Ex-“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Gretchen Rossi scored a huge payday in her years-long defamation case.
The handbag designer, 39, was awarded $523,250 in damages after she sued Jay Photoglou for defamation in 2010. She claimed he lied about her cheating on her dying fiancé, Jeff Beitzel, with him, threatened her, stole her property and leaked her nude photos, according to The Blast.
Photoglou filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and tried to have the judgment discharged. But Rossi fought back, claiming the debt was because of a “willful and malicious injury” and he should have to pay up. Now, The Blast reports that a judge finally ruled in the former Bravo star’s favor.
“Gretchen is glad this case with Jay Photoglou is behind her,” her rep told us. “She is thankful the courts recognized the type of individual he is and provided justice. Even Photoglou’s attempt at filing [for] bankruptcy to avoid paying the $523,000 judgment Rossi has against him didn’t work.”
“The BK Courts have ruled in Rossi’s favor on all counts which included stalking and threats,” her rep added. “She can now begin collecting on Photoglou whose debt to Rossi with interest is now above $800,000.”
Rossi appeared as a “Housewife” during Seasons 4 through 8 (2008-2013). Her time on Bravo ended with her proposing to boyfriend Slade Smiley, 44. The couple is still together.
