Lori Loughlin, Mossimo Giannulli Separate After 28 Years
Lori Loughlin, 2022. Photo courtesy of Cemsblgn under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli's nearly three-decade marriage has hit a major pause. After 28 years together, the couple is reportedly living apart and taking a break from their relationship. While no legal divorce proceedings are underway, this separation marks a dramatic shift for two people who once seemed inseparable. The timing and context of this split have sparked intense speculation about what might have pushed them to this point — and what it means for their future.
The shadow of the 2019 college admissions scandal still looms large over their story. Both Loughlin and Giannulli pleaded guilty to charges related to paying $500,000 to secure their daughters' spots at the University of Southern California under false pretenses. The fallout included prison sentences — two months for Loughlin and five months for Giannulli — and a public reckoning that has undoubtedly tested their marriage in ways few couples face. Could this scandal have been the breaking point? Or is this separation a chance for reinvention after years of turmoil?
Too Little, Too Late?
The couple's split was confirmed by Loughlin's representative, who stated they are living apart and taking a break from their marriage, with no legal proceedings currently in motion, as reported by PEOPLE. This announcement comes after the pair listed their sprawling Hidden Hills mansion for $16.5 million earlier this year, a property they purchased for $9.5 million amid the scandal's fallout.
The timing raises questions. The couple weathered the storm of the college admissions scandal together, serving their sentences and slowly rebuilding their lives. But the strain of public scrutiny, legal battles, and personal consequences may have left cracks too deep to mend. The scandal, dubbed "Operation Varsity Blues," involved 33 parents accused of paying millions to secure college admissions for their children through fraudulent means, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
The One Thing They Didn't See Coming
For years, Lori Loughlin was best known as the beloved Aunt Becky from "Full House," a wholesome figure in American pop culture. Mossimo Giannulli, a fashion designer, seemed the perfect match. Together, they raised two daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, who both became public figures in their own right. But the scandal shattered that image, exposing a darker side to their family's pursuit of success.
The couple's guilty pleas and prison sentences were a public spectacle. Loughlin served two months, while Giannulli received five months behind bars. The scandal not only damaged their reputations but also put immense pressure on their marriage. Prosecutors argued Loughlin was "fully complicit" in the scheme, as reported by The Daily Beast, a harsh judgment that likely weighed heavily on their relationship.
Why This Could Blow Up Fast
The emotional toll of the scandal and its aftermath cannot be overstated. Loughlin has spoken about resilience and forgiveness in recent interviews, emphasizing the need to move forward despite hardship. She referenced the 1997 Chumbawamba song "Tubthumping," saying, "I get knocked down, but I get up again," as reported by Entertainment Weekly. This attitude suggests a desire to rebuild, but the separation hints at deeper fractures.
Adding fuel to the fire, Loughlin was recently spotted having dinner with her costar James Tupper, just a day before news of the split broke. According to PEOPLE, one source insisted they are just "old friends," but the timing has sparked rumors and speculation about what this new chapter might hold for Loughlin personally.
Rebuilding or Redefinition?
This break could be a moment of reflection and reinvention for both Loughlin and Giannulli. After nearly 30 years together and surviving a scandal that rocked their family to its core, they may be seeking space to redefine their identities outside the shadow of their past mistakes.
Loughlin has slowly returned to acting, taking roles on shows like "Blue Bloods" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," where she even poked fun at her scandal involvement. This professional comeback might be part of her personal healing process.
Giannulli, meanwhile, has kept a lower profile since serving his sentence. The couple's decision to sell their mansion could signal a desire to downsize and move on from the life they built before the scandal.
The Emotional Fallout
Their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose, have also been caught in the crossfire. Olivia Jade has publicly acknowledged the family's mistakes and expressed a desire to move forward without victimhood. The family's public ordeal has been a heavy burden, and this separation might offer a chance for healing, even if it comes with pain.
This story is a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect lives can unravel under pressure. It's a tale of resilience, mistakes, and the complicated journey toward forgiveness and self-reinvention. Whether Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli will find their way back to each other or continue down separate paths remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: their story is far from over.
References: Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli Separate After Nearly 28 Years of Marriage (Exclusive) | Lori Loughlin, Mossimo Giannulli split after 28 years of marriage | 'Full House' Star Lori Loughlin Splits With Husband Mossimo Giannulli After 28 Years | Lori Loughlin Spotted With Costar James Tupper Before Split News | Lori Loughlin and James Tupper Seen Out 1 Day Before News of Her Separation from Mossimo Giannulli
