Lori Loughlin’s college-age daughters took to social media for the first time since their mother was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud as part of the nationwide probe into fraudulent college admissions.
Investigators said that Loughlin, 55, and husband Mossimo Giannulli, 56, paid $500,000 to a fake charity run by William “Rick” Singer to get Olivia Jade, 19, and Isabella, also known as Bella, 20, into the University of Southern California.
According to correspondence obtained by federal agents, Singer took the money and funneled some to an official at the university to get the girls in as crew recruits, despite their lack of experience in the report.
Singer later cooperated with law enforcement. He made recorded calls to Loughlin and Giannulli alleging he was under investigation by the IRS.
Loughlin and Giannulli have pleaded guilty to the fraud charge in addition to a second charge that was later added, conspiracy to commit money laundering. They each face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Bella took to Instagram on July 28—Loughlin’s birthday—to post a black and white picture of her with her mother.
“Happy birthday mama,” Bella wrote. “I love you,” she added, including a heart emoji.
Olivia Jade, a social media influencer who was raking in six figures a year before the scandal erupted in March, commented on the picture, writing: “My people,” with a heart.
Candace Cameron Bure, who starred in “Full House” and “Fuller House” with Loughlin, also commented on Bella’s picture, writing: “Happy birthday to your mama!!!!!!!”
She did not post any pictures to her social media accounts.
A number of others also wished Loughlin a happy birthday.
Paul Greene, a Canadian actor who appeared in “When Calls the Heart” on Hallmark with Loughlin, posted a picture of the actress with Ron Oliver, who he said photobombed Loughlin.
“Happiest Birthday Lori,” Greene wrote.
Happiest Birthday Lori ❤️ @ronoliver was photo bombing on his 39th birthday.
Happy Birthday to my forever friend with a heart of gold. Love you!
Erin Krakow, another co-star on “When Calls the Heart,” also posted a picture of Loughlin, writing: “Happy Birthday to my forever friend with a heart of gold. Love you!”
Krakow told Entertainment Tonight on Friday that she missed Loughlin, who was dropped from the show after the charges were announced.
“I miss her very much. Yeah, she’s my best, best friend, so that was hard not having her there, obviously,” Krakow said. “We were happy to see that the fans continued to support the show and rally around us, and we’ve really felt that love, so thank you.”
Bure said earlier this year that people should be merciful before appearing with co-stars at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards on March 23 and telling the crowd: “Family sticks together no matter what. They stick together through the hard times. They support each other. They encourage one another. They pray for each other, and they stand by their side no matter how tough it gets. And a loving family that sticks together also celebrates the really good times together.”
