Melissa Gorga is opening up about her family reconciliation with Teresa Giudice, and she’s making it clear she believes this time is different.
While appearing on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast with Amanda Hirsch, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star shared new details about the holiday reunion that brought the Gorga and Giudice families back together after years of tension.
Originally, Melissa planned to take the family out to dinner for the holiday, but after talking with her husband Joe Gorga, they decided to host at their house instead. According to Melissa, it turned into a night that felt surprisingly normal.
“It was great. We had so much fun,” she said, explaining the entire family stayed up until 2 or 3 a.m. playing pool and poker. It marked the first time since the feud exploded that their children all spent meaningful time together.
“We were all a little nervous,” she admitted.
Melissa said the adults had already taken steps to address their issues privately, so Christmas Eve was focused on letting the kids reconnect. What mattered most to her was seeing Joe happy rebuilding a relationship with his only sibling.
Looking ahead, Melissa doesn’t see this as another temporary truce. She believes the reconciliation carries real weight.
“I think it needs to last, and if it doesn’t, shame on us. Shame on all of us.”
She added that this may be their final chance to get it right.
“I don’t think there’s any other tries after this,” she said, though she emphasized she believes it will stick.
Melissa also pushed back on speculation that the peace is being staged for television. Critics have questioned whether the reunion is tied to RHONJ’s uncertain future, but she insists faking it would never be worth the emotional cost.
“It would not be worth it to fake it for the show.”
She explained that pretending to enjoy time with someone you resent isn’t sustainable.
“It’s not a fun time” to be around someone you dislike, she said, adding they would “literally just pass on the show” before forcing themselves into toxic dynamics.
Moving forward, Melissa says she plans to take accountability for her role in past conflicts. If tensions rise again, she wants to step back and remember that some disagreements “aren’t a big deal” and don’t need to spiral.
As for her future on Real Housewives of New Jersey, Melissa didn’t confirm anything — but she made it clear she’s open to returning.
She said she would come back “if she was asked.”