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'Real Housewives' Melissa Gorga, Andy Cohen Sued for $30 Million Over Making Woman Look Like a Thief

Home / The Law / 'Real Housewives' Melissa Gorga, Andy Cohen Sued for $30 Million Over Making Woman Look Like a Thief

By TheBlast Staff on December 6, 2017 at 8:43 PM EST

A woman who was featured on "Real Housewives of New Jersey" claims Andy Cohen and Melissa Gorga defamed her by making it appear she was a thief on television, and now she wants the Bravo stars to pony up $30 million.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Jackie Beard Robsinson sued NBC Universal, Cohen and Gorga for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Robinson owned a clothing store in Florida and met Gorga after the reality star came into the store to shop. The two eventually went into business together, and opened a clothing store in New Jersey, called "Envy by Melissa Gorga."

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The business deal went south in late 2016 after Robinson claimed Gorga "misappropriated" over $37,000 from the company. The partnership ultimately ended, and Robinson soon after went to the store to collect her belongings.

When "Real Housewives" aired, the business was a plot line, and Gorga made it appear that Robinson actually "snuck into Envy in the middle of the night and stole clothing."

Robinson says in reality, she showed up during the daylight and the items she took out of the store were her own property.

The theft claims were then repeated during an airing of Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live." Cohen even said, "Wow, so, that lady wound up kinda ripping you off?" Gorga replied, "Yes."

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Robinson says the incident depicted in the show made her look like a felon and has negatively impacted her business and personal life.

She wants $30 million in damages from everyone involved.

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