'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Season 6 Salaries Revealed: Teresa Giudice Top Earner
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" season 6 cast is reportedly being paid top dollars to bring the drama and keep viewers entertained.
Veteran "housewife" Teresa Giudice and her sister-in-law Melissa Gorga are both back for a brand new season and insiders claim they are the show's top earners.
Teresa, whose legal woes are currently being played out on the hit reality TV show, is the highest earner with $700,000 per season plus a reunion show bonus.
"[She's] pulling down a whopping $700,000 for Season 6," a source told RadarOnline.com.
"Despite that huge paycheck, most of that money is going to pay for [husband] Joe and Teresa's legal fees," the insider explained. "There will also be expected fines assessed to the couple when they are finally sentenced in September, and Teresa has been told that could be up to $250,000."
Earlier this year Teresa and Joe pleaded guilty to nine counts of mail, wire, bank and bankruptcy fraud. They are scheduled to be sentenced later this year.
Melissa, who joined the show in season 3, is reportedly paid less than half of what Teresa earns. Sources claim the mom of three is taking home $250,000 plus bonuses.
Teresa's dear friend Dina Manzo, who previously left the show after season 2, is said to be the third highest earner.
"Dina Manzo is earning $100,000 for this current season, with an option to return for another run, with a salary increase," a source said.
"New cast members Nicole Napolitano, Teresa Aprea and Amber Marchese are earning $60,000 for their work. Amber has been telling friends her salary wouldn't even cover her clothing allowance for one year!" added the source.
The three newcomers replace veteran "housewives" Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita, whose contracts ended after season 5. Kathy Wakile, Teresa's Giudice cousin, appears to have been demoted to a recurring housewife role.
Amber, who was once good friends with Melissa, is a breast cancer survivor with a feisty attitude. Teresa [Aprea] and Nicole are identical twins and BravoTV.com describes them as being pot stirrers and "over-the-top."
