Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin’s Families Are ‘Devastated’ Amid College Admissions Scandal (Exclusive)

The country is still buzzing over the news that Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman allegedly took part in a scheme to help buy their kids places at elite universities under false pretenses, according to court documents. And now, because of all this chaos, both actresses’ families have been greatly impacted.

“Both families are devastated,” a source exclusively told Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, on newsstands now. “Getting arrested is the last thing they ever imagined. They’re trying to justify it as something any parent would do for their child, but there’s no denying they went way too far.” Dr. Melanie Greenberg, a clinical psychologist in Mill Valley, California, also exclusively told Closer just how much this can hurt the children involved. “The message that results matter and that ethics and values don’t matter isn’t a good life lesson,” she said.

An insider also added that both actresses are due back in court this month. “They’re hopeful they’ll avoid prison and only pay a fine, but it’s all up in the air,” the source said. “The shame of this has clearly rocked their world.”

On March 12, news broke that both stars were allegedly two of about 50 wealthy people who have been indicted in a nationwide college admissions cheating scandal. Court documents obtained by ABC News revealed that the Desperate Housewives alum, 56, — who is a mom to daughters Sofia Grace Macy, 18, and Georgia Grace Macy, 16, with famous husband William H. Macy — allegedly “made a purported charitable contribution of $15,000 … to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme on behalf of her eldest daughter.” The documents also alleged that Felicity “later made arrangements to pursue the scheme a second time, for her younger daughter, before deciding not to do so.”

As for the Full House alum, 54, and mom to Isabella Rose Giannulli, 20, and Olivia Jade Giannulli, 19, with fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli, she allegedly “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.” A source recently revealed to Entertainment Tonight how Lori’s kids have been doing after everything went down.

“Olivia and Bella are both devastated by what’s happened,” the insider told the outlet. “It’s been mortifying and frightening for them. They love their parents dearly and realize they only wanted the best for them but they are starting to realize how very serious the charges [against] their parents are at their expense.” The source added that the two sisters “never expected their parents to be charged for any crime, let alone one related to them.”

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