Fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, the husband of Lori Loughlin and the father of Olivia Jade, was reportedly released from federal prison early and is expected to complete the rest of his sentence in home confinement, before being released on April 17— according to People Magazine.
Giannulli, who was serving time for his part in the high profile college admissions scandal, began his sentence on November 19th of last year. Due to the ongoing coronavirus, Giannulli was held in quarantine for what he believed would be a short period of time. Instead, even though he tested negative for the virus ten times, the fashion designer was held in solitary confinement for 56 days— almost 40% of his total sentence, according to AP News. His attorneys spoke out against his quarantine, stating that it had taken a ‘significant’ toll on his ‘mental, physical, and emotional well-being.’
Both Giannulli and his wife, Full House star Lori Loughlin, were accused of paying up to $500,000 in bribes to get their daughters into the University of Southern California, faking documents that made it look as though they were crew team recruits— even though neither daughter played the sport. Originally, the couple both pleaded not guilty to the charges— insisting on their innocence. However, they soon reversed their plea. They were both sentenced to prison in summer of last year, Giannulli got five months and Loughlin got two.
Giannulli and his wife remain two of the most high profile names associated with the college admissions scandal. Other high status offenders include actress Felicity Huffman, who pleaded guilty and served 11 or her 14 day jail sentence last fall, and Michelle Janavs, the Hot Pocket heiress accused of paying $300,000 worth of brides to get her daughters into elite schools. However, William “Rick” Singer, the mastermind behind the operation, has yet to be sentenced for his role in the scandal.
According to US Magazine, Giannulli was greeted upon his release by his three children, who decided to surprise their father at the last minute. Although Giannulli and Loughlin have yet to speak publicly about the release, an unnamed source who is close to the family told E! News that the family is relieved that Giannulli is out of prison, and feel as though they can finally put the scandal behind them. “They are hopeful about the future and being able to get their lives back on track.” The source stated, before adding. “They are more than ready to move on and put this behind them.”
