John Stamos Defends Lori Loughlin, Slams Mossimo
John Stamos at the World of Color Premiere, Disney California Adventure, June 2010. Photo courtesy of hyku under CC BY-SA 2.0.
John Stamos did not hold back in a recent, candid appearance on the "Good Guys" podcast, where he fiercely defended his longtime friend and former "Full House" co-star Lori Loughlin. The actor, 62, reportedly accused Loughlin's estranged husband, Mossimo Giannulli, of being the mastermind behind the infamous 2019 college admissions scandal. Stamos described Giannulli as a "terrible narcissist" and made it clear he will no longer have any contact with him, positioning Loughlin as the emotional victim caught in the scandal's devastating fallout.
A Friendship Tested by Scandal and Separation
John Stamos and Lori Loughlin share a friendship that spans over four decades, dating back to their days on the beloved TV show "Full House." Stamos's defense of Loughlin is deeply personal. He painted a picture of a woman who has lived a good life, a devoted mother and wife, now shattered by the public and private turmoil unleashed by her husband's actions. The couple's separation after nearly 28 years of marriage has only added to the heartbreak, with Stamos describing Loughlin as "devastated" by the split and the scandal that preceded it, as reported by the New York Post.
Stamos revealed that he has been a steadfast support for Loughlin throughout the ordeal, including during the legal battles stemming from the college admissions bribery case. He emphasized that he knows Loughlin did not mastermind the scheme, but rather was "dragged" through the scandal by Giannulli's decisions, as reported by the New York Post. According to Stamos, the scandal and its consequences were largely the result of Giannulli's actions, which left Loughlin to pick up the pieces and try to hold their family together,
The College Admissions Scandal: A Public and Private Nightmare
The 2019 college admissions scandal rocked Hollywood and the nation, exposing a scheme where wealthy parents paid large sums to secure their children's admission to elite universities under false pretenses. Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli were accused of paying $500,000 to get their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, admitted to the University of Southern California as fake rowing recruits, despite neither daughter participating in the sport.
Both Loughlin and Giannulli initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted guilt to charges of wire and mail fraud, as reported by the New York Post. Loughlin served two months in federal prison, completing her sentence in late 2020, while Giannulli served five months, finishing in early 2021. The couple also faced supervised release, community service, and hefty fines. The scandal severely damaged their public images and strained their marriage, culminating in their recent separation.
Stamos's Harsh Judgment of Giannulli
John Stamos did not mince words when discussing Mossimo Giannulli. He called him a "terrible narcissist" and expressed disbelief at how someone could cause such destruction to a family and a woman he described as an "angel," as reported by PEOPLE. Stamos admitted that he has witnessed firsthand the toll Giannulli's behavior has taken on Loughlin over the years, suggesting that she endured a great deal in the relationship.
Stamos also revealed that he has cut off all communication with Giannulli, underscoring the depth of his disapproval. Despite knowing only part of the story, Stamos questioned how Giannulli could "bust" up what he had with Loughlin, implying that the fashion designer's actions were self-destructive and harmful to those around him, as reported by PEOPLE. He even expressed hope that Giannulli would seek help for whatever personal issues he is struggling with, describing it as a "hole" he is trying to fill.
Lori Loughlin's Emotional Journey
For Lori Loughlin, the scandal and subsequent separation have been a crushing emotional journey. Stamos described her as heartbroken, emphasizing that she has been unfairly dragged through the mud. He highlighted her resilience, noting that she has always tried to keep things together and maintain a positive front despite the chaos. He reflected on a conversation with Loughlin about her experience in prison saying, "And in typical Lori fashion, I said, 'How was it?' She goes, 'You know, I met a lot of nice ladies in there. We have a book club,'" as reported by the New York Post.
Loughlin's experience is a stark reminder of how public scandals can deeply affect the personal lives of those involved, especially when family and reputation are on the line. Stamos's portrayal of Loughlin as a victim of circumstance and a woman who "put up with a lot" over the years, as reported by the New York Post, adds a layer of sympathy to her story, contrasting sharply with his harsh critique of Giannulli.
The Fallout and Future
The couple's split was confirmed earlier this month, with representatives stating that they are living apart and taking a break from their marriage, though they confirmed at that time that there were "no legal proceedings underway," as reported by Page Six. Reports suggest that Loughlin discovered "incriminating" texts and emails on Giannulli's phone, which contributed to the breakdown of trust and the decision to separate.
Their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, remain caught in the middle, with sources indicating that they "both love their parents and just want them to be happy," as reported by Page Six. The family's future remains uncertain, but Stamos's public support for Loughlin signals that she is not alone as she navigates this difficult chapter.
A Friend's Final Word
John Stamos's heartfelt and unfiltered comments offer a rare glimpse into the private struggles behind the headlines. His unwavering loyalty to Lori Loughlin and his scathing condemnation of Mossimo Giannulli paint a vivid picture of a woman battered by scandal and betrayal but still standing strong.
As the saga continues to unfold, Stamos's words remind us that behind every tabloid headline is a human story filled with pain, resilience, and the hope for redemption. For Lori Loughlin, the road ahead may be uncertain, but she has a steadfast ally in John Stamos, who seemingly refuses to let her face the storm alone.
References: John Stamos Slams Lori Loughlin's 'Narcissist' Ex Mossimo Giannulli | John Stamos blasts Lori Loughlin's ex Mossimo Giannulli after divorce filing | John Stamos slams Lori Loughlin's husband Mossimo Giannulli, blames him for college scandal
