this point.
TL S May 17, 2023 - 2:43 pm
Melissa/Joe and tre/louis need to go. Over all of this. Melissa/Joe can go.. then let Tre/Louis go when it starts to unravel. Tre jumps into a marriage and its not going to end well for her. Everyone has kids involved and they do not need to be collateral damage all for a paycheck. This show has gotten too messy. Marge is bad juju for whole show.
Que Sera May 18, 2023 - 7:35 am
Two of the kids (Antonia and Gabrielle) will escape out of state to college in the fall. Smart girls, for going to college and for leaving NJ! The oldest, Gia, has chosen to be one of "them" so far, anyway. Joe's boys never want to be on camera so they probably don't have any interest in watching either, let alone being part of the mess. I think Milania is destined to become one of "them" and who knows about Audriana. Luis' one son lives with his mother. The other is in college, however he may end up being the one most hurt by his father's actions on (and off)TV! I cannot imagine how awful it must be at times to have a somewhat infamous father like that all the sudden for the past 2 years.
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 12:12 pm
Margaret looked like a busted up gypsy fortune teller in her designer-less outfit at Dolores party.
holy cannoli May 17, 2023 - 12:18 pm
I agree., she had some real nerve talking about Danielle dress.
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 3:37 pm
1000% agree.
Hilda Quezada May 17, 2023 - 12:49 pm
I can't ... too funny
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 6:14 pm
Thank you.
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:23 am
Marge questioning on how everyone believes Laura, a woman they never met, about all rumor roads leading back to Marge...hahahaha. That's how unlikeable Marge is.
Que Sera May 17, 2023 - 3:51 pm
Danielle's reason for being on the show, other than showing off her show-off kids and self, is based on a ghost brother and a ghost rumor spreader. She got some big time free advertising for selling clothes on-line and a trip to Ireland she didn't appreciate. How much does she get paid for that I wonder.
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:12 am
Dear Diary, My SIL aka my paycheck provider, took my husband aside and told him about a rumor that I was kissing another man because she believes it to be true. I hate her. But wait, her fiancé has enough money to invest in a business venture so it's okay. hahahaha
Que Sera May 17, 2023 - 10:30 am
Teresa, Luis, Jennifer and certainly Danielle ended the season looking kind of bad, IMO. Luis claims he hired a private investigator to get info on all of them. Wow, must make him popular! Teresa and Luis got with Joe alone before filming to tell him an old rumor about Melissa is shady sounding. .
September24 May 17, 2023 - 10:26 am
No way is Ms Marco done just because of a rumor. She will never jump off the road of fame. She will tolerate the rumors for that paycheck.
Hilda Quezada May 17, 2023 - 9:55 am
Melissa said she knew about the rumor 6 months ago. So her and Baby Joe and Margaret plan the scenerio how they were going to film and then BLAME T for it. I'm really over the blaming game.
September24 May 17, 2023 - 9:39 am
Just rename the show the Real Rumors of New Jersey...LOL!
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 8:40 am
I like Danielle but she should have known the messenger always gets killed.
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:41 am
So being in a wedding party is more important than the bride and groom telling you about a cheating rumor...
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:39 am
Dear Diary, My SIL told my husband a rumor about me. But I still want to be in her wedding party! hahahaha
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 12:13 pm
Best comment of the day.?
Que Sera May 18, 2023 - 7:16 am
The decision to not have her in the wedding was made prior to the rumor telling. It was brought up at last season's reunion. Remember this season she said it was because Melissa didn't MAKE Marge stop asking Luis questions so he could explain all the bad stuff out there about him the year before (last season)? Joe was the one hurt over it and made a deal about it. Since this whole season was about Teresa's ridiculous wedding, of course something that deliberate, petty and hurtful was discussed ad nauseam. She actually never did express wanting to be in it. Don't you remember the scene where she half asked her to be in it to save face and not look so petty and vindictive? Then Gia said on camera she shouldn't have done that. If she wanted to be in it she would have said okay like Jennifer and Dolores did at the last minute two weeks prior. I can imagine the relief of not being in it outweighed the hurt for Melissa. If she was angry it was because it hurt Joe way more than her. Teresa made it so clear she didn't even want them there so they obliged.
September24 May 18, 2023 - 6:47 pm
Yes Ms Marco expressed her "hurt" for not being asked when she found out her other SILs were asked.
Que Sera May 18, 2023 - 7:03 pm
Well, yeah.
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:27 am
Jenn: She sung like a bird! Best line ever! hahahaha
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:18 am
Dear Diary, Danielle told me about the rumor on camera. I'll spin it to be my SILs fault though. Watch this. Here, hold my beer. But would anyone blame me if it were true? I mean come on, how stimulating is the dinner conversation when my husband is dumber than a box of rocks? hahahaha
September24 May 17, 2023 - 7:00 am
Pick a lane Danielle! You blast Rachel for telling Marge what you said. But you turn around and tell Ms Marco a rumor that you heard actually thinking she will blow it off and have a drink with you. Just like Marge thought Jenn would think it's funny she exposed Bill's affair. Then you say oh don't kill the messenger. Pick.A.Lane.
holy cannoli May 17, 2023 - 6:53 am
Margaret.. ohh you’re so angry!! All messiness leads to Margaret , nasty woman , period case closed! That said I really don’t believe the rumor at all.
Cat Can May 16, 2023 - 10:59 pm
Wow. Really sad situation for everyone. After watching the episode, I believe the rumour. 1. Margaret told Danielle at least twice that she ruined a family. Obviously, she says this because the rumour is true. No need to say that if the rumour is BS and Joe doesn’t believe it. 2. Margaret goes ballastic on Danielle trying to deflect and create a distraction to pull attention away from the cheating allegation. She knows she is responsible for this getting out, so she is doing everything she can to make the situation about something else. 3. The Gorga’s can’t blame Margaret because the rumour is true. If they get angry with her about having loose lips and go after her, Margaret will just expose them. 4. They have to blame Teresa because there is no way that Joe Gorga can take being publicly cheated on. His humiliation would be too much. That’s why Margaret says Danielle ruined a family - she knows Joe will not be able to show his face if it becomes known as fact that Melissa cheated. The Gorga’s are desperate to make it seem like it’s not true. Blaming Teresa is just a convenient way to do it. Joe Gorga’s face…….the rumour must be true.
Nurse Lina Tano May 17, 2023 - 1:54 am
Great summation. ITA with all your points. If the rumor was not true, the Gorgas would have just said so and kept it moving. The high intensity and anger just proves it is true. This is not the first time Melissa has cheating rumors, and it won't be the last. Where there is smoke, there's a fire. No i see why Joey is so unstable. He gives this woman everything, a good life, a store, a house, everything she says she wants. Yet while he's working hard, she's cheating on him all over town. Melissa keeps humiliating him in front of the whole world. But somehow it's always Teresa fault. Ha!
PjC May 17, 2023 - 3:40 am
Number 3 is so spot on, but overall correct facts and observations. Shoot the messy-gers Marge. Hope she doesn't survive a family holiday reshuffle for next season.
Que Sera May 17, 2023 - 10:21 am
I guess I watched a different show. Ha!
cammierari May 17, 2023 - 5:49 pm
Hmmm….As far as #3 goes, what will Margaret expose about the Gorgas that keeps them quiet? She wasn’t the one who saw Melissa necking in the backseat, she just heard it from a rep or PR person. She can say yeah I was told that by so and so but that doesn’t mean it’s true either. But definitely yes, the rumor must be true because there is so much emotion attached to this rumor from Joe and steely eyed coldness from Melissa….
Evil Queen May 17, 2023 - 6:07 pm
ITA. If the rumor wasn’t true ; then why all of the histrionics? Like the old saying “ a bit dog hollering.” As I stated earlier, I still can’t get out of my head when Meho said she was going to drunk text/ call her ex?! What the…
Que Sera May 18, 2023 - 7:05 am
She was being sarcastic and/or baiting Teresa because she knew Teresa and Luis had already gone running to Joe alone and told him all about the old rumor. It was kind of like an inside joke.
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