Here’s Why Teresa Giudice Quit ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’ Over Daughter Gia Giudice

Teresa Giudice isn’t letting anything get in the way of her namaste—even if that means leaving a grueling military-style challenge behind. The Real Housewives of New Jersey star became the second celebrity to quit Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test during the intense Fox reality competition series’ Oct. 2 episode, proving that family comes first.

On day two of season four, the 17 remaining recruits faced one of the toughest tasks yet: milling, a physical combat exercise in which two opponents punch each other in the head for a set time to test courage and endurance. When it was time for Teresa’s daughter, Gia Giudice, to face off against former U.S. soccer pro Christie Pearce Rampone, Teresa made the difficult decision to step away.

“I’m withdrawing,” the 53-year-old announced mid-exercise. “I can’t see you fight. You got this. Love you guys.”

In a confessional, Teresa explained her choice. “I’m not a quitter, but it’s going to be hard for me to not be able to step in if Gia’s in a vulnerable position. I just want to protect her.”

Gia, 24, proved she could hold her own, weaving and jabbing against Christie with skill. The show’s training directors even described the stars’ efforts as “valiant.” Yet the separation from her mom hit hard.

“Part of me wants to go,” Gia admitted, “but part of me is like, ‘Don’t do that.'” She added that her family’s past trauma—her parents’ prison sentences for fraud and tax crimes—made the moment even more emotionally charged. “My family trauma growing up was my parents went away for a little bit. So, I think that is my one trigger.”

Teresa wasn’t the only Real Housewives alum to leave on day two. Eva Marcille also struggled during the milling challenge, choosing to skip the exercise entirely. Trainer Mark Billingham quickly noticed, telling his fellow directors, “Number 15, I don’t think she’s in a place for us to take forward. For her own safety really and for the course integrity.”

Mark then addressed Eva directly: “I’ve watched you close. The course is gonna go like that. Physically and mentally and for your safety, I don’t believe it’s for you. And now, I’m going to take your armband. Do you understand what I’m telling you? Get off the course.”

With Teresa and Eva out, 15 celebrities remain in the competition. Fans can catch the rest of the action when Special Forces: World’s Toughest Teseresa Giudice leaves Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test to support daughter Gia during the grueling milling challenge. See why family came first for the RHONJ star. airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Fox.