Teresa Giudice is speaking out after an emotional airport incident involving her daughter Milania Giudice became public.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star released a heartfelt statement asking for compassion, kindness and privacy for Milania after police body camera footage surfaced from the family’s tense exchange at Tampa International Airport.
In the footage obtained by TMZ, Teresa is seen pleading with Milania and telling her she wanted to “save your life” as Gia Giudice and police officers stood nearby.
Teresa’s statement focused on Milania’s well-being and the difficult months their family has been facing.
“As a mother, there is nothing more important to me than the health, safety, and well-being of my children,” Teresa wrote. “The past few months have been incredibly difficult for our family, and I feel it is important to say something while also protecting my daughter during an extremely vulnerable time in her life.”
Teresa shared that Milania has been dealing with unimaginable grief after losing two close friends.
“Milania has experienced tremendous heartbreak and significant psychological trauma after losing two of her best friends,” Teresa continued. “Grief affects everyone differently, and watching your child try to process that kind of loss is something no parent can ever truly prepare for.”
Teresa made it clear that her only focus right now is Milania.
“Right now, my only focus is my daughter — making sure she is surrounded by love, family, support, and the care she needs,” Teresa said.
The statement comes after TMZ released police body camera footage from the airport incident, where Teresa, Gia and Milania were seen during an emotional exchange.
According to TMZ, Teresa told officers inside an airport elevator that Milania had fentanyl in her system during a recent incident before she was Baker Acted. In the footage, Milania is heard saying she was “laced.”
Gia is also heard telling Milania that she wants to help her.
Police reportedly said Milania had recently been released from a facility following a Baker Act evaluation. TMZ also reported that the family had hired a counselor to help Milania.
The incident occurred after airport police were called when Milania allegedly separated from her family and counselor. Dispatch audio reportedly captured officers checking different parts of the airport, surveillance footage and Milania’s cellphone location.
Milania was eventually located. No one was arrested, and no one was transported to a hospital from the airport.
Teresa acknowledged that because her family has lived much of their lives publicly, there will naturally be questions and speculation, but she asked people to remember that Milania is still her daughter first.
“I understand that because our family has lived much of our lives in the public eye, there will naturally be questions and speculation,” Teresa wrote. “But Milania is my daughter before she is anything else.”
She continued, “She is a young woman going through an incredibly difficult and deeply personal time, and she deserves the opportunity to heal without every moment of her pain being analyzed publicly.”
Teresa then asked the public and media to show Milania compassion.
“I am asking, from one mother to another, and from one family to all of you, to please show Milania compassion and kindness and allow her the privacy she needs right now,” Teresa wrote.
She also thanked those who have reached out with support.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support. It means more to our family than you know.”
“At this time, we respectfully ask the media and the public to give Milania and our entire family the privacy and space we need as we navigate this together,” Teresa added. “Thank you for your understanding, your compassion, and most importantly, for respecting my daughter during this difficult time.”
Teresa signed the statement, “With love, Teresa.”
The airport incident first drew attention after Milania posted and later deleted a video of an emotional confrontation with Teresa and Gia while police were nearby.
In the clip, Milania repeatedly asked, “This is what we do now?” as Teresa told her, “I love you.” Gia then told Teresa to “let her do what she wants to do” before Milania snapped at her mother.
Since then, Joe Giudice has also spoken out in support of Milania, asking the public to have compassion and saying his daughter has been going through a very difficult period.
Gia also appeared to quietly address the situation on TikTok after a fan praised her for being the calm older sister. Gia responded, “Job of being the oldest,” and liked comments showing support for Milania.