On Wednesday, Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman appeared at a Boston courthouse to address their college cheating scandal.
Last month, over 40 people, including the two actresses, were arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in fraudulent schemes — including tampering with test scores and fabricating college application details — to get their children into prestigious schools such as Georgetown University, Stanford University, UCLA, the University of San Diego, USC, University of Texas, Wake Forest, and Yale.
Related: Student Who ‘Unknowingly’ Benefitted From College Scheme Apologizes
When the Fuller House star showed up to court with husband Mossimo Giannulli, who was also charged, she was greeted by fans who cheered, waved, and even carried cutouts featuring her face. The thespian gave a quick wave back, and said, “Thank you,” before entering the building.
According to a video obtained by ABC News, one admirer even shouted:
“Pay for my tuition, Lori!”
As seen here on Twitter:
"Pay for my tuition, Lori!"
Lori Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli arrive at a courthouse in Boston to face charges for alleged role in a college bribery scandal. Some onlookers cheered as she walked out. https://t.co/kwSXHydcsU pic.twitter.com/gPXvNBW3Vl
— ABC News (@ABC) April 3, 2019
During their quick meeting with the judge, both Loughlin and Giannulli surrendered their passports. The 54-year-old starlet reportedly said hi to the prosecuting team, smiled, and shook their hands.
The Desperate Housewives alum also appeared in court, where she acknowledged the seriousness of her charges. The 56-year-old previously turned in her passport.
According to federal law enforcement sources via TMZ on Wednesday, both actresses could cut plea deals, but prosecutors would still recommend jail time.
The official said:
“You can’t have people being treated differently because they have money. That’s how we got to this place. Every defendant will be treated the same.”
However, the judge — ultimately — has the final word. Loughlin and Huffman could face up to five years.
Loughlin and Giannulli were indicted for allegedly paying bribes totaling $500,000 to have both of their children — Olivia Jade (19) Isabella Rose (20) — recruited for the USC crew team, despite not playing the sport.
Last month, a People source said the Giannulli sisters “don’t plan to return to USC.”
Reportedly, Olivia has not been seen at the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, which she pledged in January. A Hollywood Reporter insider revealed last month:
“I don’t think she’s still considered a member… I don’t think she’ll come back, I don’t foresee that happening.”
Huffman and her husband, William H. Macy (who was not charged), were accused of making a $15,000 donation to get involved in a college entrance exam cheating scheme on behalf of their now-18-year-old daughter, Sofia.
The teen reportedly took the SATs in December 2017 and received a 1420, which was a 400 point improvement over her PSAT score. At the test taking center, a proctor allegedly corrected her answers after she turned in the test.
Per charging documents, Felicity and William allegedly discussed using the scheme for their youngest daughter, Georgia, 16, but ultimately decided against it.
[Image via FayesVision/Apega/WENN]
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