Lori Loughlin & Mossimo Giannulli Separate After 27 Years of Marriage

For nearly three decades, actress Lori Loughlin and fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli were fixtures in Hollywood’s elite circles, a couple who weathered both glamorous highs and scandalous lows. But after 27 years of marriage, their union has come to an unexpected pause. On October 2, multiple outlets confirmed that the pair have separated, with Loughlin’s representative telling People magazine that they are “living apart and taking a break” from their marriage. Importantly, the source added that no legal proceedings have been filed at this time, suggesting that divorce is not yet on the table.

The announcement marks the end of an era for the duo, whose relationship began in the mid-1990s and produced two daughters, Isabella Rose and Olivia Jade. Beyond their family life, Lori and Mossimo were united in both triumphs and controversies—most notably the college admissions scandal of 2019, known publicly as Operation Varsity Blues, which dramatically shifted the trajectory of their careers and reputations.

This separation, though shocking, is also layered with history, resilience, and the weight of public scrutiny that few marriages could withstand.

From Red Carpets to Domestic Life

Lori Loughlin rose to fame as the wholesome “Aunt Becky” on Full House, an iconic sitcom that remains etched in pop culture history. Her career in television stretched across decades, cementing her as a household name and a face synonymous with family-friendly programming. Mossimo Giannulli, on the other hand, carved his legacy in the fashion world. As the founder of the clothing brand Mossimo, he transformed it into a powerhouse label, eventually selling it to Iconix Brand Group.

The couple’s worlds collided in the mid-1990s. After meeting, their relationship progressed quickly, leading to their wedding in 1997. Over the years, they built a home life that many admired: raising daughters Isabella and Olivia, attending Hollywood events, and maintaining a seemingly unshakable bond.

From the outside, they were the picture of stability—an actress balancing career and motherhood, and a designer with business acumen and style. Yet, as history has shown, appearances often mask challenges lurking beneath the surface.

Building a Family

For Lori and Mossimo, family life was always at the forefront. They welcomed their first daughter, Isabella Rose, in 1998, and their second, Olivia Jade, in 1999. Both daughters grew up in privilege, surrounded by the influence of Hollywood and fashion.

Isabella pursued acting briefly, though she remained largely out of the spotlight compared to her parents. Olivia Jade, however, became a social media force. As a beauty and lifestyle YouTuber, she attracted millions of followers, brand sponsorships, and the aura of influencer fame.

The family was often seen together at red carpet events, projecting unity and glamour. But the same privilege that afforded them luxury would eventually play a central role in the scandal that shook the entire household.

Operation Varsity Blues: The Scandal That Changed Everything

In March 2019, federal prosecutors unveiled Operation Varsity Blues, a sweeping investigation into a college admissions fraud scheme involving wealthy families and elite universities. Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli quickly became two of the most recognizable faces associated with the scandal.

According to prosecutors, the couple paid $500,000 to William “Rick” Singer, the mastermind behind the scheme, to falsely designate their daughters as recruits for USC’s crew team. Neither Isabella nor Olivia participated in competitive rowing, but the fabricated athletic profiles helped secure their admission to the university.

The fallout was swift and unforgiving. Both Lori and Mossimo were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. As the case unfolded, public opinion was split between outrage at the abuse of privilege and sympathy for a family caught in the crossfire of systemic inequity.

By 2020, the couple pleaded guilty. Mossimo was sentenced to five months in prison, while Lori served two months. The convictions left an indelible stain on their reputations, leading to Lori’s removal from Hallmark Channel projects and casting doubt on Olivia Jade’s influencer career.

Weathering the Storm

The scandal tested their marriage in ways few could imagine. Yet at the time, Lori and Mossimo presented a united front. Together, they faced court appearances, sentencing, and the brutal public scrutiny that came with being central figures in a nationwide scandal.

When Lori was released from prison in December 2020, reports suggested she was eager to move forward with her family, focusing on rebuilding her career and supporting her daughters. Mossimo completed his sentence in April 2021, and the couple was spotted enjoying vacations and public outings in the years that followed.

Observers noted their resilience—how, despite a devastating scandal, they stayed together when many expected them to fracture. Their marriage appeared to survive the unthinkable.

The Announcement of Separation

That makes the October 2 confirmation of their separation all the more surprising. A representative for Loughlin revealed that the two are not pursuing divorce but are currently “living apart” while taking space from each other.

The representative emphasized that no legal proceedings are in motion, suggesting this could be a temporary break rather than an irrevocable split. Still, after 27 years of marriage, the decision to separate signals profound shifts in their relationship.

For fans who watched them endure public trials and prison sentences, the news raises questions: If they could withstand scandal, what drove them to separate now?

Behind the Break: Possible Factors

While neither Lori nor Mossimo has spoken directly about the reasons for their separation, several possible factors emerge when considering their history and circumstances.

Lingering Impact of the Scandal
Even years after serving their sentences, the college admissions scandal continues to define public perception of the couple. The pressure of being remembered primarily for wrongdoing may have weighed heavily on their marriage.

Rebuilding Individual Lives
Post-scandal, both Lori and Mossimo pursued paths of personal reinvention. Lori returned to acting with small roles and sought to reclaim her professional identity. Mossimo, after stepping away from his brand years earlier, kept a lower profile. Diverging goals may have created distance.

Empty Nest Dynamics
With daughters Isabella and Olivia now adults, Lori and Mossimo entered a new phase of life. The transition from active parenting to empty-nest living can strain couples, as shared responsibilities fade and differences become more pronounced.

Public Scrutiny Fatigue
Living under constant public judgment—from tabloids to social media—can create ongoing stress. Privacy may have been difficult to maintain, making it harder for them to nurture their bond.

The Daughters’ Perspective

Isabella and Olivia, now in their twenties, have also been affected by their parents’ choices and the scandal that defined their late teens.

Olivia, in particular, became a lightning rod for criticism. Her YouTube career nearly collapsed after the scandal, though she has since returned with cautious optimism, speaking candidly about lessons learned. Appearing on Red Table Talk in 2020, she acknowledged her family’s privilege and sought to rebuild trust with her audience.

Isabella has remained more private, though she has occasionally posted glimpses of family life on social media.

As their parents separate, the sisters may once again find themselves caught between public scrutiny and private pain.

Hollywood’s Reaction

The news of Lori and Mossimo’s separation has prompted widespread reaction in Hollywood and beyond. Some observers view it as a natural outcome of years of stress, while others are surprised that a couple who endured a federal scandal could not maintain their relationship long term.

Colleagues in the industry have expressed sympathy, noting that long-term marriages—especially in Hollywood—face unique pressures.

Lori’s Career: A Path Forward

In recent years, Lori has been cautiously reestablishing her career. After completing her prison sentence, she returned to acting with a role in When Hope Calls Christmas in 2021. While she has not regained the prolific roles of her Hallmark heyday, she continues to express interest in working again.

Her separation from Mossimo could symbolize a fresh chapter—not just personally, but professionally. Free from the shadow of scandal’s immediate aftermath, she may find new opportunities to reshape her public identity.

Mossimo’s Next Moves

Mossimo, by contrast, has remained quieter since his release from prison. While once a high-profile fashion figure, he has largely stepped away from the spotlight. The separation may offer him a chance to refocus on personal endeavors, away from the glare of celebrity culture.

Marriage, Privilege, and Public Perception

The separation of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli is not just a story about two individuals. It reflects broader questions about privilege, accountability, and resilience in the face of public scandal.

Their marriage became a symbol—of both the allure of celebrity life and the pitfalls of entitlement. For years, they embodied Hollywood glamour. After the scandal, they embodied its flaws. Now, their separation reminds the world that even the most enduring partnerships are vulnerable to change.

Looking Ahead

It remains unclear whether Lori and Mossimo’s separation will be permanent. For now, the absence of divorce filings suggests that reconciliation is still possible. Couples who have shared nearly three decades of life together do not part lightly, and the door to reconciliation may remain open.

Still, their decision marks a poignant moment: the unraveling of a marriage once defined by endurance through scandal. For their daughters, their careers, and their public legacies, the separation represents both an ending and a potential new beginning.

Closing Thoughts

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli’s separation after 27 years underscores the fragility of relationships—even those that survive immense public challenges. From red carpets to courtrooms, from family milestones to federal prison sentences, they shared experiences that few couples could imagine.

Now, as they step into separate lives, their story continues to resonate as a reflection of love, resilience, scandal, and the enduring complexities of human relationships.