Actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, have pled guilty in the high-profile college admissions scandal that made headlines in 2019. The couple has admitted to paying $500,000 in bribes to secure their daughters’ admission to the University of Southern California (USC) as crew recruits, despite the fact that neither of their daughters had any experience in the sport.
Loughlin, best known for her role in the hit TV series Full House, and Giannulli were among 50 people charged in the case, which involved wealthy parents paying large sums of money to secure their children’s admission to elite universities across the United States.
The couple initially pled not guilty to the charges, and their case was set to go to trial later this year. However, in a surprising turn of events, they have now changed their plea to guilty, acknowledging their role in the scheme and taking responsibility for their actions.
As part of their plea deal, Loughlin has agreed to serve two months in prison, pay a $150,000 fine, and perform 100 hours of community service, while Giannulli has agreed to serve five months in prison, pay a $250,000 fine, and perform 250 hours of community service.
The couple’s guilty pleas come as a blow to their reputation and careers, as well as to the prestigious institutions involved in the scandal. Loughlin has already been dropped by the Hallmark Channel and other projects following the scandal, while USC has faced significant criticism for its role in the admissions scheme.
The case has also sparked broader conversations about privilege, wealth, and access in higher education, with critics pointing to the unfair advantages afforded to wealthy students and the ways in which the admissions process can be manipulated by those with the means to do so.
As the legal fallout from the scandal continues, many are calling for reforms to the college admissions process, including greater transparency and accountability in admissions decisions, as well as increased support for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
For now, Loughlin and Giannulli are set to face sentencing later this year, with their guilty pleas marking a significant turning point in a scandal that has rocked the world of higher education and celebrity culture alike.
