Despite the stereotype that mob family members never talk out of turn, Victoria Gotti is speaking up about growing up in one of America's most infamous crime families. Not only that, she says that her late father "The Dapper Don" was fine with her writing about their family secrets.Gotti's new book, "This Family of Mine: What It Was Like Growing Up Gotti," chronicles her life as a Mafia princess, and she's talking to CBS's "48 Hours" on Saturday about her family.
She describes growing up in a life of luxury, though she had mixed feelings about the source of that luxury. She admits that she had a pretty good idea of what her dad -- late Gambino crime family boss John Gotti -- did for a living, including ordering the deaths of rivals.
Like Father, Like Son
The family is back in the news because Victoria's brother, John Gotti Jr., is on trial for the fourth time for crimes associated with his role as head of the Gambino family between 1993 and 2008. Gotti Jr. insists that he retired in 1999, and that the statute of limitations on his crimes has run out. Seven jurors on the case are said to have asked to be dismissed from the trial this past week, possibly out of fear of retribution.
Victoria, who's had some money trouble, will reportedly discuss her heartbreak over the crime legacy on "48 Hours." "My brother is not in that courtroom," she told CBS's Troy Roberts. "It is my father, always, all over again, day in, day out. It's not about what John [Jr.] did, is doing or will do. It's about John Gotti." She and two siblings talked to "48 Hours" in the hopes of helping clear their brother's name by showing the world they grew up in.
Victoria says the trial is part of what inspired her to finally write her life story, and that her father gave her his blessing to do so before his death in 2002. A Brother Lost
One of the more notable revelations in the book is Victoria's discussion of the disappearance of Gotti neighbor John Favara, who was involved in a car accident that killed Victoria's 12-year-old brother Frank in 1980. Four months after the incident, Favara was abducted in a van and never seen again.
Victoria admits that she initially demanded that her father seek vengeance, but that he insisted she accept that it was an accident. She vehemently denies that her father was involved in Favara's death, though she admits it's likely that someone in the Gambino crime family was responsible.
Scandal Overload?!
While we appreciate the candor, we've got to ask: How is any of this shocking, exactly? That John Gotti ran afoul of the law is not exactly news. (Back in the day, he was also known as the "Teflon Don" because it took four trials to convict him, despite mountains of evidence.) Any remaining doubts about his non-involvement were more or less put to bed when he was convicted on 13 counts including murder, loansharking, racketeering and tax evasion in 1992.
We feel a little sorry for her, though. If you're pushing a book about your life with an infamous father, this was a bad week to do it. Mackenzie Phillips' revelation about the 10-year affair she had with her dad sort of stole all the father-daughter thunder this week.
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Saturday 26 September
By turiddu
You are the tipical mainland italian racist. People like you act and think just like the KKK. What you fail to recognize is that your own kings were affiliated with the "mafia". Also, if it wasn't for us sicilians, Italy would still be a divided country.So, lets get to the point ,if we are not italians why don't you give us our own indepence .
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Saturday 26 September
By SARA
I love this family!!!!!! and i always used to watch the show and I want the show back!!!!!!!!!!
I wish John Gotti, Jr GOOD LUCK with his trial.
and i miss the GOTTI BOYS SOOOOO MUCHHHH....
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Sunday 27 September
By Dick Hurtz
ahhhh Sara I'll bet my life savings your a white trash skank
Sunday 27 September
By Dick Hurtz
You miss the gotti boys so much????? You fuckin loser. Oh and your the related to those scum bags and that fuckin whore? Are you the aunt that puts make up on those 3 little fuckin retards that ho had? Do you watch the gotti boys from your shit hole apartment or do you live in the basement of some loser relatives house? Did your cousin take you to the prom skank? I'll bet your pushing 250lbs with a huge fat ass......you know the brothers like that. Keep watching Jerry Springer cause you know your never going to have a pot to piss in SKANK.
Sunday 27 September
By Dick Hurtz
Oh yeah skank I bet you look like the back side of my balls. For the record whore I make $80k a year, company car and a $480k home that is now worth $300k. Your rents due in a couple of days retard. Make sure you hit up a relative for a loan cause unemployment aint cutting in. You aren't one of those white trash skank whores that pushing out one kid after another with the brothers are you? Go get your food stamps pig.
Saturday 26 September
By Laura
"and having heard many close to it all say that often they had a stronger code of ethics than the cops"
......................................................
What nonsense you spew. Only someone morally bankrupt would prefer the mafia to cops.
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Saturday 26 September
By neptune
Didn't you spell your name wrong? Shouldn't it be Dick Head instead? I bet you are a perfect work of art too aren't you? How does it feel to be superior stupid? You know most people that have problems of their own can easily say adverse things about others ......... Is your family as perfect as you are? Skank F**K
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Saturday 26 September
By waldo
WHAT AN UGLY BITCH
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Saturday 26 September
By kyleb
35 people who worked with or for the Clinton's while they were in Arkansas or the White house and 12 of their bodygaurds died mysterious deaths. these were people who could have testified against them.
Does anyone else notice how redfaced Bill is now? You think he may be drinking too much to ease his conscience?
Wonder when Chelsea is going to write her book. Of course some people wait until their father dies and can't defend himself. You think they might be out of drug money?
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Saturday 26 September
By jim
who givesa flying rats ass? she is hyping her book and looking for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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Saturday 26 September
By dpbeach03
The fact that someone thought it was a good idea to put a tv show on with these scumbags on the air about this family says volumes about how low we will reduce ourselves. If no one watched this garbage, they wouldn't have made a dime. Please keep tuning in to these trashy reality shows. Just make the stupid and rich, richer. Paris Hilton (and her new purse) probably has a new show, tune in! And the Dog,, and his lovely family. Keep supporting them! Keep watching.
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Saturday 26 September
By Sal
PEOPLE, PLEASE USE SPELL CHECK.
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Saturday 26 September
By ROSESKES
I read the Lemondrop article right after - as in, a few minutes after - watching the 48 Hours show. You wouldn't know that Lemondrop was talking about the show I'd just finished watching! Maybe 20% of Lemondrop's reporting is accurate as to what Victoria and her siblings said. You really can't trust the media; they put their own spin on everything. Rather than giving you information, they tell you what to believe.
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Saturday 26 September
By Anna
Hi, As a Italian America it is truly sad that w must B stereotyped, Mr Gotti was and always will B A RESPECTED MAN OF HONOR! 4 those of U who type up out and manipulate our heritage, SHAME ON U. We came 2 this country N worked like others, however U think Bcause we R Italian we represent your oppression look at U. Those of us that came here WORKED N STILL DO, NEVER do we disrespect U lazy Americans as we should. We work as a Family 2 provide 4 ALL.
Shame on ALL WHO MOCK OR DISRESPECT "MR. GOTTI" ... He worked N provided 4 his Family as ALL should do, NOT LAY ON YOUR A** N COLLECT.
I Stand Proud 4 my Heritage, shame on U STUGOTS. I dare U 2 stare real life N the eye... I say U last less than 1 minute U shameful Picoto"s...
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Sunday 27 September
By Cat
Really Sandy? Do you honestly believe that the people John Gotti, not Ghotti, killed were innocent? Like they did nothing wrong? I don't think he was going around killing people for the hell of it. And Victoria is doing as best she can as a mother not to bring her boys up like she was raised. Like you wouldn't love to reap the benefits of a dead father who left you millions. You have no idea, nor do I, what she has been through in her life. So for you to judge someone just on their father and a stupid reality show shows what a shallow, ignorant person you really are. I guess you're a bible beater who thinks you're perfect. So focus on yourself you stupid idiot, not on someone you know absolutely nothing about. And you say she'll get hers, trust me you'll get what's coming to you.
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Saturday 26 September
By Barb
After reading the horrible comments about victoria and her family I find it disgusting. No one can help what a parent does and then she and the rest have to live with it and sufer the consequences of the remains. As far has John G dying of throat cancer, no one deserves to die of cancer.
sandy you are a real true hater in the full essence of the word and should take the hate and venom you spew and cleanse your mouth. Vic is a Mother and her sons are doing the right thing to end the pattern.
Let it go. Bless you Victoria and everyone forgets, you worked and had a job to help yourself.
This is from a white Italian--you are a bunch of idiots. Italians ROCK
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Monday 28 September
By Lynn
I would appreciate expressing my perspective on Sandy's comments. AS a struggling Catholic, I see things differently. Forgive me if I offend anyone, but it is my belief that we are called to love and leave judgment to God.
John Gotti, suffered terribly, BUT he reminds me of the Thief on the Cross next to Jesus during his last days and moments- He knew all the errors, decisions and mistakes he had done in his life and the wrongs he had committed. Therefore, he took his suffering without complaining- knowing in the end, it was just and hopefully a way of bringing him closer to God.
Again, remember the Thief on the Cross who in Luke 23:40-42
"Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong" And he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom: And then Jesus went on to say, "truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
That criminal on the cross, had a repentent heart and took his condemnation as just and right. My belief and hope is that John Gotti did the same. We NEVER hear of him complaining, and he suffered and I believe that is a man with a repentent heart. My hope is that Victoria Gotti & family will find peace and less judgmental people-
thank you,
lynn27
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Saturday 26 September
By Tony
United States government is the real Mafia! Just open your eyes and you will see, they shake you down with taxes, and killing, they do that on a daily basis.
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Sunday 27 September
By Cat
And another thing Sandy! I've never left a comment or blogged in my life. For you to take that much time out of your life to leave a two page blog to someone you know nothing about shows how very pitiful and dull your life really is. Go out and make some friends loser.
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Sunday 27 September
By Ann
Victoria, i guess your money problems have brought you to desperation where you will now tell deep family secrets. i think it is very sad. With all the people you know through your father, for you to resort to this type or writing brings you to the level of your arch enemy Sammy the RAT.. Lets not forget, if it wasn't for him your father may have died of cancer in a hospital, where he would have gotten the best treatment oppossed to being treated like an animal. You would have to rip out my tounge before I ever said a word about my father who is long gone and who also was a high ranking man in the family. I will take what I know to my grave and get myself a job and make my sons work instead of making them think they are princes.. its hard to believe your father gave you his blessing to become a RAT...
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