Mob Wives’ Angela “Big Ang” Raiola was laid to rest this past weekend, but the Big Ang funeral was not without its fair share of off-camera drama. Thanks to a series of reports about alleged infighting and bad blood between members of organized crime families, a series of reports stated that Big Ang’s Mob Wives co-stars Karen Gravano and Brittany Fogarty were both banned from attending the Big Ang funeral and the wake beforehand. Both women took to social media to refute and explain the claims–but only one of them was able to bid Big Ang farewell.
A New York Daily News article on the banning seems to be the source of most of the Big Ang funeral and wake confusion. Karen and Brittany were being punished for “the past actions of their crime boss fathers,” stated the article, which went on to explain that Brittany’s father John Fogarty, and Karen’s father, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, both cooperated with authorities to bring down other mobsters a generation ago. The Daily News‘ source was Brittany’s mother, Andrea Giovino, who said she was also banned from attending any of the memorial services.
However, photographs of Karen leaving the Big Ang funeral service on Sunday morning quickly circulated online:
And Karen herself took to Twitter only moments ago to refute the claims:
It’s sad in a time like this people create stories & rumors for personal gain.. This is about Ang & saying goodbye..? #RIPBigAng
— Karen Gravano (@KarenGravanoVH1) February 22, 2016
It seems that Brittany was banned from the Big Ang funeral, though, and she told Us Weekly that the exclusion had her “crying hysterically.” Brittany went on to call the situation “unfortunate,” among other things–here’s her full statement:
I was called on Saturday, by a mutual friend, and told not to attend the services because of something my father did. I was in my car heading over and pulled over and started hysterically crying. I was already upset because I was headed to her services, but pulled over and cried hysterically when I found out I couldn’t go. I was really taken aback when I received the call, I was not expecting it at all. Ang never judged me for the actions of my father. The fact that he cooperated with police never influenced her opinion of me, and I loved her for that….I think that it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t be at any of Ang’s services this weekend, and that I couldn’t say bye to her in that way. The last thing that I would want is to go there and cause a scene. This is about celebrating Ang’s life and the fact that her family has to say bye to such a beautiful person and I want to respect that.
Big Ang’s family and reps have not commented publicly on the matter. Instead, they offered a series of heartfelt updates throughout the weekend via Big Ang’s official Twitter account:
We’re taking a moment to thank you ALL for loving Angela as strongly as you have. Keep that love alive. Your words & photos are beautiful! ?
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 19, 2016
For everyone asking how to do something in Angela’s honor, you can make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. That was her wish!
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 21, 2016
There were so many amazing people, and beautiful flower pieces at her wake. The family wishes to thank everyone for their love at this time.
— Angela Raiola (@biggangVH1) February 21, 2016
(Photo credits: Big Ang funeral via Instagram, Lisa Mauceri / Splashnews.com)
