Milania Giudice's Airport Incident: Teresa Reveals Daughter Suffered 'Significant Psychological Trauma'

TV personality and author Teresa Giudice has broken her silence following daughter Milania Giudice's troubling airport incident, revealing that the 20-year-old has suffered 'significant psychological trauma' after losing two of her best friends.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star addressed her daughter's well-being in a statement shared on Instagram on Monday, 28 September, days after Milania was involved in a tense incident with her mother and sister Gia Giudice at Tampa International Airport.

Teresa described the past few months as 'incredibly difficult' for her family and urged the public to give Milania privacy while she navigates what she called an 'extremely vulnerable time' in her life.

Milania's 'Significant Psychological Trauma'

In her statement, Teresa said her daughter had endured profound grief following the deaths of two close friends.

'Milania has experienced tremendous heartbreak and significant psychological trauma after losing two of her best friends,' Teresa said.

She added that grief affects people differently and said watching a child process such losses is something 'no parent can ever truly prepare for.'

Teresa said her immediate priority was ensuring Milania remained surrounded by family, support and appropriate care. While acknowledging that the Giudice family has spent years in the public eye, the 54-year-old said her daughter deserved the opportunity to heal without having every difficult moment scrutinised.

'I am asking, from one mother to another, and from one family to all of you, to please show Milania compassion and kindness and allow her the privacy she needs right now,' Teresa said.

What Happened During Airport Incident?

Teresa's statement followed an incident at Tampa International Airport on Wednesday, 23 September, which attracted attention after Milania shared and later deleted footage of an exchange with her mother and sister.

In the video, Milania repeatedly asked, 'This is what we do now?' as Teresa told her, 'I love you.' Gia was heard saying, 'Let her do what she wants to do.'

Police had been called to assist after Milania became separated from her family and a counsellor while travelling through the airport. She was later located and escorted to her gate. No arrest or medical transport resulted from the airport incident.

Bodycam footage subsequently released from the encounter showed Teresa expressing concern for her daughter's well-being.

Milania Giudice Grieving Friend's Death

The airport incident came during a difficult period for Milania following the death of close friend Victoria Zardoya.

Zardoya, 20, suffered fatal injuries after falling while exploring historic ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key, Florida, on 24 July. She died two days later. The medical examiner determined her cause of death was craniocerebral trauma and ruled the death an accident.

Milania later paid tribute to her friend on Instagram, writing that there were 'no words in any language' that could describe the loss. She added that the pair had 'too many plans, too many dreams, and too much life left to live together.'

Teresa's latest statement referred to Milania losing two best friends, although she did not publicly identify both in the message.

Milania Giudice's Family Asks for Privacy

Milania's manager and longtime family friend Maria DeSantis previously said the 20-year-old was surrounded by loved ones and receiving professional care as she focused on her health and recovery.

Her father, Joe Giudice, has also urged people not to judge his daughter solely by moments seen publicly. Joe said Milania was going through a 'very difficult period' and had been attempting to process the loss of her friend while dealing with the pressures of growing up in the public eye.

Teresa similarly ended her statement by asking the media and public to give Milania and the family 'privacy and space' as they navigate the situation together.