Introduction:
Joey Buttafuoco was once one of the most infamous figures in American pop culture. A New York body shop owner, he shot to media fame in the early 1990s when it was discovered that he had a sexual relationship with a then-16-year-old girl named Amy Fisher. Dubbed the “Long Island Lolita” by the press, Fisher shot Buttafuoco’s wife in the head in 1992. In the years since, Buttafuoco’s public presence has dwindled, leading many to wonder: just how much is he worth these days? In this post, we’ll explore the shocking truth behind Joey Buttafuoco’s net worth.
Section 1 – Early Life and Career:
Joey Buttafuoco was born on March 11, 1956, in New York City. After serving in the Marines and working in his father’s auto repair shop, he opened his own body shop in Massapequa, Long Island, in 1981. By the mid-1980s, he had built a thriving business with a loyal customer base – including many celebrities. Between his shop and his sideline as an amateur boxer, Buttafuoco was doing well for himself.
Section 2 – The Amy Fisher Scandal:
Everything changed for Buttafuoco in 1992 with the emergence of the Amy Fisher scandal. Fisher, who had been a customer at Buttafuoco’s shop, began a sexual relationship with him when she was just 16 years old. When Fisher’s attempts to end the relationship failed, she famously shot Buttafuoco’s wife, Mary Jo, in the head. Mary Jo survived the attack but was left with permanent disabilities. Although Buttafuoco was not charged in the shooting, he pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape and spent four months in jail.
Section 3 – Life After the Scandal:
In the years following the Amy Fisher scandal, Buttafuoco’s public persona underwent a radical shift. Once seen as a successful businessman, he became a pariah in the eyes of many. Despite occasional attempts to stay in the public eye – including a stint on reality TV show “Celebrity Boxing” and an ill-fated bid for public office – Buttafuoco has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the mid-1990s.
Section 4 – Joey Buttafuoco’s Net Worth:
So just how much is Joey Buttafuoco worth? According to Celebrity Net Worth, Buttafuoco’s current net worth is estimated to be around $800,000. This figure may seem surprisingly low, given Buttafuoco’s notoriety in the 1990s, but it reflects the fact that he has largely been out of the public eye for the past two decades.
Section 5 – The Value of Infamy:
It’s worth noting that while Buttafuoco’s net worth may be relatively modest, his name still carries a certain cultural cachet. Indeed, his relationship with Amy Fisher and the events that followed have been dramatized in numerous films and TV shows. So while Buttafuoco may not be a millionaire, his infamy has certainly had some value.
Section 6 – Lives of the Rich and Infamous:
It’s also worth considering how Buttafuoco’s net worth compares to other infamous figures from the past. For example, White House intern Monica Lewinsky, whose relationship with President Bill Clinton led to his impeachment, is estimated to have a net worth of around $1.5 million. Meanwhile, Casey Anthony – a Florida woman who was acquitted of charges that she murdered her young daughter – is rumored to have made as much as $400,000 from interviews and appearances after the trial.
Section 7 – The Cost of Notoriety:
For all the supposed value of infamy, it’s worth considering the tangible costs that can come along with it. Buttafuoco’s life was upended by the Amy Fisher scandal, and he paid a heavy price both personally and professionally. While it’s impossible to put a price tag on those intangible losses, they’re a reminder that notoriety can come with a high cost.
Section 8 – Reflections on Joey Buttafuoco’s Worth:
In the end, the question of how much Joey Buttafuoco is worth is a difficult one to answer. While his net worth may seem low given his notoriety, his experience provides a cautionary tale about the costs of fame – and infamy. As much as we may be fascinated by the lives of the rich and infamous, it’s important to remember that their value as human beings can’t be reduced to a dollar amount.
Conclusion:
Joey Buttafuoco went from a successful business owner to a national scandal in the 1990s. Buttafuoco’s net worth is currently estimated to be around $800,000. While that may seem low given his infamy, it’s worth noting that the cost of that notoriety was high for Buttafuoco. In the end, his story serves as a reminder that there’s more to life than financial worth – and that sometimes the price of fame is too high to bear.
FAQs:
1. Did Joey Buttafuoco go to jail?
Yes, Buttafuoco pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape and spent four months in jail.
2. What happened to Joey Buttafuoco’s wife?
Buttafuoco’s wife, Mary Jo, was shot in the head by Amy Fisher in 1992. She survived the attack but was left with permanent disabilities.
3. How much is Joey Buttafuoco worth?
Buttafuoco’s current net worth is estimated to be around $800,000.
4. What happened to Amy Fisher?
Fisher served seven years in prison for the shooting of Mary Jo Buttafuoco. After her release, she became a pornographic actress and later embarked on a career as a writer and journalist.
5. Does Joey Buttafuoco still work as a body shop owner?
It’s unclear if Buttafuoco still runs a body shop. However, he has not been in the public eye much in recent years.