During a recent appearance on the Unpopular podcast, Vargas said that the Bravo hit reality series isn’t a show about “making a difference” and should get back to being about “drunk women and Spanx drinking tequila.”
“It was crazy, I wasn’t used to it,” Elizabeth said when asked about the uproar and outrage around her season.
“I was like, “this is crazy with all this, like, Andy Cohen can’t stand Kelly because she’s Kelly and she’s with a Fox news guy.” That shouldn’t have even mattered,” she continued.
“We were on a show about drunk women and Spanx, drinking tequila under the bar. We’re not on a show about, “let’s make a difference on the Housewives,” she added. “I’m sorry, but when I watch TV I want to get out of my head. I don’t want to get back into it and crawl into a hole!”
If you recall, RHOC Season 15 was marred with controversy after Kelly Dodd made insensitive comments about COVID-19 and wore a 'Drunk Wives Matter' hat at her bridal shower while Braunwyn Windham-Burke brought up political and social issues during the show, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and white privilege.
As a result, the show became highly politicized on social media, with some fans urged Bravo to fire over her insensitive statements.
After the season wrapped, the series was put on hold as the network was working on a cast shakeup. In June 2021, Vargas, Dodd, and Windham-Burke were not asked to return to RHOC for the show’s upcoming Season 16. According to reports, Bravo decided not to renew their contracts.
A spokesperson confirmed the news to Variety about Windhand-Burke, Lyn Vargas, and Dodd’s departures.
Shannon Storms Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson, however, are all returning for Season 16. They will be joined by former Housewife Heather Dubrow, who originally left the series in 2017 after five seasons. Variety added that one or two new women will also join the cast.
However, it was reported that Braunwyn’s best friend Noella Bergener is joining the cast for Season 16 after Windham-Burke’s firing.
“Noella is coming on board as a cast member for the new season, though Braunwyn will not be returning,” a source told The Sun. “They tested her out before the firing decisions were made. She has good chemistry with other potential new cast members.”
Days later the identity of a new cast member was revealed. The Bravo Gur reported that Nicole James is joining the cast of Season 16.
“Filming for Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Orange County is set to begin this month and here’s an update on the new cast shakeup‼️” The outlet continued, “It is rumored that Noella Bergener and Nicole James will be the new housewives joining the show next season. The new girls have connections with Heather who will most likely introduce them to the group.”
The page added, “Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Orange County is expected to premiere on Bravo at a later date. Filming begins very soon!”
Also, multiple online outlets have announced the news that Dr. Jennifer Armstrong has joined the cast. Instagram fan page Dorinda Deadly reported the following: “MEET DR JEN ARMSTRONG. Jen will be joining Heather, Shannon, Emily, Gina, Nicole and Noella as the 7th official housewife for Season 16! Located in Newport Beach, Jen is an award winning cosmetic and aesthetic doctor. She shares 3 children with her husband Ryne. #RHOC🍊”
Photo Credit: Bravo Media/NBCUniversal
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