Bravo's Andy Cohen talks New Jersey 'Housewives' reunion

As we told you last week, "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" were poised for an epic reunion special on Monday night -- and deliver they did, with cast members Caroline Manzo, Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita reuniting with Danielle Staub for the first time in more than a year.

Bravo Vice President and host Andy Cohen, who served as referee for the Garden State gals, caught up with the Ministry on Tuesday to talk screaming matches, uncomfortable questions and his own battle scars from the evening.

"I didn't know what was going to happen, and that's very nerve wracking...," Cohen admitted. "The questions are so personal and intense, I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row."

Indeed, Cohen had to touch on topics including bankruptcy, drug use, fertility issues, learning disabilities and sex tapes. Mind you, Monday's reunion was Part 1 of two.

"I really give it up to the women. I have a lot of compassion," he said. If only the housewives shared that sentiment for each other.

Within minutes of reflection on their season, Giudice was already off the set couch and shouting into Staub's face -- a familiar sight for fans of the show. The controversial Staub is no stranger to hiring security teams for any interaction with her counterparts.

How on Earth did they get the aspiring singer to the reunion without the Secret Service?

"We assured her she was going to be OK, and I think she was. I wouldn't have resumed filming if I wasn't confident that Teresa wasn't going to get back on the couch."

While Staub remained safe, Cohen himself got body-checked when ...

... trying to restrain Teresa.

"They're calling me Raggedy Andy," he said of the confrontation. "I was really shocked, but what am I going to do? She apologized."

Staub was unapologetic when it came to discussing the aforementioned sex tapes, as several exist of the star with various conquests. We had to ask, did Cohen go the extra mile and screen the tape as prep?

"I didn't watch it," he said. "I didn't want to see it."

A more pleasant sight for Cohen was the big Emmy win on Sunday night for "Top Chef," the reality cooking competition that Cohen shepherded to air.

"I'm busting, I'm so excited. ... I feel like it's always been this little engine that could, and it goes on to beat not only 'Amazing Race' but 'Survivor' and 'Idol,' who has never won," he said.

While the New Jersey Housewives can only dream of Emmy gold, you can catch Part 2 of the reunion Monday at 9 p.m. on Bravo -- where Cohen promises a "jaw-dropping" moment that's not been revealed in promos.

And for you diehards: Casting discussions for next season will go down after Part 2 airs. Though Staub is widely reported to be exiting the show, don't count her out just yet.

"I want to wait for this season to settle, then we'll start talking about things," Cohen said.

-- Matt Donnelly

Twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Danielle Staub of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Credit: Bravo TV

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Comments

[Cindy]

Why didn't anyone ask why Danielle brought so many people to the charity event without telling anyone in advance so that the proper seating could have been arranged?! That question was NEVER asked on air.

[Denise]

What did Danielle mean by Teresa acknowledging her "nephew". Teresa and Jaq are not blood related. That sure made Teresa blow her top, She acted like Danielle was going to say something.

[shawna henefeld]

Here's the thing...without the benefit of the second part of reunion...thus far, based on episodes and the first part of reunion: My heart, despite some pangs of mistrust, go out to Danielle Staub. She's on receiving end of systematic bullying (they can say whatever negative thing they want to,or about her - but the INSTANT she says ONE thing, they all jump on her about how horrible SHE is. It's the definition of hypocritical taken to extreme measures. And Andy - hello dear...think u might point that out? Your balls seem a little...lacking, when it comes to calling them out!) I think that ya'll have really jumped on the 'hate danielle' bandwagon - and yes, she makes it easy sometimes. But so do we all - along with the other women. For instance, Danielle does involve her kids in too many adult issues. But she IS on her OWN. The other women all have family and a support system. I think Danielle is very vulnerable in a lot of ways - lack of support system, family, and she finds it difficult to stand up to people in the moment. So she compensates in sometimes hard to understand ways...like, the lawsuits, security detail, etc. But I do NOT think she is the evil person they're making her out to be. I DO think that she is flawed and human, like everyone,and certainly like the REST of the cast. Interesting point to note - the thing that we really seem to HATE the most in people close to us, is usually what we LEAST like in ourselves... and so we become very vocal in our attacks - also trying to exorcise it from ourselves. I promise this is true. I feel bad for Danielle also that she's being made fun of for her sexual choices. I particularly have a hard time with Jacqueline - she's like nails on a chalkboard - fake, fake, fake. Her eye rolls (how old are we? Oh, and that provides great insight into why your daughter is SO immature and bratty and annoying - she gets it from YOU) are epic - especially when it came to Danielle's sexual proclamation of lesbianism. Jacq's reaction was the most dramatic...why is that? (the hint for next episode is that Jacq and Dani had relationship) I'd like to know why Andy focused so much on provoking the groups feeding frenzy...it's tacky. How about jacqueline's daughter...? And HER questionable parenting?? That's the biggest one that was absent! And Teresa's spoiling(kids) and spending was downplayed bigtime - relative to everything else. Caroline, can't make up my mind about her. She lied about not saying anything about Danielle's stripping (she ripped her apart for it and judged her from the start) - that was ridiculous, and Andy didn't call her out on it!!! OMG. And, she kept saying Dani didn't answer her question and she always avoids the question and how telling that is, blah blah. Meanwhile, if she'd shut up long enough, she'd have HEARD Dani answer the question that her kids heard about what Caroline had said from their friends at school. And lastly, the ladies take NO responsibility in their own part of all the crap getting back to the kids at their school. They are ALL guilty of poor judgement on that one! Come on Andy....

[lorenamontano]

THEY ALL ACT STUPID LIKE HIGHSCHOOL GIRLS WHATS UP WITH TERESA SHE NEEDS ANGER MANGEMENT BIG TIME

[arlene]

I was not a fan of Danielle but after the way they treated her I can't respect the rest of the cast either. Teresa and Caroline are the ring leaders. The funny thing is they actually believe in their sick heads it's ok to talk and treat people that way. I do believe that Teresa husband has a mistress and a secret baby.

[kathleencrotty]

If that horrible Danielle returns I will not watch Housewives NJ ever again. Bravo do the right thing and put the trash out.

[Latoya G.]

Caroline. Jacquline and especially...Teresa has no class. You all sit in judgment about Danielle...yet you do what you all accuse her for. She may not be a perfect person but you all sit on that same boat with her. Why don't you guys try staying out of her life. Caroline...guess what...wrong is wrong and so are all of you. You giveth...why can't she giveth back???

[virginia]

Saw the 1st reunion and was appalled with the way you ANDY allowed everyone to lash out at Danielle. She was the only person in that room that kept her cool and why you did nothing when that MANIAC TERESA was all over Danielle's face like that is beyond me. Grow some Andy, Please!!!!. As far as for Jacklyn and Caroline, they seem to wait until the perfect moment to all jump in and attack Danielle, mind you, I do not believe Danielle is innocent of many things, but please women, behave like women, not like angry dogs just waiting your turn to attack another woman.
Teresa in my book is the trouble maker, she is the one that confronts Danielle any time she can.
Jacklyn used to be nice and was independent with her friendships but Caroline got to her and made her just like her and Teresa.

On the 2nd reunion, please Andy, point it out to the posse that the viewers would like to watch a REUNION not a catfight between 3 women against 1. TOTALLY NOT FAIR!!!!

[Ryan]

The more I see of these women, them more I side with Danielle. The other women gang up on her like junior high school girls.
Caroline's comment insulting Danielle's daughter's was a low blow. Danielle's daughters are clearly good kids who love their mom.
Teresa has once again, showed what white trash she really is. I think Teresa belongs as a regular on Jerry Springer.
Jacqueline, who I used to think had the most class, has sunk to the level of the other 'junior high school girls'.
Keep your head held high Danielle and don't lower yourself to these nasty 'junior high school girl's' level.

[Dee Dee]

The whole show was like watching a car crash in slow motion. Andy allowed Danielle not only to get thrown under the bus, but he allowed them to back over her time and time again. She appreared so damaged and frail. Why dont they try and be a part of the solution not the problem. Just leave her alone, they cant fix her so why try and beat her up such bullies

[Casey Downs]

I just finished watching the first of two episodes of the reunion. Either you all were asked to act foolish, childish, and ridiculous, or is your true nature coming out. Three woman, no matter what their issues are with someone, do not, and I repeat, DO NOT act like animals on television. There was a time that I saw some intelligence in the beginning, but, it now is becoming a free for all against a single woman and her kids. Of course if you are getting more money to do this, then, go for it, but, I won't be watching. I, actually was in the beginning, watching women not from Idaho, (I live there) what they were like and how they lived. Now I see they are not worth watching and should truly be ashamed of themselves for following the mighty dollar at any cost. IF you would spend all that energy on good things and fun things, and be the fun show like Bethany, who we love, then it might be a different story. Grow up girls, its, no fun to watch cat fights that have no purpose but ghetto ratings.

[Lee]

I find it quite disturbing how they gang up on Danielle and call her a pig and trash and other choice words but the language that comes out of their mouths (especially Teresa's) is just appalling. Talk about pigs! Teresa's parents must be so proud of their daughter. Fine clothes and a big beautiful (foreclosed) house doesn't buy class. And Teresa is a perfect example of this! Furthermore, you can't tell me Teresa acts likes this and talks like this only when she is around Danielle.(according to Caroline and Teresa) What a crock! This lady (and I use the term loosely) has some MAJOR anger and psych issues which need to be addressed asap. Can you imagine what she is like behind closed doors if this is how she is in public. So pathetic!

[WHIT]

I WATCH THE SHOW EVER WEEK I NEVER MISS IT I LOVE ALL THE GIRLS EXCEPT DANIELLE SHE ALWAYS PUTS ON ABOUT THINGS SHE TALKS ABOUT EVERONE AS DO THE OTHER GIRLS BUT THATS IS WOMEN FOR YA ... I THINK THAT SHE JUST WANTS EVERONE TO FEEL SORRY FOR HER IN SOME WAYS I DO BUT REALLY SHE JUST BROUGHT IT ALL ON HERSELF THE OTHER GIRLS TRYED TO BE NICE TO HER AND SHE BURNED THEM , THEN SHE ACTS LIKE SHE DIDNT DO NOTHEN LIKE SHES CLUELESS ALL THE TIME, AND WHEN THEY SHOWED THE PART WERE SHE WAS ON THE POLE THAT REALLY SHOWED HER TRUE COLORS ... AS CAROLIN HAS SAID TIME AND TIME AGAIN GARBAGE............. IT REALLY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OUT

[mona]

I agree with most of the comments on here. Theresa and jacqueline were constantly attacking danielle. Caroline did too but I was mainly appalled at theresa's behavior. However think about it....Theresa knows what makes good tv...she needs to keep her position on Housewives, she needs the $$$. So she took her cue and played to the cameras. Immediately, she brings up embarrassing sex details about danielle for no reeason. True, Danielle has issues but no one deserves to be bullied like that on National TV. Jacqueline, what a disappointment! I used to think she was so sweet! uh, no. Now I see where Ashley gets its from. She has no brain of her own, she is still fighting for her own acceptance from the Manzos, she can't even come up with an original thought, calling Danielle "garbage" just because caroline does. pathetic...

[Barbara Lauria]

Good show--Caroline is still an idiot -she talks about Danielles kids--just shows she has no class & was always looking for gossip about Danielle on each show. Jacqueline with that shrill voice is a boring idiot--Whats the story with her & Chris. Caroline only puts up with her cause shes married to her brother Chris. Was he married to someone else when he started running with Jacqueline. Is teresa mad cause Joe had an affair & thats where the nephew comes in.?? Teresa dosen't want anyone to know her business but goes on a reality show// get real. & Idiot Jacqueline sounded like a dunce in 8th grade with her remarks. She never had anything intelligent to say anyhow. Actually none of them did. Is it true that Caroline's husband don't want her meddling in his brownstone & would prefer if her brother Chris & his idiot wife & idiot Assley stayed out of the restaurant??

[Cherry]

Has anyone here really watched the show? Have you not seen Danielle rant mafia raves time and again and talk threats and trash about the others behind the scenes? She is damaged, yes, but also imbalanced. And proud of her links with felons, it seems.
As to the reunion--let's face it, these NJ gals are not quiet types. Ever lived in NJ? They are very straight forward, open people with a great sense of family and honor. I love their openness and if Teresa is white trash just because she has an Italian temper, then lots of other hot-blooded latins are, too.
Danielle kept her cool on the reunion because she has been legally advised to do so. But her facial expressions and cockiness said volumes.
(When she was first introduced to the ladies she cooed over Jacqueline and Dina to a point of nausea. She clearly had ulterior motives. To be accepted? Maybe. But her methods have proven questionable all through the show.) Did she really think people would not wonder who she is and what her background was?
Danielle has found the notoriety she wanted and the exposure for her children's futures. Dump the troublemaker and let the others go on in peace and happiness.

[Bianca]

Teresa is a oompa loompa pitbull! Her huffing and puffing, screaming... You can take the trash out of the trailer but you can't take the trailer out of the trailer trash! It just goes to show u no matter how much $ u have... you can't buy class. Bravo needs to boot her oompa loompa ass! Teresa is a disgusting piece of garbage. Furthermore I believe she spent all her $ on fake boobs and house she can't afford and filed for bankruptcy...while the rest of America is in a recession...like I said Garbage! She needs to be taken out with the garbage! Poor sweet Andy for the first time in the shows history gets pushed by the trailer trash. =(

[Holly]

Even after watching the "feeding frenzy", I still cant help but LOATH Danielle. Perhaps if she would, as Caroline said, "own up to what shes done", the ladies woulndt be as provoked to respond in such harsh ways. This crazy lunatic has harassed and provoked each and every member of that family, KIDS INCLUDED!!! That is the lowest of lows when you begin slandering someones children. She then sits there on that couch and says, No I didnt, how dare you, and what I meant was...HELLO!!! Does no one else see this. Danielle has been calling trouble to her but she wasnt thinking about having to sit in a room with 3 very angry, and fed up women. I say, more power to Jaq, Teresa and Momma C!

[danah]

Andy – BIG Time Whimp!
Teresa – PHYSCHO!!
Jacqueline – No Spine – Just follows along to get along.
Caroline – You’re so perfect and so right about everything?
Danielle – Why do you even bother with this?

[Gabriella]

Just watched the reunion show. What is wrong with Andy? Why can't he control the show? He can be sharp with Danielle telling her to get back in studio to be abused, tormented, and trashed to the brink of her being physically attacked. Yet speaks sweetly to Teresa telling her to calm down? How is this man being impartial? From what I observed Danielle was the only housewife that was composed and calm. The other three were screeching, screaming, and yelling at one target. Danielle. The whole scene made me feel empathetic toward Danielle and disgusted that these women are allowed to act like rabid hyeena's. These are not ladies. I couldnt even classify them as women. Its all fine standing up for your family, but you dont condon what they do when it is fundamentally WRONG. Love and support them to make the right and moral decisions, yes, but dont encourage and defend poor behavior or attitude. Furthermore you dont demostrate this poor behavior. I can understand if they dont like Danielle, but MOVE ON. Dont keep stirring the pot. Dont gossip pettily about them. Walk away and ignore them. A responsible, intelligent adult doesnt not engage in such virtolic conduct much less start it, continue it, encourage it.

[Whiped out]

Seriously if Danielle isn't on the show it will be boring bottom line. I can care less about the rest of them. If the make the mistake of adding Kim G that other Kim and even dina. That whole cliquish behavior will start all over again with Caroline leading the troop, saying she doesn't like new people. (Before I like I dont Like you) and the others will follow.

They are bullies and a waste of space. And I watched the whole season and while I am NOT a Danielle fan she has not been the agressor! Even if Dani hired a Private eye, so what? The whole first season was about what these women did to dig up the dirt on her past and air it first in the town and then nationally.

They hate it when someone mentions their flaws but see Dani's as fair game, spare me. That's not a Jersey OR Italian thing unless they are saying Jersey is full of a bunch of immature Italian losers - which it isn't.

It just has the most creepy losers representing it.

[Bettyboo]

Andy, I hate to say this but it was apparent that you were on the side of the mean girls. Clearly you ganged up on Danielle with Caroline, Theresa, and Jacqueline. It showed on your face and in your demeanor that you were on their sides. My sentiment is that I don't care whose show I would have been on and I would not care if I got sued or not, it would not have mattered to me when Theresa got in my face, I would have kicked Theresa's a__ right up out of my face. All three of them ganged up on Danielle even though she may have deserved some of it.

They are no better than she is. No better parents nor individuals. I think Caroline is garbage and a fake, she is the daughter of a mafiso and I think they all have ties to the mob. Joe is a thug, and Jacqueline is just plain dumb and stupid. Theresa is a slut and she is very spend thrift and wasteful. A terrible mother and very materialistic. Her house is indeed in foreclosure. She is a liar as well

After watching that show it left me numb and pissed off.

[jz]

While all of the ladies have had their bad moments, especially Theresa and Jacqueline, no one compares to Danielle when it comes to downright psychosis. She is constantly blowing things out of proportion, is spiteful and revengeful and exposes her daughters to way much more than they should have to handle at their age. I'm surprised social workers have not been called in. Typical of Danielle was the scene where she went to Posche and Kim D was not in the store. Danielle felt like she was dissed because Kim was paying her water bill and the girl at the desk was on the phone. I mean, is the entire world supposed to stop turning when Danielle Staub shows up? She is not well, she needs intensive therapy and she is obviously disliked by a lot of people - for justifiable reasons. I hope they don't invite her back. She's too toxic and wacky for the show and she is a trouble maker and instigator.

[Debbie]

Danielle is scary looking Hangs out with men who just agree withher. And when she went to a function She brought a motorcycle guy wearing colors of a very rough motorcycle gang.Also all she did was backstab all of her so called friends.It's sad that she had to air her dirty laundry on TV and have her children endure ridicule at school. She should have never taken a part in the show

[Dee Dee]

Andy= Yell cut so that they edit some of that drama and you dont get thrown around like a rag doll
Theresa= Insecure potty mouth
Jacqueline= Stop trying to control Dani, control your own daughter
Caroline= Your no Mother Theresa
Dani= Put all that effort towards your lovely and talented daughters
I cant wait for the final on Monday