Kyle Richards Was 'Shocked' to Hear Friend Lori Loughlin Charged in College Bribery Scandal
Kyle Richards was not expecting to hear her friend Lori Loughlin‘s name among those who were indicted as part of an alleged college admissions cheating scam.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 50, addressed the scandal during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, saying she was unaware of Loughlin’s alleged participation in the scheme until news broke on Tuesday.
“We know a lot of people in that circle and it was really shocking,” she said.
Richards, who is friends with Loughlin, said her daughter Sophia, 19, is also close with the actress’ daughters Olivia Jade, 19, and Isabella Rose, 20.
“They are really great people,” she said. “I’m really so confused about all of this. Everyone is talking about it today, in our world and our circle. Until today, I had never heard this ever existed.”
RELATED: Lori Loughlin Said She Was a ‘Guiding Force’ for Her Daughters Before College Admissions Scandal
On Tuesday, Loughlin was among a list of 50 people who have been indicted as part of an alleged nationwide scheme, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts.
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“Dozens of individuals involved in a nationwide conspiracy that facilitated cheating on college entrance exams and the admission of students to elite universities as purported athletic recruits were arrested by federal agents in multiple states and charged in documents unsealed on March 12, 2019, in federal court in Boston,” the release said.
The indictment claimed Loughlin and husband Mossimo Giannulli “agreed to pay bribes totaling $500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters designated as recruits to the USC crew team — despite the fact that they did not participate in crew — thereby facilitating their admission to USC.”
Neither Olivia or Isabella are listed on the USC women’s rowing roster.
Loughlin’s rep has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
