We need to get to the bottom of this! Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga may be a killer business woman now with her own clothing store and HSN jewelry line, but she had a few failed careers before finding her niche. Some, like singing, she's very open about. Others… not so much. So, was Melissa a stripper before marrying hubby Joe Gorga and joining the Bravo family? Here’s what we know.
Melissa Gorga's Educational Background
Melissa went to New Jersey City University and earned a degree in teaching. While attending school, she also worked at Tropical Tanning as a tanning consultant starting in 2001, when she was about 21 years old. Unfortunately, she never got to use her teaching degree because she married Joe just three years later, and he wanted her to stay at home to raise their family. This raises questions about whether Melissa would have pursued a career in education if she had intended to get involved in the entertainment industry.
Despite her educational background, rumors about her past have circulated, particularly regarding her time before joining the Real Housewives. The transition from aspiring teacher to reality TV star has led many to speculate about her previous jobs, including whether she worked as a stripper.
Rumors of Stripping Surface
Melissa joined the cast of Real Housewives of New Jersey in 2011. In the season finale of her first season, she found herself accused of having been a stripper in her younger years. A man named Angelo Vrohidis claimed to know her from the past and alleged that she worked at a gentlemen's club in Elizabeth, New Jersey. When pressed for details, he stated, "Well, she danced for me." This accusation sent shockwaves through the audience and even prompted Melissa to run away from the interaction, refusing to be on camera with him.
Despite the allegations, Melissa has maintained that she did not work as a stripper. Instead, she admitted to working at Looker’s strip club but clarified that she was a bartender, not a dancer. Her representatives have confirmed this, stating that she wore a tank top and shorts while working behind the bar rather than performing on stage.
Defending Her Reputation
Melissa's representatives have been vocal in defending her against the stripping allegations. They reiterated that she worked at the club for just one day a week for nearly a year, which is a far cry from being a regular performer. Additionally, her husband, Joe Gorga, visited her at the bar, and they have an affidavit from the club's owner, Chris Kontos, attesting to her role as a bartender. This testimony supports her claim that she was never a dancer.
On the other hand, Angelo Vrohidis has stood by his comments, insisting that Melissa was indeed a dancer and questioning why she continues to deny it. He argued that many dancers have gone on to achieve great things in life, suggesting that there should be no shame in her past if the allegations were true. Melissa has dismissed his claims, calling them "100% NOT TRUE" and even expressing sympathy, stating that she heard he has a drug problem.
Support from the Club Owner
The owner of the Breathless gentlemen's club in New Jersey has also come to Melissa's defense, stating that she never danced there but worked as a bartender. He emphasized that New Jersey law prohibits topless or nude girls in establishments that serve alcohol, further solidifying the argument that if Melissa was a bartender, she could not have been a dancer.
At the end of the day, the 38-year-old is an accomplished entrepreneur, a loving wife, and a dedicated mother of three. Regardless of the rumors, Melissa Gorga continues to build her brand and pursue her passions in the business world.
Key Takeaways
What You Will Learn
- Melissa Gorga has a college degree in teaching but has pursued a career in business and entertainment.
- Rumors about her past as a stripper emerged during her time on Real Housewives of New Jersey.
- Melissa has denied the allegations, stating she worked as a bartender at a gentlemen's club.
- Support from her husband and club owner adds credibility to her claims of innocence regarding the stripper rumors.