Where's the Beef? Margaret Josephs and Jennifer Fessler's 'RHONJ' Feud, Explained
Margaret Josephs's disdain toward Teresa Giudice only grew following the actions of Luis Ruelas.
Jun. 4 2024, Published 11:22 a.m. ET
Season 14 of RHONJ has many viewers feeling disenchanted with their once-favorite franchise. It has continued to be Teresa Giudice versus everyone, although now those lines are beginning to blur as some attempt to heal the wounds from the prior season. Margaret Josephs's disdain toward Teresa only grew following the actions of Luis Ruelas, who allegedly had a private investigator look into everyone's background. Everyone was angry with it, but it was the final straw for Margaret.
The Season 13 reunion was an explosive one courtesy of Teresa and Luis. Luis openly admitted to bringing security with them to the reunion as they had allegedly received threats toward their safety. Nothing was really resolved from the ongoing battle between Teresa and Melissa Gorga, leading the beginning of the season to feel more like a repeat of the same old stuff. One thing that has occurred is a rift between Margaret and Jennifer Fessler. So, why are Margaret and Jenn feuding?
Margaret Josephs and Jennifer Fessler's feud on 'RHONJ,' explained.
At the nucleus of everything, as always, is Teresa. Margaret ended any semblance of a friendship they may have had after her son, who refused to be on the show, got a threatening call at work. Margaret was clear that she did not want any of her close friends engaging with them anymore, and an unspoken agreement was made. So, when Margaret heard that Jenn and Rachel Fuda met up with Teresa she was naturally upset with them. However, Jenn says she never made such a promise to Margaret.
Jennifer Fessler explains where things went wrong with Margaret Josephs.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jennifer explained what happened in detail. Both Rachel and Margaret say that Jenn promised not to meet with Teresa or Luis ever again in the future. Jenn, however, said that was not the case, saying, "Maybe you saw me saying to Margaret, you know, 'I told you that if you don't want to be around these people again, neither will I.'" What Jenn meant by the comment was that she wouldn't do the show again if Margaret didn't.
Jennifer Fessler never officially promised Margaret she would not to speak to Teresa or Luis.
During the interview, Jenn elaborated further on the misunderstanding. She said, "Margaret, as you know, went back and did the show again, so here I am," adding, "I didn't say I would never be around Luis, or talk to Luis and Teresa again." So when the time came, Jenn had no problem meeting with Teresa to clarify things about the Fudas. She doesn't regret her actions but also said that she learned a lesson from the experience.
Where do things stand with Margaret and Jenn now?
During an interview with PageSix, Margaret and Jenn shared an update on the status of their friendship. Margaret said, “While I was obviously disappointed, I’ve known Jenn Fessler a long time, and she has made it very clear to me how she really feels."
Jenn echoed Margaret's statement, saying, “Marge and I are Mary and Rhoda.” The reference she made is to the pair of best friends on the TV sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
It seems that despite the ferocity of their feud, the pair have settling things off-camera.
