When Olivia Jade Giannulli announced her decision to compete on the new season of "Dancing With the Stars," her mom, Lori Loughlin, was initially hesitant. "Lori was genuinely concerned about the kind of backlash Olivia might face," a close friend reveals. "She worried that stepping into the spotlight again could open old wounds for both of them. But after reflecting on it, Lori came to admire her daughter's courage. Olivia's willingness to face public scrutiny head-on was something Lori respected deeply."
Starting Over After the College Admissions Scandal
It’s been ten months since Lori, now 57, was released from prison for her involvement in the infamous college admissions scandal. While this period has been challenging, Lori is slowly rebuilding her life. "Lori is a lot tougher than people give her credit for," shares the friend. "She acknowledges her mistakes and understands that the public memory is long. But she's determined to move forward and make amends."
A Fresh Start in Hidden Hills
To mark this new chapter, Lori and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli—who also served time for their role in the scandal—have relocated to a new home in Hidden Hills, California. "This place represents a fresh start for them," explains the friend. "They've even invested in a $13 million vacation home in Palm Desert, signaling their commitment to putting the past behind them. For Lori, this move isn’t just about geography; it’s about creating a new normal for their family."
Read also:Tracker Season 3 What Fans Can Expect And Why Its A Mustwatch
Taking Baby Steps Back Into the Spotlight
While Lori has largely stayed out of the public eye over the past year, she's now considering a gradual return to her career. "Lori is exploring different ways to reintroduce herself to the world," the friend explains. "She’s thinking about writing a book that delves into her family’s experience and the lessons they’ve learned. However, she’s cautious about jumping into projects like movies based on the scandal. Right now, she’s not ready for that level of exposure."
Lori’s ultimate goal is to return to acting, an area where she’s earned respect for her professionalism. "She’s always been known for showing up prepared and delivering strong performances," the friend notes. "Lori has even started brainstorming ideas for scripts, hoping to find creative ways to reconnect with her fans. She knows it won’t be easy, but she’s optimistic that someone will give her another chance."
Building Trust Through Action
Rebuilding trust with her audience won’t happen overnight, but Lori is committed to proving her sincerity. "She’s continued to volunteer her time, showing that she’s genuinely remorseful and willing to change," the friend adds. "Lori believes that by consistently demonstrating her commitment to doing better, she can slowly win back the trust of those who supported her before. It’s a process, but she’s hopeful that her actions will speak louder than words."
—Reporting by Rick Egusquiza
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, available on newsstands now.
