In a jaw-dropping twist in the ongoing legal drama between Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice’s husband, Luis Ruelas, and his former fiancée, Vanessa Reiser, an unexpected ally has emerged to tip the scales. Jackie Goldschneider, once Teresa’s on-screen rival, has delivered a stunning written declaration that could unravel Reiser’s defense in a contentious lawsuit over a 2020 agreement.
The legal battle centers on a mutual non-disparagement agreement signed by Ruelas and Reiser, which barred both parties from publicly or privately badmouthing each other. However, Ruelas claims Reiser violated this deal, prompting him to file a motion for contempt. Enter Jackie Goldschneider, whose explosive affidavit has added fuel to the fire, accusing Reiser of repeatedly slandering Ruelas behind his back.
In her affidavit, obtained by Us Weekly, Jackie, 48, detailed how Reiser reached out to her and fellow RHONJ castmate Margaret Josephs, 58, shortly after Ruelas began dating Teresa in 2020. “Prior to meeting [Vanessa], I became aware that Ruelas and Reiser had a romantic relationship that ended abruptly,” Jackie wrote. “Following the conclusion of their relationship, [Ruelas] began dating my cast member, Teresa Giudice, which eventually led to their marriage.”
Jackie’s testimony paints a damning picture of Reiser’s behavior. According to the affidavit, Reiser initiated multiple conversations via text and phone, introducing herself as Ruelas’ ex-fiancée and launching into a barrage of derogatory remarks about him. “She often made negative statements about [Luis] to me during our interactions,” Jackie revealed. “Although I was initially sympathetic to [Vanessa’s] situation, she exploited my vulnerability and kindness and sought to leverage our interactions to criticize [Luis].”
The plot thickens with Jackie’s claim that, after a falling out with Teresa on RHONJ, she welcomed Reiser into her home. It was there, Jackie alleges, that Reiser doubled down on her smear campaign, portraying herself as a victim while branding Ruelas a “narcissist” and sharing stories that cast him in a negative light. “Her actions and statements are in direct violation of the terms of the consent order between her and [Luis],” Jackie asserted. “Her conduct, as it pertained to me, had been consistent and aimed at disparaging [Luis].”
An insider close to Jackie told Us Weekly that the former attorney was eager to support Ruelas in this legal matter, a surprising move given her rocky history with Teresa. The affidavit marks a pivotal moment in the case, potentially undermining Reiser’s position as she faces allegations of breaching the 2020 agreement.
Reiser, however, isn’t backing down. In a fiery response, she denied violating the deal and took aim at Jackie’s credibility. “Jackie hated [Luis] and his wife because his wife wrongfully and viciously accused Jackie’s husband of having an affair,” Reiser fired back. “But now, when Jackie needs a friend to keep her on the show, she has buddied up with Teresa.” Reiser’s retort suggests that Jackie’s motives may be tied to securing her spot on RHONJ, adding another layer of intrigue to this reality TV-fueled legal saga.