Aviva Drescher Done With Real Housewives’ Salary Dispute, Starts Filming; LuAnn de Lesseps Now Lone Hold-Out

RadarOnline.com:

Aviva Drescher has become the fifth The Real Housewives of New York City cast member to resolve her bitter contract dispute, inking a new deal with Bravo for season six, RadarOnline.com has learned.

But the future of costar LuAnn de Lesseps looks far more uncertain, with the series veteran said to be “furious” that she’s been asked to take a pay cut.

“Aviva began filming the new season on Wednesday,” a production source confirmed.

“But the Countess still won’t sign. She is furious that the deal on the table is not as lucrative as her past agreements, especially considering she and Ramona are the only two original cast members and she is by far the most recognizable face of the New York franchise.”

De Lesseps earned $500,000 for series 5, the insider revealed.

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the embattled stars of the show failed to make themselves available for filming because they were insulted with Bravo’s pay offer.

In a statement Monday, the network confirmed “the Real Housewives of New York City will return on Bravo for season six,” but pointed out that “at this point, the returning cast members” did not include Drescher or de Lesseps.

In a recent blog post, New York gossip writer Rob Shuter revealed how the pair was “steaming mad” that Bravo issued a statement, citing how they had not re-signed.

RELATED:  ‘Real Housewives’ Star Aviva Drescher Visits Boston Bombing Victim Heather Abbott

Kim Zolciak Tears Up After Father Joe Calls Her A ‘Pathological Liar’

The truth hurts, doesn't it:

Kim Zolciak isn’t tardy with the tears on Tuesday’s Don’t Be Tardy, when she learned her father Joe had been trash talking her to media outlets.

In the clip, Zolciak and her footballer hubby, Atlanta Falcon Kroy Biermann, are reading online blurbs when they focus on an inflammatory quote from her father Joe, calling her “a pathological liar;” and noting that she has three kids by four men.

A teary Kim said in response, “It’s disgusting.”

The Southern belle, 34, tweeted last week of the episode, “Next week episode of Dont be Tardy I wish I didn’t have to relive!”

RELATED:  Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann Celebrate Special Anniversary

Jill Zarin Almost Dies During Weekend Getaway Kayaking

TheStir.com:

Are you sitting? Jill Zarin almost died, you guys. Died. A "source" told Naughty but Nice Rob that the former Real Housewives of New York cast member was kayaking in the Hamptons over the weekend and got caught in a current. The "source" continued that Jill was in such peril that she had to fight for her life.

When Jill was asked to comment, she confirmed the story, but refused to give any more details, seeing as she just got through telling the story, because she's obviously the "source."

Here's what "a friend of Jill's" said:

While Kayaking in the Hampton’s, Jill found herself caught in a very strong current and started to panic. Thankfully she managed to calm down and stop fighting the current allowing it to bring her back towards the shore. It was terrifying, she had to fight for her life.

What friend calls up a gossip blogger and is like, OMG, Jill Zarin went kayaking this weekend and, you'll never guess, but everything turned out FINE. I mean, what kind of story is this?! Clearly Jill's the one doing the talking. Also, if the friend witnessed it (someone had to take this picture!), why didn't they call 911 for help or something? Why would they leave that part out of the story?

So, safely assuming Ms. Zarin's behind the leak, I think we can also infer that she's trying to send a thinly-veiled, very passive-aggressive message to Bravo and to the other Housewives that she was in tough water, you guys, but decided to go with the flow, and she's totally better for it.

I bet she thinks she's being so coy.

I may be giving Jill too much credit here, thinking she'd be capable of using the press to spread her metaphor, but I'm apt to believe this woman will stop at nothing to get her name in the news.

RELATED:  Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin Settling Into New Hamptons Dream Home – EXCLUSIVE

Taylor Armstrong Talks Possible Marriage & A Baby With New Boyfriend

RadarOnline.com:

Taylor Armstrong went through a trying chapter of her life in front of America as her marriage to husband Russell crumbled on-screen on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Now, almost one year after his tragic suicide, she’s finally found a happy ending with a new love, attorney John Bluher — and wedding bells could be in her future!

“We’re open to it …” she tells Star magazine in the new issue, on stands now. “When we do tie the knot it will be in the mountains or by the sea. We love both places.”

Could a baby soon follow? “The idea of a baby sounds wonderful, and I know that Kennedy would love a brother or sister,” she admits. “But John has two sons and a daughter, so we have lots of kids.”

She’s come along way since her first days on RHOBH, but not all of her co-stars are sharing in these happy times.

“Lisa [Vanderpump] and Kyle [Richards] are my closest friends … ” Taylor says. “Brandi [Glanville] and I have gotten closer, but I don’t see Kim [Richards] much because she kind of keeps to herself. I was close with Adrienne [Maloof] before, but not any more.”

Maloof “wasn’t there for me during a rough time in my life,” Armstrong says. “She was unsympathetic when I was dealing with domestic abuse.”

Ironically, Maloof would go on to claim she was abused by then-husband Dr. Paul Nassif during her divorce proceedings form the plastic surgeon. Armstrong claimed Maloof never confided in her about the allegations.

RELATED:  EXCLUSIVE Taylor Armstrong downgraded from official housewife, will return as a friend

LuAnn de Lesseps Speaks On Her 'Real Housewives Of New York' Future

HuffPo.com:

"Real Housewives of New York City" made headlines after Bravo and the cast had a salary standoff. 

The network threatened to cancel the show -- or replace the ladies -- if the six women didn't sign new deals. Four of the cast members -- Ramona Singer, Carole Radiziwill, Sonja Morgan and Heather Thomson -- signed new contracts, but Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Aviva Drescher have yet to put pen to paper for "Real Housewives of New York" Season 6.

"'The Real Housewives of New York City' will return on Bravo for Season 6," a Bravo spokesperson said in a statement, noting that "at this point," the cast includes Ramona, Sonja, Carole and Heather.

HuffPost TV asked LuAnn about her future with the show at the Gersh Upfront party in New York City on Tuesday.

"Well, my name is always on the list, darling," LuAnn said when asked about the Bravo statement. "But they have to make me happy."

LuAnn, who recently launched a QVC line, said she's still in talks with Bravo. "It's been a journey. I've been there from the beginning. I've been the driving force behind 'Housewives of New York' with my castmates," she said. "I hope it's going to work out. I really do."

The "Money Can't Buy You Class" singer had this message to "Housewives" fans: "I love the show and I hope to be back so hang in there and keep rooting for me."
No return date for "Real Housewives of New York" has been set.

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Melissa Gorga and Brandi Glanville Respond to NeNe Leakes' Verbal Attack

InTouchWeekly.com:

NeNe Leakes’ claws were out on the May 5 Watch What Happens Live when she launched an attack on Housewives franchises nationwide, specifically picking on RHOBH’s Brandi Glanville and RHONJ’s Melissa Gorga.

In the latest issue of In Touch, on stands now, the ladies set the record straight and defend themselves against NeNe’s tirade. NeNe, 45, “needs to check her ego”, Brandi, 40, tells In Touch regarding NeNe’s accusations that Brandi “thinks she’s a gangsta,” and “can get in people’s faces.” Brandi goes on to say: "I feel like if NeNe is going to make statements about me, she should spend more than five minutes with me. She should get to know me before judging me.”

NeNe also sounded off on New Jersey Housewife Melissa Gorga, 34, saying she should show her sister-in-law, show veteran Teresa Giudice, 40, more respect. Melissa’s response? “The vets need to thank the new girls for coming in,” she tells In Touch. “They amp up the ratings!”

Although NeNe originally claimed the New Jersey cast is “getting too nasty” and suggested Melissa should “take a seat,” Melissa has some advice of her own for NeNe: “The show needed to be revived. It got revived,” adding, “maybe NeNe feels threatened.”

RELATED: LeAnn Rimes Sends Mother's Day Flowers to Brandi Glanville, Gets Dissed

Cynthia Bailey Talks Real Housewives of Atlanta, Reveals Her Beauty Secrets

Ebony.com:

From her outlandish hairstyles to her “New York meets Atlanta” demeanor, Cynthia Bailey gave us a little snippet of her true personality and a dash of sass on this past season’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta . From her new business ventures to her growing relationship with hubby Peter, Bailey is seemingly coming into her own. And we love it! 

EBONY: On RHOA, we grew to wonder what hairstyle you would wear each week. Are there any staple hair products that you use for your hair on a daily basis?
Cynthia Bailey: It’s funny how I kind of became the girl on RHOA with all the different hairstyles. I use a number of different leave-in conditioners, and MegaGrowth is one of them. It is very important for me to keep my own hair strong and healthy. I definitely rotate with different wigs and weaves.
 
From the MegaGrowth line, my favorite product is the Breakfree Daily Leave-in Strengthener (growth cream) conditioner. I love the product! I have also tried the relaxer and an oil that I like from MegaGrowth. As for myself, I have a hair line called Hair Couture that is doing incredibly well. People almost watch the show at this point to see how I am going to wear my hair. Now I’m kind of stuck and I gotta keep it going. It’s really funny, because by the reunion I had literally run out of hairstyles.

EBONY: Your skin is also so flawless. What is your skin care regimen, and do you have any skincare secrets?
CB: Between working all the time and doing appearances, I end up wearing a lot of makeup. One of the things I recommend is a makeup break. If you don’t have to put it on, don’t. Give your skin a rest. I recommend the same with hair. When I’m not on camera, I look a hot mess around my house! I do as little as possible to my hair; I just won’t touch it for a couple of days.

I have always been a fan of exfoliating. Skincare is very individual. I can tell you that a daily exfoliate is very important to keep your skin glowing, and I think it is very good in terms of not getting wrinkles. It really just gives your face a beautiful glow. I also love a good day and nighttime moisturizer. You want to go a little heavier at night with your moisturizer. Make sure you clean your skin really well. I am a big fan of wipes, and I also go over my skin with some regular ol’ alcohol. If I feel like a pimples coming up, all I do is dip a little Q-tip in the alcohol and I promise you it’s gone the next day.

EBONY: What is the one beauty product you can’t live without?
CB: My lip gloss. The only thing that would make me crazy is if I get on a plane and realize I don’t have my lip gloss. I kind of like the Victoria’s Secret ones; I pick them up wherever I can get them.

EBONY: Can you share any industry beauty secrets that you’ve learned from the modeling and pageant world?
CB: In terms of fashion, less is more. A lot of times people just don’t have great personal style, because they just don’t know how to put things together for their bodies. And when they do put it together, they do too much, they over-accessorize. And if you just can’t figure it out, black is a good, clean classic color that you can work with. It’s like you almost can’t mess it up. Stick to what works for you. In terms of beauty, I would say the same: don’t do too much. I am definitely a makeup girl, but for the most part I keep it pretty simple.

EBONY: So you have announced the 2013 Renaissance Pageant. Are there any specific qualities you look for when choosing finalists?
CB: It was very important to me to pick very well-rounded girls. I didn’t include a swimsuit competition because I think the age group that we had for the pageant is very confused about their body image. One thing that we stress at the Bailey Agency is a healthy body. Also, you have to have a B average in school to be a part of Mrs. Renaissance. Community work also affects into the factoring of the young girls that we choose. You must have a good personality. I am a nice person and I like nice girls. I am not for the pretty mean girl, ever.

EBONY: Do you think The Real Housewives of Atlanta really shows who you are, or are there some important things we don’t know about you?
CB:  I think this season is the first that you guys really get to see the true Cynthia. I really jumped out of my shell this season and they really show that. It was an adjustment for me to be in Atlanta with my lil’ southern belle girlfriends.

RELATED: Cynthia Bailey on Husband Peter Thomas: "Our Relationship Is Misunderstood"

Tamra Barney Admits She Has A Bad Temper, Says Vicki Fight Has "Taken Its Toll"

Shocking admission here:

Yet another blow up occurred between Tamra Barney and Vicki Gunvalson on Real Housewives of Orange County Season 8, Episode 6.

This time, the ladies (and a few of their men) were on a wine-tasting trip in Malibu. According to Tamra, it was a “business trip.” They were there selecting wines for their Wine by Wives club.

As Tamra sipped wine, trying to figure out which she wanted for the business, Vicki tried on coats. “Just because Tamra’s drinking more wine than me, doesn’t make her a better business person than me. It just makes her more drunk,” said Vicki.

Then Vicki decided to leave, as she’d had dinner plans with friends set several months in advance. Tamra followed her partner out. “We paid a lot of money to do this,” she complained as Vicki prepared to get in the car. They both accused each other of “not performing” their Wines by Wives duties.

“You’re such a b***h,” Tamra told her former friend. Vicki responded, “You’re a miserable person.”

Later, Tamra admitted to her soon-to-be husband, Eddie, “I could’ve handled that better. ... I feel like I have no control.” Citing her less-than-chatty family as the reason she can’t express herself, Tamra then said she doesn’t like saying hurtful things to those around her.

“I do it to protect myself,” she said. “I didn’t mean to hurt them; I just don’t want to hurt myself.”

Eddie told her she can’t keep her anger bottled up — it would definitely have an effect on their future.

RELATED:  Tamra Barney: Vicki Fight Has "Taken Its Toll," Terry Is "Annoying"

Lydia McLaughlin Speaks on Alexis Bellino, Says 'We Aren't 'a Package Deal'

YahooNews.com:

When new "Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Lydia McLaughlin joined the Bravo series, she was quickly associated with odd housewife out, Alexis Bellino.

"I just think that's unfair," McLaughlin told TheWrap of having to prove to her cast mates that she wasn't Bellino's partner in crime. "And I feel, for me, we knew each other for a couple of months before I went on the show, but it was a new relationship and we had only hung out a handful of times."

And now, she told us, "I'm feeling like I have to do it all over again with the fans."

There could be a reason why viewers have cast the Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine managing editor as Bellino's partner in crime. Last year, Bellino said she wasn't sure she would be returning - unless she could get some backup. But, McLaughlin says that's not her.

" kind of feel like, ‘Oh, you guys are a package deal.' And, we aren't," she said.

Of course, McLaughlin feels like she can't win. While some viewers judged her for being Bellino's partner in crime, others berated her for not standing by Bellino during a volatile argument at a party held by cast member Tamra Barney.

"I understand that people wanted that from me a little bit," she said. "But, I just didn't know her so I couldn't defend all of her actions, because I wasn't totally great friends with her yet. I believe we now have a really great friendship, but when I started the show we just weren't there yet."

Most of all, the new housewife wants fans to get to know her outside of being Bellino's friend or any set label, for that matter. She hoped that meeting her mother on last week's episode would help viewers see her in new ways.

"My mom has a huge influence in my life and who I am, and I think will explain a lot about me as a person," she explained. "She lives across the street from me and she's a free spirit and a total hippie."

"I know Alexis has said, ‘Oh, Lydia's a Christian on steroids' and all this stuff," McLaughlin continued. "I am a Christian, I believe in Jesus. But, I also was raised by hippie parents. We talked about reincarnation and I've been to India and studied world religion. So, I'm not like a cookie cutter, which is what most people think of when they think of 'Christian,' and a lot of that is because of my mom."

RELATED: Lydia McLaughlin on Having More Children: “We Want a Girl!”

LuAnn de Lesseps and Aviva Drescher Remain Unsigned to New Season of The Real Housewives of New York City

Aviva doesn't surprise me, but LuAnn holding out does:

Four of The Real Housewives of New York City have resolved their contract dispute with Bravo.

After threatening to recast the entire cast amid a salary standoff, the cable network announced Monday that season six was moving forward -- though only four members of the most recent cast have signed new deals.

"The Real Housewives of New York City will return on Bravo for season six," read a statement from Bravo. "At this point, the returning cast members include Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson."

Cast members LuAnn de Lesseps and Aviva Drescher are not among those who have signed, and while the network wouldn't comment on their fate, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter they could still be on the show.

Production on the sixth season was set to begin May 8, but none of the six women made themselves available for filming after receiving what another source close to the cast called "unacceptable" salary offers. Bravo threatened to pull the plug on the planned season when the women suspended production, but the six were ultimately given the weekend to sign new contracts.

With de Lesseps and Drescher holding out, the series still could be at least partially recast. The loss of de Lesseps, in particular, could be seen as a loss. The Countess joins Singer as one of the two original cast members, and she is easily among the most recognizable faces of the Real Housewives franchise.

New York City, the second-oldest in the Bravo franchise, is produced for the network by Ricochet Television, and though ratings slipped about 20 percent from season four to season five, it remains among Bravo's most-watched series.

If Bravo does part with de Lesseps and Drescher, the six women would hardly have been among the first shown the door. More than 20 cast members have either left or been fired from the series' six different iterations since Orange County kicked off the franchise in 2006.

RELATED: Most Annoying ‘RHONY’ Cast Member Just Got Invited Back for Season 6

Kyle Richards Talks Bethenny Frankel’s Divorce: "She's a Strong Girl"

InTouchWeekly.com:

Bethenny Frankel is in the middle of a bitter divorce and custody battle with Jason Hoppy— but thankfully, she has longtime girlfriends like Kyle Richards there for support. 

“She’s one of my closest friends,” the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star exclusively tells In Touch of Bethenny. “We have been friends for 22 years.”

And Kyle is proud of her pal for handling her struggles so well in the public eye— all the while, making sure her and Jason’s 3-year-old daughter, Bryn, remains the No. 1 priority.

“She’s a strong girl,” Kyle tells In Touch of Bethenny. “She’s a good mommy.  I’ve spent a lot of time with her and our daughters. Everything she does, she does 100 percent. It doesn’t change with her daughter.”

Bethenny and Jason announced their separation in December and the Skinnygirl entrepreneur filed for divorce just after the new year. At the end of January, In Touch broke the news that Bethenny obtained the same legal team used by Katie Holmes during her speedy divorce to Tom Cruise, likely hoping for the same quick results.

The pair, who initially agreed to “continue to amicably co-parent” their daughter after their separation, have both since filed for sole custody of Bryn.

“It’s just a very brutal, unnatural situation,” Bethenny recently said of her split. “Divorce is the most difficult thing you could ever go through in your entire life.”

In mid-February, the gal pals took their respective daughters to Disneyland to sneak in some quality mother/daughter time.

Since then, Bethenny and Jason have headed back to court to battle over various details of their divorce— but things still haven't been settled.

RELATED:  Kyle Richards Tells Us Which Co-Star She’s Closest With — Exclusive!

Sheree Whitfield Tells NeNe Leakes To 'Get A Life!', Fires Back At Iyanla Vanzant and Gives Update On Chateau Sheree

HuffPo.com:

Former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Sheree Whitfield dropped by "Watch What Happens: Live," where she got a chance to respond to comments made about her on the same show by her former co-star, NeNe Leakes. And, to make it an even more surreal experience for viewers, "Glee" star Matthew Morrison sat in as Leakes, holding a mask of her over his face.

Leakes had said to Andy Cohen that Whitfield was the one castmember she would never have anything to do with again, calling her evil, mean and entitled for starters. Leakes had plenty more to say, but Whitfield didn't take the same route in her response.

"I’m really flattered that the ‘rich and famous’ -- the newly ‘rich and famous’ -- still have time to talk about me all day," she said. "I don’t know, um, maybe get a life?"

Whitfield thought it was weird that Leakes had all this time to think about her when she wasn't really thinking about Leakes at all. She expanded on her thoughts a little with TooFab -- where she didn't have the 30-second limit Cohen gave her. "We have a lot of history," she said. "I can say, when someone knows your baggage and someone knows all your dirt ... I’m not afraid of her. But I wish her the best. I wish her the best.”

RELATED: Watch This: Sheree Whitfield Fires Back At Iyanla Vanzant, Gives Update On Chateau No Way