The Real Housewives Blog: October 2014

Thursday, October 30, 2014

"The Real" Interviews Amber Marchese

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

"Entertainment Tonight" Interviews Heather Thomson

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

"The Real" Interviews Lisa Vanderpump

Monday, October 27, 2014

Jacqueline Laurita Confirms 'RHONJ' Return, Hints About Reconciling With Dina Manzo

RadarOnline.com:

Could the ice finally be melting between Jacqueline Laurita and her estranged sister-in-law, Dina Manzo?

Following RadarOnline.com‘s exclusive October 22 report of the real reason that the two Real Housewives of New Jersey stars fell out on Season 1, it seems Laurita, 42, is intent on taking another stab at making amends.

“I’m happy in my life,” tweeted Laurita. “I have a lot of great things coming up. Those that want to be a part of my life can be there, those that don’t…k bye.”

She then followed up with a second message: “I welcome those that make an effort.”

Even Jacqueline’s 24-year-old daughter, Ashlee Holmes, got involved in on the action with an inspirational Instagram message posted a short time after her mom’s messages.

“An unresolved past never goes away until you find the courage to revisit all the pain and accept there’s nothing to do to change the past,” read the quote. “What’s happened has happened. And what’s done is done.”

“If I see a quote I like and it resonates with me in some way where I feel it helped me…I like to share it with all of you,” explained Holmes.

But just because the duo seems to be struggling to reach out and move on doesn’t mean they will sit back and let anyone, like 44-year-old Manzo, walk all over them.

“Life is too short to waste one single second with someone who doesn’t appreciate and value you,” read a message Laurita retweeted.

RELATED: Jacqueline Laurita Confirms ‘RHONJ’ Season Seven Return

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Bethenny Frankel's Estranged Husband Jason Hoppy Taking Her To Court To Stop Daughter Bryn From Appearing On ‘RHONY’

RadarOnline.com:

Bethenny Frankel returning to the Real Housewives of New York City is a done deal, but her decision means someone else is making a dramatic re-appearance — her estranged husband, Jason Hoppy!

RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal that Hoppy, 44, is expected to formally ask the judge handling their bitter divorce to prevent their 4-year-old daughter Bryn Hoppy from ever appearing on the Bravo reality show.

Frankel has already begun filming for the upcoming season of RHONYC, but “Jason isn’t thrilled with it because he knows Bethenny is going to get in numerous jabs about the divorce,” says the source.

While that is out of his control, Hoppy is taking charge in asking the court to issue an order that would prevent Bryn from ever appearing on camera.

“It’s just not healthy for Bryn to be on TV at a time when her parents are getting divorced,” explains the source. “Bethenny signed up for the show, their daughter didn’t.”

As Radar first reported, the 43-year-old failed talk show host — who starred on the Bravo hit series from 2008 until 2010— spent the summer carefully considering a move back to the series that made her a star.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Danielle Staub Catches Break and Gets $700K In Liens Cancelled In Bankruptcy Case

RadarOnline.com:

Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Danielle Staub‘s triumphant comeback continues as a judge overseeing her now discharged bankruptcy case, has canceled more than $700,000 in liens against her, RadarOnline.com has learned.

According to court documents obtained by Radar, Judge Donald Steckroth signed off on judicial liens that had been made against Staub on October 21.

Included in the total was a lien obtained by Fairfield Property Management for $687,000; Tri County Maintenance, for $14,982.17; Fortis Capital, for $21,537.55; and the New Jersey Division of Taxes, $5,162.33.

The 51-year-old’s Chapter 7 was formally discharged last summer after she found herself nearly $1.9 million in debt.

Staub filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June 2012 claiming she had $1.9 million in liabilities — and only earned $63,000 that year.

The former reality TV star owed more than $100,000 to the IRS, $70,000 in taxes to her local township and various attorney fees.

Staub is currently in talks with Bravo to re-join RHONJ for the upcoming season, as Radar has reported.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Claudia Jordan Feuding With Phaedra Parks, Brings Up NeNe Leakes' Stripper Past

Hallels.com:

Claudia Jordan was originally slated to be a "B Character" or a secondary cast member on the show, according to MailOnline, but an on-camera intense cat-fight with the Queen Bee herself, NeNe Leakes, apparently changed that and thrust the former 'Deal or No Deal' model as a full-time regular housewife in the Bravo hit reality TV series.

During the location shooting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jordan managed to snag an argument with Leakes. Thus provoked, NeNe told Claudia she has a reputation for sleeping with lots of men in Hollywood and for wearing cheap clothes. She also called Claudia a "pretender" who was desperately trying to get a job on the show and living living in Kenya's shadow. Given the opening she seemed to have been fishing for all along, Jordan lashed back at NeNe, telling her "that she was just a few years from being off the stripper pole for good and that if she kept spending all her money on plastic surgery, she would have to brush up on her pole dancing routine... [and] that maybe she should've brought back some of her old stripper moves while doing Dancing with the Stars. Then maybe she would have won," according to the MailOnline gossip news. Ever since that exchange, Leakes and Jordan have been bitter enemies.

NeNe Leakes is not the only veteran Atlanta housewife who's been kept up on her toes by the feisty newcomer. Phaedra Parks during the word association game segment of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" called Claudia "Satan Jr." She was given a chance to answer back when she was interviewed at "The Ricky Smiley Morning Show." There Jordan called out to Phaedra whose husband Apollo was recently jailed for fraud and identity theft. Said Claudia: "First of all, why are you calling anyone Satan? I'm actually shocked that she feels this way. Women are natural detectives by nature - if your husband doesn't have a job and all of a sudden he's bringing in millions of dollars, you mean to tell me you don't see a red flag when has this in his past? You're a lawyer; that is your job to be up on game. I do not believe this for a second." Jordan also took to Twitter, tweeting: "I have no respect for someone who smiles in my face then pops off and feels FROGGY a thousand miles away. Is that what we doing now?"

Real Housewives of Atlanta City Season 7 start is on November 9 at 8 PM says Bravo TV. Cynthia Bailey, Kandi Burruss, NeNe Leakes, Phaedra Parks, and Kenya Moore will be back to comprise the regular Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7 cast. Porsha Stewart, who has been a regular for the past two seasons, will however return demoted to a recurring guest role in the Bravo reality TV show. There will also be two newcomers to the Real Housewives of Atlanta City Season 7. The now controversial Jordan, a TV and radio personality, will come on board as a full-time 'Housewife' while singer and actress Demetria McKinney will be a recurring guest star on the program according to US Weekly.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Dina Manzo Already Hints At Quitting "The Real Housewives of New Jersey"

TheHollywoodGossip.com:

Ever since news broke that Jacqueline Laurita will return to The Real Housewives of New Jersey, reaction from fans and current cast members has been decidedly mixed.

With Teresa Giudice headed to prison for 15 months, producers were left with few options with regard to women who are available and might be able to bring a tenth of the drama that Queen T brought to the table.

Laurita seemed a safe - if not perfect - choice, but now it seems that adding her to the cast may have left execs with another vacancy to fill.

Sources say Dina Manzo was furious to learn Laurita will be returning to the show, and now it looks like her anger may have prompted her to quit the series.

Asked by a fan on Twitter if she had any interest in returning to the show next season, Dina promptly tweeted back, "NONE my soul can't bear to be around terrible people."

Given the reports about Dina's outrage over Jacqueline's return, it's safe to assume that Laurita is one of the "terrible people" she's referring to.

Of course, it's possible Dina was fired and is now trying to save face, but either way, it looks as though yet another Manzo won't be returning to the Housewives franchise.

I say just bring Danielle Staub back, God knows she wants back in. And find someone new and polarizing to replace Teresa G. and 'RHONJ' will be fine.

RELATED: Melissa Gorga & Dina Manzo Duke It Out At ‘RHONJ’ Reunion Taping

Bethenny Frankel Allegedly Returned to ‘Real Housewives of NYC’ Only After $1M Offer

CelebrityHealthFitness.com:

Weight loss mogul Bethenny Frankel is excited to return to the “Real Housewives of New York City,” she confirmed in a message on her website.

Frankel, whose talk show was recently canceled, said she’s happy to return for season 7 of “RHONY” and can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead.

“After many years of hesitation, I have decided to return to my roots on ‘The Real Housewives of New York City,'” she wrote. “I have been through a long and arduous road since my departure, and I’m finally coming out on the other side. It finally feels right to go home again.

“The idea of doing the show feels exciting and refreshing, like it did at the beginning all those years ago. New faces, new circumstances, and in many ways, a new me and a new life. I can’t wait to see what the road ahead has in store for us.”

Bethenny previously insisted she was not returning to “RHONY” after reports surfaced that Bravo executives had offered her $1 million to come back.

Bethenny starred on the Real Housewives of New York from 2008 to 2010 before getting her own spin-offs, “Bethenny Getting Married” and “Bethenny Ever After.”

Earlier this month, Bethenny made headlines after a judge ordered her to stop wearing her four-year-old daughter’s pajamas and posting them to Instagram.

The order came in the middle of Frankel’s heated divorce battle with ex-husband Jason Hoppy.

Judge Ellen Gesmer of the Manhattan Supreme Court said Bethenny showed poor judgment by posting her pajamas selfies to Instagram, saying the photos are “ridiculous.” “No more pajamas!” said Judge Gesmer.

“It’s not a joke. Her child is not a joke.”

Gesmer warned Frankel that photos like her pajama selfie will live on forever on the Internet and could embarrass her daughter, Bryn, down the line. Ironically, Bethenny had sought sole custody of Bryn after calling her ex-husband “white trash.”

The couple reached an agreement to co-parent in June 2014. A trial to divide up Frankel’s assets, estimated at $55 million, is expected later this year.

After spending two decades being obsessed with weight loss, diet and exercise, Bethenny is more relaxed about her body. Frankel detailed her fitness secrets in her book, Naturally Thin.

Frankel, who previously revealed she suffered from anorexia and bulimia for decades, said she no longer suffers from the eating disorders. The 5-foot-6 Bethenny said she stays fit by following a portion-controlled diet and doing yoga workouts.

Bethenny shared her weight loss and success secrets in her bestseller, Skinnygirl Solutions.

Teresa Giudice Denied Halfway House Request, Will Serve Prison Sentence In Danbury, Conn. Federal Pen

TMZ.com:

Teresa Giudice's prison life is officially headed down a familiar path ... because a N.J. judge ordered the reality TV star to serve her time behind the bars made famous by "Orange Is The New Black."

After her request to spend 12 of her 15 months at a halfway house was denied ... Teresa got the news Wednesday that she'll be headed to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT.

Strangely enough, on "OITNB" ... lead character Piper Chapman is similarly sentenced to 15 months at Danbury ... for money laundering.

Teresa's been begging the judge for weeks not to send her to Danbury ... which the show depicts as being one of the worst prisons in the U.S.

Don't drop the soap, Teresa!

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Taylor Armstrong Speaks On Moving from Ex-Husband's Suicide and Possible Comeback to 'RHOBH'

People.com:

Three years after her estranged husband's suicide, Taylor Armstrong is remarried and ready to return as a guest star on Real Housewives – though the tragedy still lingers over her and her daughter.

"I don't know if you ever move on from suicide," Armstrong, 43, tells PEOPLE while attending the Marjaree Mason Center's 31st Annual Top Ten Professional Women and Top Business Awards Luncheon as a keynote speaker. "It's something that I'll always have questions about, but for my daughter's sake, I can't dwell on the past. I have to look to the future, and I do bring up her father. We work with a child psychologist ... It's not as though we just pretended someone disappeared in her life."

Armstrong's ex, Russell, killed himself in 2011. She had filed for divorce just two months earlier after revealing he verbally and physically abused her.

Now, she has written about her experiences and dedicated her life to helping other domestic-violence survivors – all while raising her daughter Kennedy, 8.

Luckily, Armstrong's new husband, John Bluher, whom she married last April, and Kennedy are "just really enjoying each other."

"Kennedy now is going to have a much better chance, seeing a healthy relationship and a healthy marriage, then to have that in her own life," she says. "It's something I'm very conscious of. I have a lot of regrets that I wasn't strong enough to leave my relationship earlier for her benefit, but now that we're out of it, we're absolutely on top of making sure that she develops the self-worth and self-esteem she needs to make sure she'll end up in a happy, healthy relationship."

As for her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills comeback, Armstrong says she "did film with them a little" but is not back permanently, though she does think new cast member Lisa Rinna is "really nice."

Teresa Giudice Loses Major Endorsement Deal as Prosecutors Object to Her Plea to Spend Jail Time at Halfway House

ABC.com:

Reality star Teresa Giudice may be having a hard time accepting the reality of a stint behind bars.

In a letter to the judge who ordered her to serve time for tax fraud, "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" cast member asked to spend the bulk of her sentence in a halfway house instead of a federal lockup with other criminals.

Giudice's new lawyer, Stacy Ann Biancamano, who replaced her trial attorney, sent a letter asking the judge to invoke the Second Chance Act, which would allow Giudice to serve as much as 12 of her 15-month sentence in a halfway house. She also asked the judge to recommend she serve her prison time at FCI Danbury “to facilitate visitation with her young children.”

Prosecutors Paul Fishman, Rachael Honig and Jonathan Romankow responded today, shooting the request down in a letter to Judge Esther Salas, the same woman who sentenced both Teresa and Joe Giudice.

The prosecutors noted that the judge “made detailed, express findings on the record about the need to sentence defendant to jail.” They added the “halfway house designation was not raised at all by the parties at the sentencing” and they believe such a request would “undercut” her sentence.

Giudice is set to begin her sentence on Jan. 5. Teresa Giudice's sentence and her husband's sentence are staggered and he will begin his three and half years in jail when Teresa is released.

Vicki Gunvalson Talks Past and Present; Rushes To Brooks Ayers Defense In Slander Court Case

RadarOnline.com:

Vicki Gunvalson is standing by her man.

The Real Housewives of Orange County star is backing up Brooks Ayers once again, filing court documents — exclusively obtained by RadarOnline.com — defending him in the legal battle over her vodka line.

As Radar reported, Gunvalson’s business associate Robert Williamson III, a professional poker player who went into business with the Bravo reality star in 2012 to produce distilled flavored vodka, is suing her for breach of contract over claims she failed to promote her Vicki’s Vodka brand.

Last November Ayers filed a federal counter-suit against Williamson, his wife, Cate Williamson, as well as Robert’s alleged mistress, Angela Torres.

Ayers, 46, explained that Williamson became extremely jealous of his relationship with Gunvalson and started to plot and scheme against him, even alleging that he had once hired a hit man.

Worse, Ayers claims, Williamson then enlisted the help of his mistress, Torres, to convince Gunvalson, 52, that he was stealing money from the company. Ayers sued them both for slander and defamation for lying about him to Gunvalson and ruining their relationship.

Now Torres has fired back at the allegations in Ayers’ counter-suit. She accuses him of dragging her personal business into the legal battle in an attempt to humiliate her and the Williamsons in order to distract from the real legal issues at hand.

Torres also insists she has nothing to do with Vicki’s Vodka and requested the court to dismiss Ayers’ suit.

On October 15, Gunvalson decided it was time to jump into the fray. She had her lawyers file documents backing Ayers in support of his motion to deny the mistress’ request for the lawsuit to be dismissed. “I have personal knowledge of the facts,” she claims in legal documents.

Gunvalson provided proof in the form of texts that in May 2013 Torres messaged her. “In these messages, Torres also told me that David Brooks Ayers had stolen money from her,” she claims. “Torres told me that Ayers extorted money from her and her children.”

“At the time I heard these statements from Torres, I was very confused but because Torres claimed to have ‘proof,’ I believed they were true,” continues Gunvalson, adding that the allegations “caused tremendous strain and damage to my relationship with Mr. Ayers.”

RELATED: Vicki Gunvalson Talks Her Past And Future

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Teresa Aprea Admits Teresa Giudice ‘Karma’ Comments Were ‘A Little Harsh’ After Being Bombarded With Twitter Hate

RadarOnline.com:

The Twitter hate for Teresa Aprea careened in following her antagonistic comments about jail-bound Teresa Giudice on Sunday’s broadcast of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, prompting Aprea to declare that she and Giudice are in a better place since the time in which the finale was filmed.

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Aprea — venting about a lingering rumor Giudice allegedly spread, that her husband Rino bedded her mother Santa — used Giudice’s fraud conviction against her in a testy testimonial.

Aprea boasted that Giudice’s family had been “destroyed” as result of her bad karma after she “sh*t all over [Aprea’s] family” by spreading the salacious rumor.

“Karma’s a bitch, clink, clink,” Aprea said, pantomiming her wrists together to mimic being handcuffed.

But after weeks of horrible news for the Giuidce family — specifically Teresa’s upcoming 15-month prison sentence, to be followed by husband Joe’s 41-month sentence and likely deportation — the public didn’t take kindly of seeing someone repeatedly kicked while they’re down.

Among the dozens of jabs aimed at Aprea: Twitter user @ResiDiederich called her “disgusting” and “straight trash;” another, @alijaaah_94, said that Aprea “showed she is a disgusting human being;” and @leahfields77 wrote that Giudice has “more class [in] her pinky than either” Aprea or her twin, Nicole Napolitano.

That’s why it came as no surprise when a kinder, gentler Aprea emerged (alongside her sister Nicole Napolitano) on Sunday’s Watch What Happens Live, singing a different tune about her embattled castmate.

“I must say, we’re OK right now and we’re in a good place, I did apologize,” Aprea told Andy Cohen, adding that while her comments “came from a place of anger,” they were justified in her mind based on the sensitive nature of the rumors about her mother and husband.

“Like we know, the tongue can [help] or it can destroy,” Aprea said. “It was mean, it was a little harsh, but I did apologize and I did address the situation.”

Monday, October 20, 2014

Bethenny Frankel Is Officially Returning To 'Real Housewives of New York City'

USmagazine.com:

Dreams do come true! Bravo has officially confirmed what Us Weekly broke earlier this month: Bethenny Frankel is returning to The Real Housewives of New York City for season 7! The network made the announcement in a press release on Monday, Oct. 20, and Us spoke to the star about her decision two days prior.

"I'm genuinely excited, with a side of slightly nervous, for my return to The Real Housewives of New York City," Frankel, 43, said in the Bravo statement. "Bravo has always been the place on television where I have the freedom to be unfiltered, honest and inappropriate, with an audience who has been with me from the beginning. I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings for all of us. Watch what happens!"

Executive Producer Andy Cohen also shared his excitement, paying Frankel a huge compliment in the process. "Bethenny is one of the most popular Housewives in the history of the franchise," he said, "and I couldn't be more excited she is coming home to Bravo!"

As for which former costars she will be stepping back into the ring with? Bravo notes that the rest of the cast for the upcoming season have "yet to be announced." Her original cast members LuAnn de Lesseps and Ramona Singer were the only ones still standing after last season. Her former friend Jill Zarin and rival Kelly Bensimon exited in 2011.

Frankel admitted to Us that a reason why she decided to come back was for a new start. "I'm such a different person and in such a different place than when I was on first season," she explained. "Slightly exciting, a little bit of anxiousness, but it feels fresh. It doesn't feel like [how] I felt going into the third season of the Housewives. There was just so much muck and I just didn't feel it was good energy."

Frankel confirmed in 2010 that she would not be returning for the show's fourth season. During her time away, she and then-fiance Jason Hoppy filmed the spin-off Bethenny Getting Married?, two seasons of Bethenny Ever After, and welcomed daughter Bryn, now 4.

Coming back for another round of RHONY will prove to be a big change for the TV personality, who has hit some speed bumps within the past two years. She split from Hoppy in December 2012 and only recently reached a custody settlement after a drawn-out legal battle. In February, her eponymous daytime talk show was cancelled after just one season.

With all these changes, Frankel explained to Us that her story lines this upcoming season may look different, too. "When I went onto Housewives when I was younger, I didn't have family, I didn't have a business, I didn't have partners," she told Us, keeping mum on whether Bryn would make an appearance. "I think basically the important thing is how I'm just being honest about my perspective." As for opening up about her love life on TV? "That's not really what the focus of my life is right now," she said.

Frankel insists that the decision to return as a full-time Housewife was just her own, even though the title doesn't exactly fit. She joked to Us: "Ironically, I'm never a Housewife when I'm a housewife!"

UPDATE: Bravo announced on Monday that RHONY favorites Carole Radziwill, Heather Thomson, Kristen Taekman, LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Sonja Morgan will complete the cast for the upcoming season.

As long as my favorite 'Housewife' Ramona Singer returns full-time then I have no problem with Bethenny coming back (and honestly, Bethenny's return should boost the ratings). Still wish annoying-as-hell Kristen would go away, but I guess you can't get everything you wish for tho I can't help but wonder what Jill and Alex really think about this news.
RELATED: Bethenny Frankel’s Mom Says Her Daughter Is A Fake-Ass Man-Hungry Snob

Heather Dubrow Speaks the Truth on Teresa Giudice's Future with the "Real Housewives of New Jersey"

EOnline.com:

Talk about a dramatic finale!

On Sunday's episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey, cameras rolled as Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice were sentenced to prison on fraud charges.

Although the cast ended on a united front with everyone feeling bad for the couple's punishment, one star of the Real Housewives of Orange County thinks it may be best for Teresa to step away from the cameras.

"I don't know them, I feel terrible for their children and their family. However, they did these things. They pled guilty," Heather Dubrow said on The Melting Pot, a radio show heard on iHeartRadio. "I loved when Teresa said I'm gonna do whatever I can to make it right but then I saw her on Andy Cohen's show last week and to me, there was no remorse. "

Dubrow can't help but also remember what happened on sentencing day that may have had a great impact on the judge's sentencing.

"Even on the day of their sentencing, they were hiding jewelry and they didn't tell the court all their assets," she shared. "They took money from people!"

When asked if Teresa will continue filming the show, Dubrow had her hesitations.

"If there was a Bravo executive who pled guilty to 41 counts of fraud, would they keep them on the payroll? Isn't [Teresa] a Bravo employee?" she asked. "At some point, are we harboring a criminal?"

In a clip of the upcoming reunion show, Teresa tearfully tells Cohen that, "this is probably going to be my last reunion."

No casting announcements for the new season have been made. Despite some honest opinions from Dubrow, many in the Housewives community have been supportive of Giudice.

Props to Heather for taking a stand and having the courage to speak openly and honestly about Teresa and Joe. Again, Teresa and Joe Giudice pled guilty to some SERIOUS crimes and frankly speaking, got off pretty easy considering what the law states they should be confined for the CRIMES they committed once they pled guilty. I'm tired of people and certain "Housewives" crying and feeling sorry for these two, in turn giving compassion to two people who didn't two craps about the people they scammed to continue living their rich and extravagant lifestyle. Wanna shed a tear or two for their girls? Fine. But all this sympathy for Teresa and Joe G. needs to end. I mean they're grown-ass adults for chrissakes and maybe some time in prison will finally be their wake-up call.

RELATED: Teresa Giudice, Teresa Aprea Get Heated In Real Housewives of New Jersey Season Finale

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Dina Manzo Allegedly Had A Meltdown At 'RHONJ' Reunion Show

RadarOnline.com:

Dina Manzo had a meltdown involving her family feud with Jacqueline Laurita during the taping of the Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion show on Sunday, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

Although Manzo’s sister-in-law Laurita wasn’t at the reunion shoot, her daughter, Ashlee Holmes, a makeup artist, was on hand to do Kathy Wakile and Rosie Pierri’s makeup.

And when Manzo saw Holmes in the makeup room, she went ballistic, a source told Radar.

“Dina flipped out,” the source said. “As soon as she saw Ashlee, Dina threw a little tantrum and asked to have her removed.”

And incredibly, Bravo bowed to Manzo’s request, as “production removed Ashlee from the main floor and into a separate room to work on the makeup.

“This made no sense, as Ashlee hadn’t done anything wrong. She just showed up to do her job.”

But reality show firebrand Manzo, 42, continued to rail about her niece, 23 — and more viciously, about Laurita, 44.

“Dina was ranting and raving that she will never film a show with Jacqueline ever. I suppose she thought Jacqueline was going to show up to the reunion since Ashlee was there, but Jacqueline wasn’t because she was set to be a keynote speaker at an autism conference for the Talk About Curing Autism Foundation in California that day,” the source noted.

As RHONJ fans know, Laurita’s son, Nicholas, 5, has battled autism and the housewife has shared his emotional milestones on the show.

But in a less heartwarming family situation, according to the source, Manzo’s fussing didn’t end when the reunion show taping did.

“When the day wrapped, one would think the feud was done, but it wasn’t,” the source sighed. “Dina and her daughter Lexi continued to make passive aggressive tweets in an attempt to strike at the Laurita family on social media and behind the scenes.”

In fact, Manzo wrote to her followers on Twitter, “Reunion is in the can…happy this is over.”

"Ashlee hadn’t done anything wrong...", right and I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell you for $5. Anyway, as I've stated many times on this blog: Dina Manzo is a narcissist, which doesn't make her a bad person, just someone who thinks she's more important than what she really is and her actions over the years prove it--from comments she's made about leaving 'RHONJ' that alluded to her being so "above the drama" to making it seem in interviews prior to this season starting that she only came back to the show because Bravo kept "begging" her to come back. And while the real truth about why Dina is still estranged from brother Chris and sister Caroline may never come out, I truly believe it has more to do with Chris' wife Jacqueline (hey, Jacqueline and Caroline didn't always get along either and considering what an instigator Ashlee Holmes is, we all know the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree) then people let on and Dina feeling hurt about Caroline not leaving 'RHONJ' when she did. Still, even with Caroline and Jacqueline not being there, Dina knew the risks of coming back to do 'RHONJ' what with being back in the public eye/spotlight, having plenty of first-hand experience with the way Bravo edits and yes, even the chance that Jacqueline, having too much free time on her hands, might want to return (hey, Caroline has her own show now so she could care less about 'RHONJ') to the show. I say even though that nice Bravo paycheck will no doubt tempt her to stay, Dina will use Teresa Giudice heading to prison soon as an excuse to exit stage left for good as she wants no part of possibly having to share any screen time with Jacqueline, much less the same "drama" she claimed to have left 'RHONJ' for in the first place.

RELATED: Is This Insanely Dramatic The Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion Teresa Giudice's Last? See the Trailer!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

'RHOBH' Co-Stars Question Kim Richards Sobriety During Cast Trip To Amsterdam

RadarOnline.com:

Has Kim Richards fallen off the wagon? It’s the troubling question being asked after Paris Hilton‘s aunt appeared to be under the influence during The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast trip to Amsterdam.

“Things got extremely tense very quickly in Amsterdam because the ladies, led by newcomer Eileen Davidson, believed that Kim was under the influence of something,” a show insider tells RadarOnline.com exclusively. “No one saw Kim drink or take any pills, but she did slightly slur her words during one of the initial outings on the trip.”

“Eileen was trying to stir things up behind the scenes, along with Yolanda [Foster], questioning Kim’s sobriety.”

However, sources close to Richards emphatically deny she had suffered a setback in her recovery and blamed producers for trying to create drama.

“Kim was extremely jet lagged and tired. It was a very long plane flight, and hadn’t been sleeping well. Look, Kim can be a bit of an airhead, so throw that in with no sleep, and she could seem out of sorts,” a Richards family pal tells Radar. “Absolutely committed to her sobriety, Kim is disgusted anyone would question it. This has been a storyline in the show for a long time, and Kim is disgusted anyone, including the show’s producers would exploit it for ratings.”

Relations between Richards and Davidson have been tense since the soap queen joined the show.

Newcomer Davidson “didn’t make any effort to try to get to know Kim at all,” an insider previously told Radar. “Eileen can come off as very snobbish and aloof.”

“Whenever Kim and Eileen film together, there is always a lot of eye rolling on the part of the soap star,” the source reveals. “Eileen complains that Kim is a total airhead and doesn’t understand why she is even on the show. In Eileen’s opinion, Kim is a total bore, and just rides on her sister, Kyle’s coattails.”

Nene Leakes Says She and Cynthia Bailey Will Never Be Friends Again

Friday, October 17, 2014

Dina Manzo Claims She Wasn't Attacking Jacqueline Laurita With 'Rat Poison' Remark on Twitter

Examiner.com:

Jacqueline Laurita might be bringing in solid ratings for “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” but it appears she has one hater on the cast. Dina Manzo isn’t particularly excited to see her sister-in-law back on the show and the two don’t necessarily get along very well. According to All About the Tea on Wednesday, the resentment of Dina Manzo might be even deeper than some viewers realize as she made some rat poison remarks allegedly pointed at Jacqueline Laurita.

There is always drama on “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” but the drama is in front of the camera and people don’t wish others ill will. According to Reality Tea on Wednesday, when the drama of Dina Manzo revolves outside of the camera lens, it attracts the attention of everyone as it becomes very personal. This is why people are so shocked about the alleged remarks Dina Manzo made about rat poison.

“Did you ever wish someone’s Dr. messed up & used rat poison instead of Botox? No? That thought isn't very zen is it?” wrote Dina Manzo on her official Twitter account.

The rumors were that the comments were allegedly directed at Jacqueline Laurita as she has been known to use Botox. Yet, Dina Manzo shot down the idea, saying that Laurita wasn't filming during the time she posted her vile tweet. However Jacqueline Laurita revealed this week on Twitter that she was filming during the time in question and hinted that maybe the posting did reflect on her. Now fans are returning to their original thought that this rat poison comment was allegedly directed at Jacqueline Laurita.

“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” fans are horrified that allegations of using rat poison would ever be said, let alone considered on another human. It’s outlandish and doesn't reflect the Bravo brand at all as people don’t watch the show to think about another person die. A good dose of drama is fine, but too much is wrong.

Did Dina Manzo post a cryptic message about Jacqueline Laurita? Or is there someone else that she despises that she wishes ill on?

Phaedra Parks Speaks on Divorce from Apollo Nida: 'My Heart Aches for My Two Sons'

People.com:

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks says she had no clue that her estranged husband, Apollo Nida, had been engaging in illegal activities, telling Ellen DeGeneres that she was blindsided up until the moment he contacted her for help after he was in police custody.

"I didn't have any idea this was going on until he called me and said 'Hey, I've been arrested,' " Parks confides on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in an interview airing Wednesday.

While she acknowledged that Nida was on parole from a previous conviction when the couple, who married in 2009, first met, she says she was ready to accept his past.

"Well, to be honest, he had been to prison," she explains. "But he was a changed person, so the person I married, I thought he had changed."

Now, the couple are divorcing, and Parks, an attorney, is faced with raising their two boys, Ayden and Dylan, alone as Nida serves an eight-year federal sentence for fraud.

She says she is trying hard, despite nasty allegations from her ex, to remain above the fray for the sake of their children. Nida had previously lashed out when she didn't attend his sentencing hearing.

"It is extremely hard," Parks says of moving on. "My heart aches for my two sons. They are the heart and soul of who I am."

"That's the best thing we ever did together – we have great kids. I never want to do anything to diminish his character in public," Parks – whom a source told PEOPLE will be "better off without" Nida – says. "We've had some times when he's done things that weren't so cool, weren't so nice."

Nida has alleged that Parks cheated on him with a man supposedly named "Chocolate," a detail DeGeneres seized upon even as Parks claims the story was fabricated to discredit her.

"I think it's totally absurd to think I cheated," she tells DeGeneres. "They're saying I had an affair with a man from Africa named Chocolate. Everybody knows that I do love a Snickers bar every once in a while, but it's definitely not a man from Africa that I've ever had an affair with."

"Do you know a man named Chocolate?" DeGeneres teases.

No, she says, before adding: "I do know Mr. Goodbar, though."

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Teresa Giudice's Husband Joe Escapes Deportation AND Extra Jail Time By Copping Plea In Fraud Case

TMZ.com:

You can call Joe Giudice a wise guy -- already looking at 41 months in prison for a federal fraud conviction ... he wisely copped a plea Wednesday in a different fraud case, after prosecutors made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Giudice agreed to plead guilty to charges of driver's license fraud. He was busted in 2011 for impersonating his brother to get a license ... because his own was suspended due to a DUI.

Prosecutors threatened him with a 10-year prison sentence -- which would be tacked onto his federal sentence -- and raised the possibility of immediate deportation.

Instead, he accepted a plea deal for an 18-month sentence ... but he will be allowed to serve it at the same time as his federal sentence. In other words -- he won't serve any additional time.

Despite the deal ... "The Real Housewives of NJ" star was in a sour mood on the way into court -- telling photogs, "I'll kick every one of yous in the head."

Kenya Moore Donates $20,000 Check To Detroit Public Schools After 2nd Cancelled Appearance, Now Demands NeNe Leakes Do The Same

TMZ.com:

Kenya Moore has a message for NeNe Leakes ... I'm rich enough to make an eyeball-popping donation to charity ... so now it's your turn to pony up, bitch.

Kenya tells TMZ ... she made good on the challenge NeNe made on the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion show ... by cutting a $20,000 check to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

NeNe had said Kenya was all smoke and mirrors and didn't have that kind of loot ... but now that Kenya has stepped up, she's calling NeNe out on her own words -- that she'd match the $20K.

We reached out to NeNe to see if she'll make good. So far, no response.

As for Kenya ... she says she chose to give to Detroit because she grew up there, and the city means a lot to her. According to the deal, NeNe has to earmark her $20K for the same charity.

Go Motown!

Tamra Judge Reacts To Ex-‘RHOC’ Castmate Gretchen Rossi’s Shocking ‘Sociopath’ Accusation: ‘Some People Never Change!’

RadarOnline.com:

Gretchen Rossi had some harsh words for her former co-star-turned-nemesis Tamra Judge on Watch What Happens: Live Tuesday — but she certainly didn’t get the last word.

Leave that up to Judge, who spoke to RadarOnline.com exclusively Wednesday about being called a “sociopath” by the ex Real Housewives of Orange County starlet.

“It’s sad that she finally got the opportunity to come back to Bravo and all she could do was talk about me — some people never change!” she told Radar of Rossi’s appearance with Andy Cohen after reportedly getting fired last year.

As Radar previously reported, Rossi lashed out at the 47-year-old reality star, blasting her as a “lying, manipulating, conniving, narcissistic sociopath.”

“I say she’s a sociopath because sociopaths don’t even realize that they do any wrong,” explained Rossi. “All they do is blame everyone else for their mistakes and that’s all she continues to do and the viewers saw it last season.”

But the mother-of-three, who recently took home a big legal victory in her ongoing custody battle with her ex-hubby Simon Barney, feigned amnesia regarding her fellow blonde frenemy, who since her exit from the reality show has appeared on Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars and is trying to get pregnant with fiancé Slade Smiley.

“Gretchen who?” joked Tamra, who’s taking the high road in the latest twist in the vitriolic feud. “I wish her nothing but happiness in the future.”

Tamra should know by now that Gretchen/Slade will say or do anything to stay relevant. Sure, she took the high road, but the best response would've been to say nothing.

RELATED: Gretchen Rossi Slams Real Housewives of Orange County's Tamra Barney as a "Narcissistic Sociopath"

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Adrienne Maloof Opens Up About Her Messy Divorce and Much Younger Boyfriend

TooFab.com:

The love lives of "The Real Housewives" have fueled many a storyline on every franchise of the Bravo reality show -- but, for Adrienne Maloof, hers hit its roughest patch yet after she left the show.

When the reality star returns to "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" for Season Five, she'll do it without Paul Nassif by her side. While the two joked about their bickering on the show, they officially separated in 2012. The extremely bitter (and very public) divorce proceedings that followed included restraining orders and brutal accusations on both sides, before it was settled in 2013.

"Going through a divorce period is difficult at best, so when you're in front of the public eye and having to air your dirty laundry in public, it's hard on the children, it's hard on both of you, it's never easy," Maloof tells toofab's Anna Kachikyan.

"I've been asked if the show was the cause of the divorce and I'd have to say that no it wasn't ... but it probably put it over the edge. I think that it was already having issues and when you're in the public eye and those issues are so explosive over the world, it's very difficult to make a marriage work," she says.

Fans of the show definitely remember seeing her infamous framed wedding dress in her closet. See what she plans to do with it now, to "get some positive karma" out of the situation, in the video above.

These days, Maloof is in a much better place, thanks to her much younger boyfriend Jacob Busch.

"I really don't think about the number. If you take that number out of the equation, you're still going to have the same relationship," Adrienne says of the 28-year age gap. "Many women do it, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, Madonna. If you got a great relationship, you got a great relationship."

Maloof says that both of their families and friends support the coupling.

"They just want me to be happy and they know the kind of spirited energy I have and they know it's gotta be someone who can keep up with me," she says. "Of course there are going to be people that are gonna question the age difference, so what? If I dated a rocket scientist, they'd say why hasn't he taken you to the moon. It's always gonna be something."

Lisa Wu Talks Restarting Careers And Ignoring Negative Comments On Social Media

NeNe Leakes To Appear on WWE's "Raw"

EOnline.com:

What happens when a WWE Diva faces off against a Real Housewife? More drama than you could ever imagine!

Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes made a special appearance on WWE's Monday Night Raw—along with Chrisley Knows Best star Todd Chrisley, who appeared ringside with his two sons—but the second that she stepped out of her dressing room, there was already trouble!

After receiving a warm welcome from Total Divas stars Nattie, Brie Bella, Rose Mendes and Trinity, the Glee star was caught off-guard when she was given a cold reception by Ariane, who rudely bumped into Trinity as she walked by with Nikki Bella and Summer Rae!

"Is there a problem?" Ariane asked, stepping forward and getting directly in NeNe's face.

"There is a problem," NeNe remarked.

You won't believe what the WWE Diva and Real Housewife do next... Watch the clip above to see the rest of their heated exchange!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Teresa Giudice's Husband Joe Agrees To Serve More Prison Time For Drivers License Fraud

RadarOnline.com:

The hits keep coming for Joe Giudice. After the Real Housewives of New Jersey star was sentenced to 41 months in prison for fraud earlier this month, RadarOnline.com has learned that he just accepted a plea deal in another case that will see him doing even more prison time. According to an insider, he could be serving up to ten more years behind bars!

Joe is due in court in New Jersey on Wednesday for a hearing in his drivers license fraud case.

Authorities allege that the husband of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa faked being his brother, Pietro, to get a license in June 2010, after his own was suspended following a DWI five months earlier.

The ruse was uncovered after Pietro was stopped by police in March 2011 — and Joe’s image came up in the officer’s search.

An insider tells Radar that a plea deal was finally reached after “prosecutors signed off on allowing Joe to serve the prison time in the drivers license case concurrently with the bankruptcy fraud.”

But that doesn’t mean he’s getting off easy. Said the source, “It’s likely Joe will remain behind bars longer than the 41 months in prison …”

In fact, the judge could sentence Joe to a maximum of 10 years. Prosecutors are asking for half of that time, but it will ultimately be up to the judge.

And will his wife Teresa be by his side? Not this time, claims the source.

Teresa “has no plans on going to court with Joe on Wednesday for the sentencing,” the source revealed. “She hasn’t been to one appearance with him for this case, so she figures why now?”

Phaedra Parks Forced to Squeal About Her Knowledge of Apollo Nida’s Crimes

LoveBScott.com:

Phaedra Parks has been able to scoot on by relatively unharmed in regards to her husband Apollo Nida’s criminal activities and subsequent conviction — but not any more.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star is being forced to share her knowledge of Apollo’s illegal activity in an upcoming deposition, according to TMZ.

Phaedra will be grilled by attorneys for author Angela Stanton — who Phaedra sued for defamation. Stanton wrote a book suggesting Parks knew all about Apollo Nida’s illegal activities. Phaedra was already deposed once in the case, but stonewalled attorneys when it came to Apollo.

Now a judge has ordered Phaedra to sit for a 2nd deposition and answer those questions. Stanton’s lawyers say they need the info from Parks, so they can mount a proper defense in the defamation case.

While we find it hard to believe Phaedra knew absolutely nothing of her soon-to-be ex-husband’s wrongdoings, let’s just hope she has her story straight. We’re sure Apollo’s gonna air out whatever he can about Phaedra in his upcoming tell-all book anyway.

Adrienne Maloof Reveals Why She Returned to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

TooFab.com:

Adrienne Maloof left "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" after Brandi Glanville started running her mouth about her costar's family life, but now, she's coming back!

Despite her Season Three exit, the outspoken reality TV star and businesswoman will return in a recurring role for Season Five -- and she sat down with toofab's Anna Kachikyan to reveal why she decided to come back and what she thinks of the show's new blood.

"I really wanted to come full circle and have some closure with the women," Maloof tells us. "I think I’m better equipped now to deal with what to expect from 'Housewives.'"

"I was a little nervous on the first day of shooting, which is to be expected," she says of her return. "Some of the old feelings came back, so it was a little bittersweet. But overall, it was good to see all the ladies."

That statement is somewhat surprising, considering how she left things with both Brandi and former neighbor/BFF Lisa Vanderpump. While her feud with Glanville exploded in Season Three, things became tense between Adrienne and Lisa over time -- with the former accusing Vanderpump of selling stories about her to the tabloids.

She what she says about Lisa specifically in the video above.

This season, the 51-year-old multimillionaire will join Lisa, Brandi, Kim and Kyle Richards, Yolanda Foster, Camille Grammer and newbies Lisa Rinna and Eileen Davidson.

And while she played it coy on who she'll be feuding with this year, Adrienne said we will see fireworks from the "Days of Our Lives" veteran.

"You're going to see her in a combative way," she said of Rinna. "She’s really going to defend her family, and I respect her for that."

Monday, October 13, 2014

Tamra Barney Retains Joint Custody of Her Children After a Judge Dismisses Ex-Husband Simon's Claims of 'Parental Neglect'

Inquisitr.com:

Tamra Barney has won the custody case against her ex-husband, Simon Barney. The Real Housewives Of Orange County star has a lot to celebrate this weekend after the judge presiding over the case ruled in her favor, allowing her to keep 50/50 custody of two of her children, Spencer and Sophia. According to Real Mr. Housewife, Tamra is pleased with the outcome of the trial. Tamra and Simon will return to court in December in regard to their third daughter, Sidney.

“We will go back to court in December for my older daughter, Sidney, after she starts court ordered therapy. I am very excited that it is over for my kids sake. I’m looking forward to repairing my relationship with my daughter that Simon ruined,” Tamra said.

Although Tamra Barney had a bitter battle with Simon over custody of the children, he is actually “pleased” with the way things turned out. According to Radar Online, Simon hopes that his efforts to bring Tamra down, though they failed, will force her to “become a better mother.” Despite trying tirelessly to prove his side — that Tamra was an unfit parent — Simon still feels like he will get something out of this whole thing.

“I hope that by bringing this court action it will force her to, hopefully, become a better mother. I was glad to hear from the judge that if nothing changes, the judge is inclined to give me full custody of Sidney in the very near future. Once I have physical custody of Sidney, I look forward to helping her foster a relationship with her mother,” Simon said.

Of course Tamra Barney is relieved that this is now behind her, and while things with Sidney, aren’t completely worked out yet, there is a lot of hope for their relationship. It sounds like Simon wants Sidney and Tamra to mend their relationship, but it also sounds like he wants to be in control of when and how that happens. Tamra is a very strong woman and will deal with this the best that she can.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

How Phaedra Parks Breakup Has Impacted the Real Housewives' Divorce Rate

EOnline.com:

And the divorce rate is higher than ever.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks is leaving her husband Apollo Nida, who began an eight-year prison sentence last month. The Bravo star "has retained an attorney with the intent of amicably ending her marriage," Park's rep, Steve Honig, exclusively confirmed to E! News.

Of course, divorces are about as common as catfights on the Real Housewives, and after New York City Housewife Ramona Singer announced her plans to leave her husband Mario Singer back in August, we decided to calculate the divorce rate of each individual R.H. series, as well as the franchise's overall divorce rate. The results were shocking.

In August, the franchise's overall divorce rate was 33.9 percent, with RHOA's rate coming in at 33.3 percent. But with Parks' decision to divorce Nida, it was time for us to break out our calculators and update our findings.

Here's Atlanta's updated list:

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta (Note: NeNe Leakes' divorce and remarriage to Gregg Leakes counted as two marriages.)

Divorced: NeNe Leakes, Porsha Williams, DeShawn Snow, Phaedra Parks, Lisa Wu
Together:Kim Zolciak, Kandi Burruss, NeNe Leakes, Cynthia Bailey
Not Married: Sheree Whitfield

Divorce Rate: 55.5 percent

And with Parks' switching over to the divorced side of things, the Real Housewives franchise's overall divorce rate is now 37.5 percent.

Teresa Giudice Says She Sometimes Regrets Joining "Real Housewives"

NYDailyNews.com:

An uncomfortable Joe Giudice said in an interview telecast Thursday night that if he, his wife Teresa and their four daughters eventually end up in Italy, "that wouldn't be such a bad thing."

Joe and Teresa, who are best known as colorful characters on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," have some business stateside first.

She starts a 15-month prison term on Jan. 5 and when she gets out, Joe starts serving 41 months.

They had both pleaded guilty to bank fraud charges and taken a plea deal Teresa said in an earlier part of the interview she didn't fully understand. She had no idea, she said, that she could actually go to prison.

They also have considerable tax liabilities and since Joe isn't a U.S. citizen, he could face deportation proceedings after he finishes his prison term.

Asked by "Real Housewives" Executive Producer Andy Cohen how he would feel "if the family were living in Italy in five years," he didn't seem to flinch at the prospect.

He also said, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Or that ocean.

Elsewhere in Thursday night's interview, which the Giudices did as a paid part of their contract with Bravo,

Teresa said that if she had to do it all over again, she doesn't know whether she would have ever signed on for "The Real Housewives."

"I go back and forth," she said, noting several times that the downside was "you're scrutinized" by everybody in a way that non-TV people are not.

She declined to answer when Cohen asked her if she thought her impending prison term was a result of being on "Real Housewives."

In response to another question on whether he has a drinking problem, Joe admitted, "A little bit."

He can "drink two bottles (of wine) a night easy," he said, because "It helps me get to sleep. I don't wanna take a pill."