Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga is taking legal action after she says her ability to return to TV was blocked by local red tape. According to a newly surfaced legal filing, Melissa and her husband, Joe Gorga, are suing their county for allegedly stalling the issuance of a filming permit, one that would allow the couple to shoot an episode of the upcoming Bravo spinoff, Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition.
The lawsuit comes amid heightened anticipation for Bravo’s new direction. It’s been nearly two years since the last season of RHONJ wrapped, after Andy Cohen announced the franchise would undergo a significant shake-up. As Bravo fans waited to see which housewives would return, rumors swirled that the Gorgas might be featured in the new spinoff. That speculation gained traction when former RHONJ cast member Kim DePaola spilled details in an interview with OK! Magazine.
“A few months ago, I said that three of the women from RHONJ were given promise letters to show the network was still interested in them.” Kim added, “I can tell you, officially, they executed on one of those letters by giving Melissa a spot on Wife Swap.”
Melissa and Joe reportedly appeared excited about the opportunity. But according to a legal complaint filed on May 21, 2025, the couple claims the Borough of Franklin Lakes has wrongfully delayed or withheld the necessary filming permit that would allow production to move forward at their home.
According to a document shared on X by the account HWJunkie1, the Gorgas’ attorney, William J. Rush, stated:
“Please be advised that I represent the plaintiffs, Giuseppe Gorga and Melissa Gorga, in the above-referenced matter. Plaintiffs are alleging that Defendants are wrongfully withholding and/or delaying the issuance of a Filming Permit in the Borough of Franklin Lakes. Plaintiffs are reality television performers and are under contract to film at their residence on June 6, 2025, in order for filming to take place on June 6, 2025.”
Rush, who is known primarily for his DUI defense work, is now spearheading the Gorgas’ battle to secure the permit in time for filming. The filing further added:
“It is respectfully requested that the court hear this order to show cause at the court’s earliest convenience so if Plaintiffs are granted the requested relief, they will have enough time to file the appropriate permit.”
The court filing, verified under the case name Trellis Gorga vs. Borough of Franklin Lakes, marks an unusual twist in the couple’s ongoing relationship with reality TV. The warning allegedly seemed to push things quickly to allow the Gorgas to film.
As of now, Bravo has not commented on the legal situation. But one thing is certain: Melissa Gorga’s path back to television is turning out to be anything but smooth.
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