Bobby Bank/WireImage.com Teresa Giudice and husband Joe may be dealing with legal troubles, but the Real Housewives of New Jersey star insists an event held on Thursday was not an attempt to raise money for their defense fund.
"Tonight's appearance at Maliblue is just a meet & greet w/ fans," Teresa tweeted upon learning of the rumors. "I just heard that some of the workers there wanted to support me and that is very sweet & I appreciate it, but if anyone wants to support me, please do it by donating to a charity I love: @NephCure. Xx."
The speculation apparently derived from a press release that reportedly stated that the event was designed "to help pay any fines or other restitution that Teresa and Joe are ordered to pay."
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Later, the catering company handling the event tried to clear up the confusion by tweeting, "Our apologies to @teresaguidice about the media & press."
Last month, the Giudices were charged in a conspiracy to defraud lenders and illegally obtain mortgages and other loans as well as allegedly hiding assets and income during a bankruptcy case.
At the couple's most recent court appearance on Aug. 14, they pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. Their next court date is scheduled for Oct. 8
If convicted, each spouse could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 to 30 years, and Joe, who is not a citizen of the United States, could also be deported back to Italy.
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