Mario Lopez Weighs In on College Admissions Scam: ‘It’s an Unfortunate Story’

Everyone makes mistakes. Mario Lopez is the latest celebrity to weigh in on the college admissions scandal, which he describes to Us Weekly as an “unfortunate story.” The 45-year-old went on to explain that the shocking scam may have taught society a lesson: “it’s unfortunate, but I think at the end of the day, [there is] awareness that it brought to the bigger issue with what’s going on as far as the admissions themselves. And I think [it] brought to light a very important topic, and so the positive is maybe it could open some eyes and maybe some things will change.” The Extra host also showed compassion to Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, who were both arrested in connection with the bribery scam. “I happen to know Felicity and Lori, and the people involved are nice people,” he confessed.

Lori, 54, and Felicity, 56, were just two among many who were charged on March 12 for allegedly paying William Rick Singer, the owner of a for-profit Newport Beach College Admission company, to help their children cheat on standardized tests and college entrance exams, and get falsely recruited as athletes so they could get accepted into top-notch universities.

The Fuller House actress and her husband Mossimo Giannulli, were indicted on March 12, after they allegedly “agreed to pay bribes totaling 500,000 in exchange for having their two daughters [20-year-old daughter Isabella and 19-year-old daughter Olivia] designated as recruits to the USC crew team — despite the fact that they did not participate in crew — thereby facilitating their admission to USC.” Meanwhile, the Desperate Housewives alum made a “’charitable contribution of $15,000, to participate in a college entrance exam cheating scheme,” on behalf of her and William H Macy’s eldest daughter, Sofia.

Mario, who currently has two children with his wife Courtney Mazza, went on to explain that the reason behind the scandal had everything to do with a parent wanting what’s best for their children. “Sometimes, nice people make mistakes and do tough stuff,” he said. “You know, as a parent, you want to do anything for your kid, but sometimes that can get a little cloudy … The whole ordeal I think was just sort of shocking to hear. … I like them a lot, and it’s sad to hear, and I know they’re going through it. So God bless them and their families.”

As for relationships, well Lori and her daughters do not seem to be speaking at the moment. A source told Us Weekly on March 28 that “Olivia has been staying with her boyfriend in Malibu and that she is not talking to her parents right now,”

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Many fellow Hollywood stars immediately mocked and poked fun after the two actresses were charged, including Chrissy Teigen, Oliva Munn, and Lena Dunham. On Wednesday, March 13, Chrissy, 33,  tweeted a photo which showed her face and John Legend‘s face photoshopped onto professional soccer players, with the caption: “Does this look real? We are trying to get into Harvard,” Ouch!

Hey, at least some people in the industry have the high-profile actress’ back! The Saved By The Bell alum truly seems to understand where the two were coming from … a little. “I think there is no blueprint or guidelines if you try to come from a place of love, and you figure you can’t go wrong. So that’s what I try to do — try to come from a place of love — and you have a good support system, and you do your best. That’s all you can do. Sure, everyone makes mistakes along the way.”

Lori and Felicity were last spotted arriving at their scheduled court appearance on April 3, in Boston. Lori had a warm welcome to the state on April 2, by fans who continued to embrace her with hugs and love as she signed autographs with a wide smile.