Drita From Mob Wives Shot Scenes for Her Reality Show on Staten Island While Volunteers Cleaned Up

Staten Island has been hit very hard by Hurricane Sandy, but on Friday, volunteers showed up to help. Drita D’Avanzo of the reality show Mob Wives, also showed up, camera crew in tow. One volunteer and witness tells the Observer:

“So she walked up and volunteers thought it was another news crew filming people helping out. ” the volunteer said, providing a photo of the occasion. “But then a boom mike lurked over our heads. Notice in the picture everyone turning their backs on her and walking away. She was not well received and was able to clear a hot coffee stand on a cold day in 2 seconds.”

Is it insensitive to show up with your reality show crew when people have no where to live? Well, Drita is trying to help: She set up a “Sandy’s Aftermath” crowdfund, where so far, about $1700 out of $10K has been raised.
She also claims to be holding a fundraiser:

After the storm, she also tweeted:

Seems like her heart is in the right place, it’s just strange to think of victims of flooding and disaster turning up in the background of a trashy TV show. But the producers argue that you gotta keep it “real” in a reality show:

Jenn Graziano, of Just Jenn Productions, a producer of Mob Wives, said the show has taken steps to ensure they are not interfering with those affected by the storm. However, they didn’t want to ignore the situation on Staten Island.

“This tragedy is a part of the reality these women are experiencing, and we can’t ignore it. We are working carefully not to intrude or interfere with anyone,” Ms. Graziano said. “But we do want to show what’s happened on Staten Island through the eyes of all of our cast members who are all out trying to help their neighbors through this difficult time.”

Mob Wives Star Crashes Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort [Observer]