In the wake of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli’s separation after nearly 28 years of marriage, daughters Olivia Jade and Bella Giannulli are reportedly “definitely upset” yet “not surprised,” navigating this significant family adjustment with a focus on supporting their mother and maintaining a peaceful family dynamic.
The entertainment world recently learned of the separation of longtime couple Lori Loughlin, 61, and Mossimo Giannulli, 62, after almost three decades of marriage. News of their split, confirmed on October 2, has left fans wondering about the impact on their two daughters, Isabella “Bella” Rose Giannulli, 27, and Olivia Jade Giannulli, 26. While the separation marks a significant shift, sources close to the family reveal the daughters are approaching this new chapter with a mix of sadness and understanding.
A Family Navigates Change: Olivia and Bella’s Perspective
According to exclusive reports from Us Weekly, both Olivia Jade and Bella Giannulli are “definitely upset” by their parents’ separation. However, insiders noted that this development “was not a shock to anyone in the family” as they had observed their parents’ interactions over the past year and sensed it was coming.
The reasons behind Lori and Mossimo’s split are attributed to them “arguing often” and their “lifestyles weren’t meshing anymore.” The couple reportedly “grew apart,” and a source told Us Weekly that Mossimo had “moved on quickly.” This growing distance meant they “haven’t really operated as a unit for quite some time.” For their daughters, this monumental change feels “more like an adjustment than a disruption,” with a “calm transition overall” as everyone is still finding their footing.
Unwavering Support for Lori Loughlin and Olivia Jade’s New Focus
Despite the emotional upheaval, Olivia Jade and Bella have rallied around their mother, Lori Loughlin, who is reportedly “devastated” about the marriage falling apart. The sisters share a “very close” bond with Lori and have been actively supporting her during this challenging time. Their similar interests mean they enjoy spending quality time together, further solidifying their family ties.
Courtesy of Bella Jade/Instagram
Olivia Jade, a social media influencer, is also channeling her energy into her career and personal growth. She is “enjoying being bicoastal right now and has separated herself a bit” from the immediate situation, splitting her time between New York City and California, where her family resides. She is “focused on her career and what is next for her and thinks New York City is where she needs to be for now.”
Courtesy of Olivia Jade/Instagram
The Shadow of the College Admissions Scandal
The separation comes after a particularly tumultuous period for the Giannulli-Loughlin family, marked by the 2019 college admissions scandal. Lori and Mossimo were accused of paying $500,000 to secure their daughters’ admission to the University of Southern California by falsely claiming they were crew team recruits.
The couple initially pleaded not guilty but later changed their plea in May 2020 to charges of wire and mail fraud. This resulted in significant legal consequences:
- Mossimo Giannulli: Served five months in prison, two years of supervised release, and completed 250 hours of community service after his release in April 2021.
- Lori Loughlin: Served two months in prison, two years of supervised release, and completed 100 hours of community service after her release in December 2020.
- Fines: The couple was ordered to pay a total of $400,000 in fines.
During the height of the scandal in September 2019, Bella was “extremely concerned” that her parents were “going to get divorced,” according to Us Weekly. This concern highlights the immense strain the public scrutiny and legal battles placed on their marriage, with one source telling Daily Mail that the scandal ultimately “killed the marriage and broke the family apart.”
Beyond the Headlines: Living Separate Lives
Prior to the official announcement, signs of trouble had emerged. Earlier this year, Lori and Mossimo put their Hidden Hills home in California on the market, prompting speculation among fans about their relationship status. Lori’s representative confirmed their separation to Us Weekly, stating they are “living apart now” and that “there are no legal proceedings underway” at this time.
Sources informed TMZ that the couple had been leading separate lives for some time, with Lori residing in Los Angeles and Mossimo in Sun Valley, Idaho. Despite separate residences, Lori maintains a “terrific” relationship with her daughters, enjoying “quality time” together.
Following the split news, Mossimo was seen with stylist Hannah Harrison, sparking romance rumors. However, Harrison exclusively clarified to Us Weekly that their relationship is “strictly platonic” and work-related, stating it was “bad timing” for them to be seen together. Similarly, Lori was photographed having dinner with actor James Tupper. Her representative clarified that they “have worked together and are old friends,” most recently co-starring in A Christmas Blessing. Sources also indicated to TMZ that Lori “doesn’t consider herself single yet.”
A Unified Front: No Sides Taken
Crucially, amidst their parents’ personal challenges, Olivia Jade and Bella are maintaining a unified front. A source told People that the sisters “aren’t taking sides” and “both love their parents and just want them to be happy.” There is reportedly “no drama or resentment” towards Lori and Mossimo over the separation.
The insider emphasized that Olivia and Bella “have seen how hard their mom and dad have tried over the years” and are “focused on keeping things peaceful and staying close as a family.” At the end of the day, their primary wish is for “everyone to be okay.” This mature approach speaks to their resilience and their deep-seated desire for familial harmony, even as their parents navigate such a significant life change.
As Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli move forward with their separation, Olivia Jade and Bella are adjusting to their “new normal” with grace. Their focus remains on supporting their mother, pursuing their individual aspirations, and maintaining the close-knit family bonds that have seen them through past challenges.