'Auntie Christ,' Nephew Declare Love for Each Other After Hug Suit

Jennifer Connell, 54, who has been dubbed the “Auntie Christ” by the New York media, appeared on the Today Show Thursday morning with her now famous nephew, Sean Tarala, 12.

For those who missed the story, which went viral this week, Connell, of Manhattan, sued her nephew, who at the age of 8 enthusiastically greeted her by jumping into her arms.

As a result of Sean’s enthusiasm, Connell fell and broke her wrist and racked up significant medical bills. Four years later, Connell sued her nephew, who lives in Westport, Conn.

A Bridgeport, Conn., jury took just 25 minutes to award Connell nothing this week.

Many observers assumed Connell would be ostracized by her family and banned from Thanksgiving dinners for life.

Well, think again.

Connell and Sean appeared jointly on the Today Show Thursday morning where they openly declared their love for one another and said the whole ordeal was a misunderstanding.

Connell said she was told she couldn’t directly sue the insurance company in Connecticut to recoup medical expenses and that is why she listed her nephew as the defendant.

She insisted it was all a technicality and in the end the homeowner’s insurance and not her nephew would have paid the settlement if the jury sided with her.

“We love each other very much,” Connell told The Today Show.

“She would never do anything to hurt myself or my family, she loves me,” Sean added.

Connell said she’s amazed by the negative reaction she’s received and is in “complete shock.” She said the firestorm of negative comments she’s received have been “heartbreaking and painful.”

Sean said people didn’t know what they were talking about. Connell said she was never comfortable suing her nephew.

“It hasn’t been a pleasant experience,” Connell added.

“I love her, and she loves me,” Sean said as the interview ended.

Photo credit: Screenshot via Today Show video