Lori Loughlin Looks Disheveled & Frail In Court Amid College Admissions Scandal
Aug. 27 2019, Updated 9:07 p.m. ET
Score one for Lori!
A federal judge on Tuesday, August 27, ruled actress Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband, Mossimo Giannulli, can continue using a law firm that recently represented the University of Southern California, as they continue fighting their college admissions bribery case.
The ongoing stress of the case seems to be taking a toll on Loughlin, who looked tired, frail and disheveled in photos obtained by RadarOnline.com as she entered court.
Prosecutors argued their lawyers pose a potential conflict of interest. But Loughlin, 55, and Giannulli, 56, say the firm’s work for USC was unrelated to the admissions case and was handled by different lawyers.
The judge also wanted to know if either of the duo had any prescription or illicit drug use, alcohol or psychological issues that could impair their respective ability to understand the risk they were taking sharing lawyers in such a high stakes case.
Both Loughlin and Giannulli replied that they have no such issues.
As RadarOnline.com readers know, the couple is accused of paying $500,000 to have their two daughters labeled as recruits to the USC crew team, even though neither participated in the sport.
They have pleaded not guilty.
Check out this RadarOnline.com gallery for more!
Why So Serious?
Loughlin kept her eyes down as she entered court without a smile.
Head Case
Her hair looked disheveled, and she wore a plain gray dress and white open sweater.
Better Days
It was a far cry from her normal, healthy look before the scandal, as seen in the photograph.
Government Objects
As RadarOnline.com initially reported, the Government objected to the troubled parents' legal team, as Latham & Watkins LLP represents USC in an unrelated real-estate dispute.
Loyal Lawyers
But Giannulli has been a client of Latham & Watkins for over two decades. When they learned of the criminal charges against them, they turned to the firm to “help clear their names” because they “know and trust them.”
No Risk
“Giannulli and Loughlin fully understand the potential risks of their joint representation by Latham, but they have given their informed consent to Latham’s joint representation,” court papers filed by the couple initially read. “Giannulli and Loughlin have each obtained separate counsel – experienced and respected criminal-defense practitioners – who will work alongside Latham and be involved in all substantive aspects of their defense.”
Conflict Of Interest
Latham claimed they have taken appropriate measures to “screen off its work for Giannulli and Loughlin from its work for USC.”
Defense Team
“Moreover, Giannulli and Loughlin’s robust defense team – made up of several firms working in tandem – will ensure that Giannulli and Loughlin are at all times represented by counsel who will defend them completely and diligently, through every aspect of this case.”
Charges
Loughlin and Giannulli were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud on March 11, 2019.
Money Laundering
On April 9, they were hit with the additional charge of money laundering conspiracy.