Teresa Giudice Quits Special Forces Over Daughter Gia Giudice

Teresa Giudice isn’t letting anything get in the way of her namaste.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star was the second celebrity to leave Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test on the October 2nd episode of the challenging Fox reality show.

On day two of season four, Teresa faced a tough challenge. The 17 remaining recruits had to participate in “milling,” a physically demanding exercise where two people aggressively punch each other in the head for a set amount of time. This was done to test their courage and endurance.

As Gia Giudice, the Bravolebrity’s daughter, prepared to compete against former U.S. soccer player Christie Pearce Rampone, Teresa permanently withdrew from the competition.

“I’m stopping,” the 53-year-old said while working out. “I can’t bear to watch you compete. I believe in you. Sending my love.”

Speaking in a confessional, Teresa explained her quick decision, saying, “I don’t give up easily, but it’ll be difficult for me to stand by if Gia is in a difficult or fragile situation. My main concern is simply to keep her safe.”

Gia did well holding her own against Christie, skillfully weaving and jabbing during their challenge. The show’s trainers described both competitors’ efforts as valiant. However, after the challenge, Gia found it difficult being away from her mother during the ride back to camp.

“Part of me wants go,” the 24-year-old admitted, “but part of me is like, ‘Don’t do that.'”

Gia was particularly disturbed by Teresa’s leaving, especially considering her parents had previously been to prison for committing fraud and tax crimes.

In a confessional, Gia shared that a defining childhood trauma was her parents’ brief absence. “So, I think that is my one trigger,” she explained.

However, Teresa wasn’t the only contestant from season four to leave the competition on day two. Another Real Housewives star, Eva Marcille, struggled with the pressure during the milling challenge and decided not to participate.

The choice raised concerns for trainer Mark Billingham, who told the other directors, “Contestant number 15 isn’t ready to continue, and it’s important for both her well-being and to maintain the fairness of the competition.”

Mark then told Eva, addressing the Bravo alum, “I’ve been observing you carefully. The competition is going to proceed as planned. For your own well-being – both physically and mentally – I don’t think you can continue. And now, I’m taking your armband. Do you understand what I’m saying? Leave the course.”

Find out how the other contestants are doing when Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Fox. Plus, continue reading to learn which 16 celebrities are still in the competition this season.