Credit: Shutterstock/Ron Adar, Bravo
In a recent interview with E! News, Meredith Marks shared her belief that Jen Shah “needs support” from friends after pleading guilty to fraud. The 48-year-old was accused of running a telemarketing scheme, which reportedly targeted many people, including the elderly.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star will be sentenced in late November and may face up to 30 years in prison, per PEOPLE.
Comedian and actor Whoopi Goldberg shared her thoughts on Jen’s guilty plea as well as Meredith’s decision to support her friend.
“Well, maybe the old folks that she defrauded might also need some support around them as well,” said Whoopi on The View, via Deadline.
The talk show host continued, “When it comes to older people, I am not as forgiving. I’m just not because that’s low-hanging fruit. I’m glad you realized you did something wrong, and I commend you, but I’m not going to be your friend for a while until I get over that.”
“Not that you were looking for me to be your friend anyway,” Whoopi went on. “But still for me, when you mess with old people and little kids…”
Whoopi’s co-host Sunny Hostin, who once was a prosecutor, shared a different opinion.
“I was always appreciative when you had someone take a plea,” Sunny explained. “They know they did something wrong, they’ve admitted to it, there’s accountability there. There’s generally a victims fund, so those victims will get paid back, probably not all of it.”
Sunny claimed there is a “rehabilitative” aspect to admitting one’s guilt, and in these cases, “you need your friends.”
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin referenced another controversial Housewife, Erika Jayne, whose husband faces accusations of defrauding his former clients. Alyssa pointed out that Erika’s friends are still supportive even though she said “horrible things like, ‘I don’t care about victims.’”
“You have to take some responsibility,” said the political strategist. “If you’re not taking responsibility, you don’t get any sympathy.”
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season three premieres Wednesday, September 28, at 9/8c on Bravo.