Deena Cortese is opening up about her 1-year-old son CJ’s foot abnormality for the first time after the Jersey Shore star revealed she’s been criticized by mom shamers for not putting the little boy in shoes. Sharing an explanation of his metatarsus adductus in a note to her Instagram grid Tuesday, Cortese revealed just how the negative messages have affected her as a new mom.
“I’ve been getting a lot of messages about CJs feet, how he walks and other mothers ridiculing me for not putting shoes on him at 1 years old,” she began. “Please before messaging me telling me what I should do or asking and making comments about why he’s not wearing shoes, maybe ask if I’ve already looked into what you see could be wrong, because more than likely I have.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
“Anything you guys notice about my son, I most likely noticed it before anyone else,” she continued. “I just didn’t think it was necessary to let anyone know why his feet went the way they do or the reason he’s not wearing shoes.”
Saying she does “appreciate” the messages from concerned followers, Cortese advise they approach her “asking and not telling,” as the latter “doesn’t make a mother feel great.”
Explaining further that CJ will be getting night braces soon to correct the common foot abnormality, Cortese said of his diagnosis, “He’s had it since he was born but we noticed it at 10 months when he started walking.”
“The doctor says it’s common and we’ve been on top of it,” the Jersey Shore Family Vacation star added. “Unfortunately his right foot has an extreme case and he literally can not get a shoe on. That is why CJ isn’t in shoes and just socks and booties.”
The MTV star got immediate support from friend and co-star Jenni “JWoww” Farley, whose 3-year-old son Greyson was diagnosed with autism in 2018.
“I’m sorry Deena,” she commented. “You are an incredible mother. Always putting CJ first and I know how hard this has been for you.”
“How people choose to ‘voice their concern’ is a reflection on them. Not you,” she continued. “Keep being the amazing mom you are.”
Photo credit: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
More Reality
-
Photo by Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images -
Mel B at the "America's Got Talent" Season 21 Red Carpet held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 24, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images) -
“Reverse the Curse” – Back from tribal, tensions rise following the exit of a particularly historic player. The final five immunity challenge ends in a showdown and features one of the closest finishes the show has ever seen. Jeff reveals the outcomes of the remaining in-game fan votes and how they impact the final stage of the competition. Then, one castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $2 million prize, during the three-hour live season finale, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, May 20 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured: Aubry Bracco Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
“A Side Dish of Chaos” – One castaway comes clean to the tribe about a previously deceptive move. The crowd favorite SURVIVOR auction returns, with an extra special season 50 spin. Chaos ensues when social media icon MrBeast arrives on the scene, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, April 29 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: West Wilson, Amanda Batula and Jesse Solomon attend Bravo's "Summer House" Season 10 at 92NY on January 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) -
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 22: (L-R) Colin Dooley and Baylen Dupree attend the FYC screening of TLC's "Baylen Out Loud" at Pacific Design Center on April 22, 2025 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for TLC)
