Felicity Huffman is addressing her involvement in the high-profile college admissions scandal Operation Varsity Blues for the first time. The scandal, which was revealed in 2019, led to Huffman serving 11 days in prison.
Huffman admitted to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest service mail fraud after working with college-admission consultant Rick Singer to manipulate her daughter’s SAT scores. Singer had orchestrated a system of bribery and fraud to help wealthy parents improve their children’s college admission prospects. Singer was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for his actions, while actress Lori Loughlin, another Hollywood star, was also arrested and sentenced to two months in prison for her involvement.
In an interview with ABC7, Huffman expressed that she felt she needed to secure her daughter’s future, leading her to break the law.
Huffman mentioned that Singer’s name was highly recommended to her and that she initially did not realize his plans involved illegal activities.
The FBI investigated the operation and filed federal charges against 33 parents, including Huffman, who participated in the scheme.
Huffman is now speaking out to draw attention to A New Way of Life, a women’s nonprofit where she completed her court-ordered community service hours. After serving her time, Huffman continued to volunteer at the organization and joined the board of directors. A New Way of Life provides assistance to women struggling after incarceration with housing, legal services, workforce and education development, and advocacy.
Founder Susan Burton shared that Huffman took an active role in the organization, contributing by organizing closets and donations and creating exercise classes for the women.
Huffman’s interview can be watched below.