KEY POINT
- Milania Giudice is currently receiving professional care as she focuses on her mental health.
- She has recently faced a New Jersey legal case while grieving the death of her close friend Victoria Zardoya.
- Her family and representative are asking for compassion and privacy as she works through the difficult period.
Maria DeSantis, Milania’s manager and longtime family friend, told PEOPLE on Sept. 25 that the 20-year-old is surrounded by family and friends as she navigates what she described as an “incredibly difficult time.”
DeSantis said the family’s immediate priority is Milania’s health, healing and well-being. She added that Milania may eventually speak openly about her experiences to help other young people facing similar struggles, but asked for privacy for now.
Milania’s current circumstances also include a legal case in New Jersey. She was arrested May 14 in connection with a domestic violence incident and entered a not guilty plea in July.
According to the supplied material, her attorney said in August that Milania would complete an anger management class. Her next virtual hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.
The situation received further attention after TMZ reported that Milania allegedly posted and later deleted an Instagram Stories video on Sept. 23 showing a confrontation involving Teresa and her older sister Gia at an airport. The circumstances behind the exchange were not clear from the brief video.
Milania has also been mourning the death of her close friend Victoria Zardoya, who died at age 20 on July 26 after sustaining fatal injuries in a fall while exploring the ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key in Florida.
Milania paid tribute to Zardoya on Instagram on Aug. 1, describing her as her “best friend” and “soulmate.” She said they had known each other since they were 4 years old and had shared plans and dreams for their future.
On Sept. 10, Milania reflected on Zardoya’s celebration of life and wrote that she continued to miss her friend every day.
Milania’s father, Joe Giudice, addressed her situation in a Sept. 24 statement to Page Six. He said she was going through a very difficult period and stressed that what people see publicly does not necessarily reflect what someone is experiencing privately.
Joe also spoke about Milania’s grief, saying she has been trying to process the loss of her friend while dealing with the pressures of growing up in the public eye.
Milania is a University of Tampa student. Her representative says the focus remains on her health and well-being while she receives professional support.
Milania’s next virtual court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29. Her representative has indicated that any decision to publicly discuss her experiences would come later, while her present priority remains her health and healing.
