Teresa Giudice breaks silence after saying daughter 'had fentanyl in her system' - USA Today

"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice is breaking her silence hours after a revelation that her daughter Milania Guidice had fentanyl in her system.

The Bravolebrity, 54, took to Instagram Monday, Sept. 28, to address news about her 20-year-old's legal and mental health struggles.

"As a mother, there is nothing more important to me than the health, safety, and well-being of my children," the lengthy statement read. "The past few months have been incredibly difficult for our family, and I feel it is important to say something while also protecting my daughter during an extremely vulnerable time in her life."

"Milania has experienced tremendous heartbreak and significant psychological trauma after losing two of her best friends," Teresa Giudice wrote. "Grief affects everyone differently, and watching your child try to process that kind of loss is something no parent can ever truly prepare for. Right now, my only focus is my daughter — making sure she is surrounded by love, family, support, and the care she needs."

In May, Milania Giudice was arrested and charged with one count of simple assault purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY. In July, her close friend Victoria Zardoya died after a fatal fall during a trip off the coast of Florida.

Teresa Giudice opened up about the loss in an Aug. 5 interview with USA TODAY, saying, "I just need prayers. I'm praying for family. I just keep praying for my daughter also. So if everyone can please pray, because it's very difficult."

This came the same day bodycam footage obtained by USA TODAY showed police respond to a Sept. 23 incident at Tampa International Airport, during which Milania Giudice could be seen arguing with her mom and older sister Gia Giudice, 25, as they tried to get her on a flight.

"I'm never speaking to you again," Milania Giudice said to Teresa Giudice, who replied, "That's fine, I just want to get you help."

"I just want to save your life. That's all," the Bravo star continued, before telling an officer, "She had fentanyl in her system."

Milania Guidice did not deny her mother's claim but said it was "because I was laced. I was laced. I go to college." The 20-year-old attends the University of Tampa. She then asked, "Do you want to put me back in the psych ward?"

"No. I want to save you," Teresa Giudice insisted. "I want to help you."

The footage also captured Gia Giudice telling her sister that everyone was there "to help" and encouraging her get on their flight. Milania Giudice ultimately agreed and police escorted the family to the gate.

USA TODAY reached out to the Tampa International Airport Police Department and representatives for Milania Giudice and Teresa Giudice for comment.

Milania Giudice is one of Teresa Giudice and ex-husband Joe Giudice's four daughters, along with Gia, 25, Gabriella, 22, and Audriana, 16. The family has documented their lives on Bravo's "RHONJ" since its debut in 2009, when Milania Giudice was just 9.

In her Sept. 28 statement, Teresa Giudice recognized the public curiosity but asked for respect and privacy.

"I understand that because our family has lived much of our lives in the public eye, there will naturally be questions and speculation," the reality star wrote. "But Milania is my daughter before she is anything else. She is a young woman going through an incredibly difficult and deeply personal time, and she deserves the opportunity to heal without every moment of her pain being analyzed publicly."

Teresa Giudice added, "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. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support. It means more to our family than you know.

"At this time, we respectfully ask the media and the public to give Milania and our entire family the privacy and space we need as we navigate this together," the statement concluded. "Thank you for your understanding, your compassion, and most importantly, for respecting my daughter during this difficult time."