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Gretchen Rossi Just Scored a Victory in a Years-Long Lawsuit (UPDATED)
Find out how much The Real Housewives of Orange County alum has been awarded.
UPDATE (Jan. 12, 2018, 1:13 p.m.): Gretchen took to Twitter to thank fans for their support, such as in this message. "Moral of the story: Don’t mess with me, because I will ALWAYS FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT #Thankyouforthelove."
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Camille Grammer also congratulated Gretchen on the ruling on Twitter Friday. "Congrats on your victory. It was awful what that man put you through," she tweeted. "Keep standing up for yourself!"
The original story continues below.
Gretchen Rossi has finally received a judgment in a defamation case that has been going on for about eight years.
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum was awarded $523,250 in damages after she sued Jay Photoglou for defamation in 2010, according to court documents obtained by The Blast. She claimed he lied about her cheating on her late fiancé Jeff Beitzel with him. Gretchen also claimed that he threatened her and stole her personal property, including nude photos that were released online.
After Gretchen was awarded $523,250 in damages, Photoglou reportedly filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and "attempted to have the judgment discharged as part of his case," according to The Blast. However, the court documents state that he cannot use his bankruptcy filing to have that judgment discharged.
Gretchen addressed the ruling in a statement to PEOPLE. “I decided enough was enough and to stand up against this individual,” she said. “I fought this fight not only for myself, but for all the women out there who have been harassed or threatened and for those who were too afraid to speak up, or could not have their voice heard. For those who did not have the financial means to fight, and for those who have been hurt or damaged because of individuals who think this is okay to do this to women.”
In recent years, Gretchen has focused on her line of handbags and accessories, Gretchen Christine. She also remains happily engaged to fiancé Slade Smiley.
See more of Gretchen and Slade, below.
