Celebs Going Broke?

Thanks to websites like PerezHilton.com and TMZ, it’s easy for fans to keep tabs on their fave celebs’ personal lives, ranging anywhere from their relationships to their routine rehab visits, to their… financial issues? Some recent reports prove that even celebrities aren’t immune to the effects of the country’s economic crisis. Between lawsuits, owing millions in taxes, and even filing bankruptcy, some of our beloved stars are getting a rude awakening to reality, as we (commoners) know it.

The women of America’s guiltiest pleasure, The Real Housewives, never cease to amaze us with their lavish spending and oh-so-luxurious lifestyles. From real estate purchases, top of the line cars, throwing ridiculously expensive events and parties, to the typical thousand-dollar shop stop, it seems that these women’s pockets never falter. Unfortunately, for New Jersey housewife Teresa Giudice, her pockets hit rock bottom in October of last year when she and her husband had to file for bankruptcy. Since then, they have announced that the greater portion of the furnishings from their “humble abode” in Jersey is going to be sold in a bankruptcy auction to aid in their 11, yes, 11 million dollar debt in credit. Looks like it’s time to pull the reigns on your gold encrusted chariot, Mrs. Giudice.

Lucky for Teresa, she’s not the only one suffering from public humiliation due to her financial downfall. Just to name a few, Rob Lowe, Chris Tucker, and Wesley Snipes are dealing with their own monetary turmoil. Tucker allegedly owes a whopping $11 million in federal taxes and another 3 to the state of California. Lowe is also facing a hefty fine because of tax evasion and by now, most of us know that Wesley Snipes is set to go to prison for his own set of IRS indiscretions.

So let’s be honest, hearing about these plunders make us feel a little better when watching the current season of Real Housewives as Teresa states, “People make fun of Jersey girls but I think they’re just jealous” in the opening credits of the show. Really, Teresa, we’re not so jealous of your multi million-dollar problem, but thanks for showing us what not to do in case we come across a little fortune of our own. And as for the aforementioned Hollywood vets, you should know better by now... [insert motherly disappointment].

Maybe someone should reiterate the whole “money doesn’t grow on trees” concept to these dumbfounded celebs.

Fiorella Bergandi for Skinnie Magazine