Melissa Gorga isn’t holding back when it comes to how different Bravo franchises play by very different rules.
During her appearance on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star openly compared her cast to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and suggested Jersey is held to a much harsher standard when it comes to transparency.
“I like Beverly Hills,” Melissa said. “But I do feel like Beverly Hills does get away with murder a little bit when it comes to not telling us everything. Our cast gets in trouble if we don’t tell you what we ate yesterday, let alone who we’re dating.”
It was a rare moment of cross-franchise shade, and fans immediately clocked what she was implying: RHONJ is expected to show everything, while Beverly Hills has historically been accused by viewers of protecting certain storylines, especially around relationships and marriages.
The conversation also touched on her recent reconciliation with Teresa Giudice. Melissa described the reunion as genuine and long overdue, pushing back against the idea that it was staged for cameras.
“It would not be worth it to fake it for the show,” she said, reiterating that pretending to get along with someone you truly dislike is emotionally exhausting — and unsustainable.
Melissa admitted the family holiday gathering was nerve-wracking at first, especially because the kids hadn’t spent meaningful time together in years. But once the walls came down, she said it felt natural.
She also reflected on how fame has changed her perspective over time. Earlier seasons were about survival and proving herself. Now, she says she’s more focused on protecting her peace and choosing what drama is actually worth engaging in.