Luis has fired back a response after a lawyer alleged he hacked computers in a bombshell lawsuit
Luis “Louie” Ruelas’ battle against his ex-fiancée, Vanessa Reiser, has gotten nasty as he has responded to a new lawsuit filed in February.
In the lawsuit, lawyer Kevin S. Johnson and his firm Johnson Litigation Group alleged Luis, 48, and private investigator Bo Dielt launched a “harassment and abuse” campaign against Vanessa.
In court documents exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, Luis, Bo and the other defendants filed their answer on April 18, along with counterclaims, denying the plaintiffs’ claims about hacking computers to dig up dirt on his ex.
The New York-based law firm and lawyer were witnesses in his former fiancée Vanessa’s request for a permanent restraining order against him.
Luis, Teresa’s husband, filed his counterclaim on Thursday due to his belief that Johnson and his firm used “unlawful and egregious misconduct” and “breached their ethical obligations,” as well as “slandered” him and caused him to suffer “significant harm.”
In the filing, the entrepreneur alleges Vanessa, a licensed psychotherapist, was essentially gossiping to cast members to use against him and Teresa, 51.
While details aren’t mentioned about the information, he accuses her of working with the cast to cause drama.
“Ruelas believed Reiser was disclosing confidential information to patients and cast members of Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) to use against him and his wife, in an attempt to bolster the colloque of the show and continue the relentless campaign of harassment, despite existing orders precluding this type of conduct,” the filing states.
As RHONJ fans are aware, the cast has separate camps – referred to as “Team Teresa” and “Team Melissa” – ever since the sisters-in-law had another falling out in season 13 of the show.
While Teresa is best friends with Jennifer Aydin, she also has rekindled her friendship with Jackie Goldschneider.
Meanwhile, Melissa Gorga is close with Margaret Josephs and Rachel Fuda.
Danielle Cabral appears to “switch teams” this season after having a “big fight” with Jennifer.
And Dolores Catania, for her part, is “Switzerland,” befriending both Teresa and Melissa.
It is not clear at this time if the alleged “leaked information” will be brought up in the new season premiering on May 5, especially following the explosive reunion.
Cast members alleged Luis hired Bo to investigate them, which is something he has denied on TV even after the cast brought “receipts.”
However, Luis’ financial struggles were teased in the season 14 trailer.
SPEAKING THE TRUTH
In the court docs, Luis admitted that, as part of his investigation into Vanessa’s alleged misconduct, “investigators attended therapy sessions with Reiser to gain first-hand knowledge of Reiser’s improprieties and violations of both ethical and legal conduct.”
He also claimed that Johnson fabricated emails “under fake names/personas” to “damage Ruelas’ chances in the court of law, stir controversy, and create reality TV content.”
The names of the cast members who allegedly received Luis’ confidential information have not been namedCredit: Instagram/melissagorga
He goes on to claim that Johnson and Reiser had a “peculiar interest in certain RHONJ cast members” as well as they had an “obsession with Ruelas and RHONJ.”
“The court found that Johnson had a bizarre infatuation with the cast members of RHONJ; that of which is upon information and belief the basis for the continued media blitz and false and misleading statements made therein,” he continues.
‘DAMAGED’ REPUTATION
Luis alleged Johnson sent confidential emails to his adversary knowing it would damage him “both economically and personally” as well as “make for good Reality TV.”
He claimed that his reputation has been “damaged beyond repair” as he operates “a company on a global scale” and said that potential clients have read material on the Internet.
In the court docs, he further argued that he “suffered economic injury and mental anguish,” such as losing his job, and “multiple business opportunities.”
He goes on to say that he’s suffered more damages including incurring attorney’s fees and costs, and suffered “humiliation, severe anxiety, and emotional distress.”
Luis previously revealed to Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that he was “let go” from his company “from all the negative stuff that came up in the press because of my exes out there.”
However, Luis recently helped launch Vinivia, an interactive live streaming app, which The U.S. Sun was told he’s an independent contractor for and is helping the company by providing services.
SEEKING JUSTICE
Luis’ ex was denied a restraining order against the businessman in October 2023 when a New Jersey judge ruled in his favor.
“The court not only dismissed Ms. Reiser’s complaint and denied her application for a permanent restraining order, but also found that she was ‘obsessed’ with Mr. Ruelas, continuously bothering he and his family,” Luis’ attorney said at the time.
“In essence, the court held that the filing of the restraining order was akin to a publicity stunt.”
When it comes to this new lawsuit, Luis is not backing down.
His counterclaim is for breach of implied covenant of trust and confidence; negligence; Res Ispa Loquitor; abuse of process; declaratory judgment against Johnson; Libel Per Se and violation of Judiciary Law 487.
He is asking the court award him punitive damages “in an amount to be determined at trial, but in no event less than [$]5,000,000,” plus attorneys’ fees.
In a statement to The U.S. Sun, his lawyer Jeremy Iandolo said, “The relentless and baseless assaults by Johnson towards my client Ruelas have inflicted significant harm, both economic and emotionally.
“As such, we refuse to halt our defense and will continue our attack until Mr. Ruelas is fully vindicated, made whole and can live his life in peace, free from unwarranted attacks of Johnson and Reiser, whom seem more interested in pursuing their own distorted version of fame.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Kevin Johnson and Vanessa Reiser’s attorney for comment.
