The college admissions scandal of 2019 has had significant ramifications for TV star Lori Loughlin and designer Mossimo Giannulli, culminating in their recent separation after 28 years of marriage. Sources indicate that the pressures from the scandal have deeply affected their once strong relationship.
Impact of the College Admissions Scandal
Loughlin, 61, and Giannulli, 62, faced arrest for their involvement in a bribery scheme aimed at securing their daughters’ admission to the University of Southern California (USC). Reports have surfaced suggesting that Giannulli believes Loughlin was the primary influence behind their decision to pay $500,000 in bribes to facilitate the fraudulent college admissions of their daughters, Isabella and Olivia Jade Giannulli.
Details of the Scheme
- The couple paid bribes to get their daughters admitted to USC.
- Their daughters were falsely portrayed as crew recruits, despite lacking any crew experience.
- The scheme involved manipulating college application information and coaching their daughters on what to say to school counselors.
Evidence revealed that they had their daughters photograph themselves on rowing machines and provided false athletic profiles in collaboration with admissions fixer William “Rick” Singer.
Consequences for Their Careers
The fallout from the scandal was severe. Loughlin’s career took a hit as she lost roles in significant projects, including the “Full House” reboot and various Hallmark Channel movies. Giannulli’s clothing line faced backlash, and both experienced damaging public scrutiny.
Legal Outcomes
- In May 2020, both Loughlin and Giannulli pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges.
- Loughlin received a two-month prison sentence, while Giannulli was sentenced to five months, indicating his greater culpability.
During the proceedings, Loughlin expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging that they contributed to societal inequalities and undermined her daughters’ accomplishments.
Strain on Their Relationship
Sources claim that the couple began to assign blame to one another, serving to further strain their marriage. Friends and long-time associates distanced themselves from the couple due to their controversial actions. The humiliation from being highlighted in the media as emblematic of privilege has reportedly had lasting effects on Giannulli, who valued his family’s reputation.
Future Implications
Despite the critical issues surrounding their relationship, there are indications that Giannulli may move on quickly after the split. Meanwhile, their daughters, now ages 27 and 26, are reportedly feeling the emotional weight of their parents’ situation, despite understanding they are not to blame for the scandal.
As the college admissions scandal continues to unfold in the public eye, the impact on personal lives remains profound, underscoring the complex interplay between reputation, privilege, and legal repercussions in today’s society.
