Mob Wives star Brittany Fogarty was one of a small handful of people banned from attending costar Angela “Big Ang” Raiola’s wake this weekend and her funeral earlier on Monday.
Fogarty, along with her mom, Andrea Giovino, and Mob Stars cast mate Karen Gravano were prohibited from attending.
Hundreds attend the funeral Mass for "Big Ang" of VH1 series “Mob Wives” https://t.co/gHqomqB8fx pic.twitter.com/FcxJYFYEN0
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 22, 2016
During an interview with Us Weekly, Brittany Fogarty explained the situation.
“I think that it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t be at any of Ang’s services this weekend, and that I couldn’t say bye to her in that way,” the Mob Wives star said. “The last thing that I would want is to go there and cause a scene. This is about celebrating Ang’s life and the fact that her family has to say bye to such a beautiful person and I want to respect that.”
“I was called on Saturday, by a mutual friend, and told not to attend the services because of something my father did,” she added. “I was in my car heading over and pulled over and started hysterically crying. I was already upset because I was headed to her services, but pulled over and cried hysterically when I found out I couldn’t go. I was really taken aback when I received the call, I was not expecting it at all. Ang never judged me for the actions of my father. The fact that he cooperated with police never influenced her opinion of me, and I loved her for that.”
PHOTOS: Big Ang's big farewell https://t.co/lvxJq3ldxz pic.twitter.com/hOZ1Zz8i2B
— Page Six (@PageSix) February 22, 2016
Fogarty shared a picture of herself with her Mob Wives costar via social media as a way to honor Big Ang.
“You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Thank you for always being there for me, I will forever cherish all of the memories and laughs we have shared together and all that you have taught me. Love you ? #RIP #Angela @biggangvh1,” she captioned it.
“I understand that this is what happens in our world,” Brittany Fogarty continued. “I don’t think it’s right to punish me for something that I had no part of, but if that’s what will make this easier for Ang’s family, then that’s what I want to do. I don’t think that’s what Ang would have wanted, but that’s how it is. I’m going to have to say bye to her on my own time, I’m going to visit the cemetery this week and go pay my respects and say goodbye to Ang in that way. This service is about her family saying goodbye.”
Renee Graziano, Carla Facciolo, and Drita D’Avanzo–all stars of Mob Wives–attended both Big Ang’s wake as well as her funeral.
Big Ang's funeral: Family, friends and her Mob Wives co-stars pay their respects. https://t.co/3afYpz4QXX pic.twitter.com/ZSFPV4xaUv
— E! Online (@eonline) February 22, 2016
Angela Raiola died on Thursday at the age of 55, of complications from stage 4 lung and brain cancer. Her wake–held on both Saturday and Sunday–was held at the Scarpaci Funeral Home in Brooklyn. Her funeral and burial were held on Monday on Staten Island.
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