Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Ruth Madoff May Finally Be Dumping Bernie


By

Jen Chung

Published Aug 15, 2011

Modified Aug 15, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Bernard, Ruth and Mark Madoff

 


By

Jen Chung

Published Aug 15, 2011

Modified Aug 15, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Has Ruth Madoff finally decided that loyalty to her imprisoned, multi-billion dollar Ponzi-scheming husband is less important than a relationship with her son? The Daily Mail says that she hasn't been to the federal prison in North Carolina to visit Bernard Madoff for six months because "she allegedly seeks reconciliation with her son," Andrew. The Madoffs' other son Mark killed himself last year, apparently distraught over the fallout from his father's scheme and its effect on his own life.

NY Times reporter Diana Henriques, who wrote a book about Madoff's scheme, The Wizard of Lies (she interviewed Bernie in prison), says, "Ruth has not seen Bernie since Mark's suicide and I think the remnants of the family will now pull together. Ruth visiting him in prison was a major impediment to her being reconciled with them." In fact, Ruth Madoff was reportedly turned away from Mark Madoff's memorial service.

Ruth Madoff has had to downgrade from her fancy, Ponzi-ful lifestyle that included a Park Avenue duplex and vacation homes in Palm Beach and Montauk. Now, she's living in Florida, with dyed red hair, and buying her own groceries. She's even taken the F train.

Tagged

Andrew Madoff

Bernard Madoff

Mark Madoff

ponzi scheme

Ruth Madoff

suicide


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

After being booed at integration forum, NYC chancellor praised by school parent leaders

Recent meetings hint at brewing clashes over education.

By

Jessica Gould

Published Oct 28, 2026 at 2:24 p.m. ET


Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says

Officials say the batteries have caused more than 400 fires across the city this year.

By

Catalina Gonella

News

Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says

Officials say the batteries have caused more than 400 fires across the city this year.

By

Catalina Gonella


'If this is what you want': East Village board halts vote on Tompkins Square overhaul

By

Willow Higgins

60K runners, 2.5 million fans: NYPD promises tight security for NYC Marathon

By

Brittany Kriegstein

Early Addition: Errol Morris has an Elizabeth Holmes interview in the chamber

By

James Ramsay


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .