‘I don’t care if it’s the biggest platform in Chicago’ – Dolores Catania accused of burning media bridges after vowing to boycott entire city’s press over Teresa Giudice’s viral interview ambush - suong

“You don’t blindside my friend and expect me to smile and take a seat.”

Dolores Catania is no stranger to loyalty — and this time, she’s putting her media relationships on the line to prove it. Following the explosive fallout from Teresa Giudice’s now-infamous walk-off during a WGNTV Chicago interview, Dolores has taken an unapologetically firm stance. Her bold vow to never appear on Chicago media again has sent shockwaves across local networks — and insiders say the damage may already be done.

The controversy began when Teresa Giudice appeared virtually on the Chicago morning show to promote The Real Housewives of New Jersey and discuss her brand ventures. What started as lighthearted banter quickly took a turn when longtime anchorman Larry Potash blindsided the reality star with a pointed question about her tax issues — a sore spot Teresa has rarely spoken about since her release from prison in 2015. Shocked and visibly shaken, Teresa abruptly ended the segment, leaving the host and viewers stunned.

While Teresa remained mostly silent afterward, Dolores had no intention of staying quiet.

During an episode of Two T’s in a Pod, Dolores condemned the ambush and described the moment as “rude, nasty, and uncalled for.” But what truly rattled media circles was her next statement — a veiled threat that quickly escalated:
“Just so you know, for whatever it’s worth, Larry, I’ll never come on that show. I don’t care if it’s the biggest platform in Chicago — I’m done.”

Sources close to Chicago media outlets tell DailyMail+ that the backlash was immediate. “She didn’t just go after one anchor — she threw the entire city’s press under the bus,” said one local producer. “Stations are now wary of booking her. She’s made herself a liability.”

Several morning show bookers and publicists have reportedly re-evaluated future appearances involving any RHONJ cast member, fearing a repeat of the viral meltdown. “It’s the kind of drama networks usually crave,” a PR insider admitted. “But when it becomes about blacklisting press, that’s when it crosses into dangerous territory.”

Behind the scenes, Dolores’s team has doubled down, with one rep telling DailyMail+, “Dolores speaks her truth. She’s fiercely loyal, and if someone disrespects her friend on national television, she’s not going to turn around and pose for pictures with them.”

Yet not everyone is siding with Dolores.

“She’s burning bridges she might need later,” a Bravo production source said. “You don’t get to control the media — and when you try, it backfires. Teresa’s PR misstep is one thing. But Dolores taking it personally on this level? It’s risky.”

Even within the Bravo circle, some cast members are reportedly frustrated with Dolores for “escalating a moment that could have quietly passed.” One anonymous Housewife was quoted saying, “Dolores went full mafia mode. And while it’s iconic, it’s not always strategic.”

Still, fans have rallied behind her, praising her ride-or-die loyalty and blunt delivery. “Dolores doesn’t play politics — she plays real,” one fan posted on X. “She said what everyone else was too scared to say.”

But the question remains: will Dolores’s no-nonsense attitude strengthen her brand — or isolate her from the very media that helped build it?

As one Chicago anchor privately told us, “The Housewives may be queens of drama, but in this industry? We don’t forget who snubs us.”

In standing by Teresa, Dolores may have made her boldest move yet — but at what cost?