In his recently released memoir, "If You Would Have Told Me," John Stamos reminisces about the days prior to Lori Loughlin's college scandal. The actor, now 60 years old, vividly recalls the moment he discovered Loughlin's alleged involvement in bribing the University of Southern California in order to secure her daughters' college admissions.
In March 2019, I received an unusual text at around 5:30 am from my close friend Roger Lodge inquiring about Lori's well-being. I promptly responded, asking for further information. Roger mentioned something about a college scandal. Intrigued, I tried searching online but found limited details. Since I knew Lori was currently working in Canada, I decided to call her to ensure everything was alright. I reached out to Loughlin, 59, who appeared to be completely unaware of what I was referring to.
The woman nonchalantly responds, "I'm not entirely sure about that," as if I were inquiring about Nicky and Alex's vegetable consumption. "I've been seeing some emails exchanged between lawyers and Moss recently, but I try to stay out of it," he continues. Before I can fully process her response, I detect an unusual clicking sound on the phone line. When I question her about it, she once again adopts her laissez-faire tone, stating, "Oh, they might be bugging my phone."
Lori Loughlin and John Stamos. JB Lacroix/WireImage
While trying to end the call swiftly, Stamos realized that the news had already spread widely. "Subsequently, I turned on the news and discovered that the story had become a major sensation," he shared. In a moment of urgency, he texted Lori, asking if she was also witnessing the unfolding news. "As it turns out, an FBI agent was making a public statement regarding the Department of Justice's investigation into the largest college admissions scandal ever, which entailed bribing esteemed universities in exchange for fraudulent student admissions."
The actor who acted alongside Loughlin in Full House from 1987 to 1995, strongly urged his former co-star to turn on the television, emphatically stating, "She asks, 'What channel?' I respond via text with capital letters, 'EVERY CHANNEL!'"
Previously, Loughlin gained significant media attention when she and her spouse, Mossimo Giannulli, were accused in 2019 of bribing their daughters, Bella (25) and Olivia Jade (24), with a sum of $500,000 in order to secure their admission into USC. In March of that same year, the couple faced indictment and later pleaded guilty to charges of fraud two months thereafter.
Stamos expressed his difficulty in comprehending Loughlin's alleged involvement in the college admissions scandal, stating that he wanted to wait for the trial's outcome before discussing it. He shared his confusion, remarking that it didn't seem to make sense. In April 2020, images emerged showing Loughlin and Giannulli's daughters using a rowing machine as part of the scheme to secure college admissions. Loughlin was subsequently sentenced to two months in prison and was released in December 2020. Giannulli, aged 60, completed a five-month sentence and was released in April.
After being released, an insider informed us exclusively that the actress is eager to move on from her past. The source mentioned that she has fully served her sentence, including probation, community service, and payment of court fines. Additionally, the source revealed that Loughlin continued her charitable efforts by collaborating with Project Angel Food after completing her mandatory 100 community service hours. The insider disclosed that she privately sponsored two students for a four-year college education, covering tuition and expenses amounting to over $500,000.
Loughlin has maintained contact with several of her former Full House cast members following her legal troubles. Stamos expressed his strong connection with Loughlin in his memoir, stating, "Lori Loughlin remains a dear friend even now. We've faced challenges together, supporting one another through life's obstacles. We've witnessed each other's lowest points."
Stamos further commended Loughlin for her strength in overcoming adversity.
I have witnessed moments when Lori could have easily chosen to give up. Instead, she could have avoided responsibility and let her family, marriage, and life fall apart. However, she chose a different path. Regardless of the challenges she faced and the relentless efforts to condemn and label her alongside terrible criminals, she remained steadfast. She consistently shielded her daughters from the constant barrage of criticism they faced.
Stamos further explained, "Every day, she found the strength to get out of bed, humbly pray for the preservation of her family, and continued this practice each night. In the midst of it all, she fought fiercely to survive."
The alum from The Big Shot mentioned that Loughlin's determination and belief grew stronger as time went on. Stamos added that he found it reassuring when Loughlin moved into the same neighborhood as him and his wife, Caitlin McHugh, because they could provide immediate assistance. Stamos emphasized that their conversations evolved from mere hours to in-depth discussions about the ups and downs of life, moral dilemmas, and the crucial concept of sacrifice.
If You Would Have Told Me is available now wherever books are sold.