Teresa Giudice has spoken publicly about her daughter Milania’s mental health crisis, saying the 20-year-old has suffered “significant psychological trauma” and asking the public to give her space to recover.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, Giudice said the wellbeing of her children was her foremost concern. She described the past few months as “incredibly difficult” for the family.
Giudice said Milania had experienced “tremendous heartbreak and significant psychological trauma” after losing two of her best friends. She added that the family was ensuring her daughter was surrounded by “love, family, support, and the care she needs”.
She appealed for compassion and kindness while Milania heals privately, adding: “Milania is my daughter before she is anything else.”
The statement follows the release of police body-camera footage from a tense incident at Tampa International Airport last week. In the footage, Milania appears to film her mother and her sister, Gia Giudice, while Teresa tells her: “I want to save your life.” Gia is also heard telling Milania that she wants to help her.
Teresa tells officers that Milania had fentanyl in her system during a recent incident. Milania responds that she was “laced”, although it remains unclear what substance she allegedly took or when the incident occurred.
In another section of the footage, officers tell Gia that the family said Milania had recently been released from a facility after a Baker Act evaluation. They also say the family had hired a counsellor to support her.
Police had reportedly been told that Milania was experiencing “suicidal thoughts/mental breakdown” and had recently been released from St Anthony’s Hospital.
