There’s something in the water at Bravo and if you’re in a happy relationship, don’t drink it. Quite a few Bravolebrities started their reality television careers in great relationships. What they probably didn’t expect is cameras documenting the demise of their fairy tales.
Real Housewives of Miami star Lisa Hochstein has been a victim of the Bravo curse. She’s currently involved in a contentious divorce with her estranged husband, Dr. Lenny Hochstein. The former couple have been slinging accusations both publicly and in court. Now Lisa says Lenny is defaulting on his dad duties. Page Six has the details.
Dr. Deadbeat?
It’s getting hot in the kitchen at the Hochstein household. After alleging Lenny has cut her off and left her to buy the cheap diapers, now Lisa says he doesn’t spend “substantive time” with their two children.
Lisa filed a response this week after Lenny said she pushed him aside during a “tirade” when he attempted to get his mail from their home. She further states Lenny “abused” her and she is now in fear for herself and the kids’ “safety.”
Lenny previously implied Lisa is a “hands-off” mom and spends “very little time” with the children herself. He also noted the kids have always been under the supervision of a nanny. Lisa challenged that notion and said Lenny “comes in and out of” the former marital home but neglects to “dedicate any substantive time beyond these fleeting unannounced gestures.”
So she wants Lenny to see the kids more, but she doesn’t want them hanging out with Lenny’s new fembot. Lisa has “deep concerns” about Katharina Mazepa. No word on whether or not Lenny feels some type of way about Lisa’s manJody Glidden.
Lisa’s attorney explained in the docs. “[Lisa] fears that exposure to [Katharina] is not in the best interests of the children. But importantly, [Lenny] does not truly have the time and inclination to spend overnights with the children.” So I guess Lisa wants him to take the kids for ice cream in his non-bugged car as long as Katharina stays home. Lisa added she “always devoted herself” to being a mom and maintains she is their primary caretaker.
It’s sad we have to say this so often, but, Team Kids.
TELL US – SHOULD LISA AND LENNY HAVE JOINT CUSTODY OF THE KIDS? SHOULD LISA EASE UP ON HER FEELINGS ABOUT LENNY’S GIRLFRIEND?
It’s Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion season, and Andy Cohen sure had his work cut out for him. Andy, more than ever, is like a human referee between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga while they’re at their lowest. We’ve seen Andy do a pretty good job of handling the ladies, but it’s still up in the air how the husbands will challenge his moderating abilities.
The RHONJ reunion is like the final showdown between Tre and the Gorgas. Tre just wants to talk about her love bubble with Luis Ruelas, but both of the newlyweds will be expected to answer about the Bo Dietl of it all. Meanwhile, Joe Gorga will have some explaining to do as to why he skipped out on his only sibling’s wedding. It’s a tangled web, and I don’t envy Andy’s job of sorting through it all.
Andy is a veteran reunion host, but even he was a bit apprehensive going into the RHONJ Season 13 showdown. He spoke with Kelly Ripa on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast about his fears going into this year’s RHONJ reunion.
Andy Cohen admits RHONJ always needs security
Kelly, like any loyal RHONJ fan, wanted to know all of the tea about the RHONJ reunion. Andy went into the complications of people fighting at the reunion. He gave a recent example of James Kennedy and Tom Sandoval almost getting physical at the Vanderpump Rules reunion. Andy literally got in the middle of the two men and his question cards went flying.
Andy admits that there is security on set so that he has some reinforcement when trying to break up fights between Bravolebrities. However, RHONJ is different. “We only just started having security, and we don’t have security at most reunions,” Andy said. “At some we do. Always at Jersey.” After Teresa Giudice’s track record of outbursts on the show alone, it’s easy to see why RHONJ needs some extra hands.
Before the RHONJ Season 13 reunion, Andy approached both Luis and Joe Gorga to beg them to stay in their seats the entire time. He was worried the two would result in a Christening-level brawl to “sort” out their issues. Andy didn’t reveal whether or not things came to blows, but it seems like it was mostly a duel fueled by skeletons in closets and below-the-belt insults.
Real Housewives of New Jersey continues Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT ANDY COHEN WAS NERVOUS ABOUT THE RHONJ REUNION? WHAT ABOUT RHONJ ALWAYS REQUIRING SECURITY AT THE REUNIONS?
It’s his 40th birthday! The unofficially knighted, certificate appointed Lord – Lord Scott Disick to be specific.
According to People, sources say Scott is in a good place, and looking forward to the coming years. Please make this true because people have heard about him being in a good place many times over. It’s been a long journey of him attempting to reinvent himself, but it hasn’t quite come together before.
Will the 40’s mellow him out? Scott is said to feel “peace” coming into the next decade. I’d wish peace for anyone, but Scott has not been a purveyor of peace in the past. He’s historically very energetic, excitable, and larger than life. Actually, many of his past issues stem around him wanting to live a big life and not chill out.
Scott is the father of three children though, and has always seemed very invested in them and their mother. Sources say, “He’s a very hands-on dad and that’s the biggest part of his life now.” That’s a positive!
His oldest son, Mason started his life on TV, and has never known a time when his parents weren’t on screen. As he embarks on being a teenager, things will definitely change in their lives. Sister, Penelope is not far behind at age 10, and younger brother, Reign at age eight.
Scott’s back
Scott has always seemed like he was a part of the Kardashian Krew. He has so much history with them; it actually makes sense that he would be back on their show, The Kardashians this season. He adds a lot of extra and charisma to the show – even when he won’t listen to reason – and it influences the dynamic.
The family all wished him well on Instagram on his birthday, and see him as a worthy part of their misfit, complicated family. As for Scott, he posted he is “living the 40-year-old dream” as he drives his boat in the great outdoors. Maybe he is finding some peace after all.
Watch The Kardashians Season 4 on Hulu – look for new episodes on Thursdays!
TELL US – IS SCOTT CHILLING OUT? WHAT WILL THE 40S BRING? ARE YOU WATCHING HIS RETURN THIS SEASON?
The saying – don’t piss off the boss. It seems Tom Sandoval’s recent airline comment made its way back to Pittsburgh. And city councilmembers actually commented on it. What’s going on in the land of Vanderpump Rules? What’s going on in the mighty city of Pittsburgh?
A pic of Tom was recently snapped on a flight to a show in Pittsburgh. He may or may not have been on the phone with Raquel Leviss and was allegedly overheard saying, “f*ing Pittsburgh. Did he say it? He said, “no” to TMZ. Did he mean it in a derogatory way? Maybe. Could it be a dribble of the tongue? Yes, possibly. But as devil’s advocate, who else says f*ing before a lot of words. Anybody?
Don’t anger the council
Pittsburgh City Councilman, Anthony Coghill has never heard of the show. Okay, we are glad you are busy with council business. He said of Tom, “He clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about … Has he ever set foot in Pittsburgh?” That’s a question for you, Tom – is it your first visit to Steel City? It’s not without its merits.
Another councilmember, Bobby Wilson (who has heard of Pump Rules), said, “It’s unfortunate somebody who is having relationship problems is trying to take a swing at Pittsburgh … Why bring us down. Work on yourself.” Eating some popcorn.
Despite the comments, the former councilman indicated Tom (or anyone for that matter) is welcome in Pittsburgh. And since Tom said he played a sold-out show, this seems in line with what the council says. The locals certainly didn’t show up for his vocals, did they?
I say, Pittsburgh somehow spins this into a “visit f*ing Pittsburgh” campaign. Not joking. Let’s encourage the city even further as a destination.
Watch Vanderpump Rules Reunion – Part 2, Wednesday, May 31 airing 9/8c on Bravo. The relationship saga continues.
TELL US – DID TOM SAY IT? ARE YOU SHOCKED THE CITY COUNCIL IS WEIGHING IN? DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW THE SHOW WENT?
We’ve finally made it to the tumultuous Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 13 reunion and, as promised, things reached a new level of toxic. Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga had no allegiance to each other whatsoever, so it’s no-holds-barred. Bravo is breaking up this reunion into three parts to make it easier to digest, but something tells me we won’t feel settled by the end of the season.
The first part of the reunion wasted no time getting into the crux of the RHONJ drama. Rachel Fuda and Danielle Cabral fought about Margaret Josephs’ arsenal for the 80 millionth time. Somehow, Love Guru Dolores Catania got them to put it to bed. The same can’t be said for Tre and MelGo’s long history of drama. Here are five of the main takeaways from the first episode of the RHONJ Season 13 reunion.
Several blasts from the RHONJ past
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE — Pictured (l-r): Joe Giudice and Joe Gorga — (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
While we’re in the thirteenth season of RHONJ, the show will always go back to its roots. The first example was when Andy Cohen attempted to kick off the reunion but was interrupted by Joe Giudice calling Tre for a referral to Bill Aydin’s plastic surgery practice. Andy got to ask Joe a few questions, mainly if he watched the show/missed filming. Juicy admitted he only really watched while he was in jail, but he didn’t like to hang around the guys who were big fans. Someway, somehow, I miss this meatball of a man and his distinct personality.
That’s not the only throwback Jersey reference in the episode. Of course, Teresa had to rehash how Melissa got on the show when Marge’s friend Laura Marasca Jensen was inevitably brought up. The ladies were discussing that Laura tried to get on the show, but Andy pointed out that she’d be more enticing to cast as Marge’s enemy. Tre was quick to interrupt to compare the situation to how MelGo joined the show, “This story is so old,” Dolores said from the sidelines. Girl, we all feel you. Later on, Jacqueline Laurita, Dina Manzo, and Caroline Manzo all got name-dropped, giving the reunion that old-school RHONJ vibe.
A fed-up Teresa has entered the chat
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY — “Shots and Shade” Episode 1307 — Pictured: (l-r) Jennifer Fessler, Teresa Giudice — (Photo by: Dave Kotinsky/Bravo)
Teresa came into the reunion with a new short haircut that matched her sharp attitude. Both she and MelGo walked into the room, clad with whimsical antique portraits of the ladies, ready to do business. Tre proclaimed she was ready to close the chapter and move forward. Meanwhile, MelGo wanted to expose some truth before kissing her least favorite sister-in-law goodbye for good. Of course, Teresa didn’t even hide the fact that she wanted Melissa to be fired before the next season. “Definitely, she’s going to be out of my life after tonight,” Teresa said. Sure, we’ve seen these parties fight literally for years, but this was a new low.
While Tre came into the reunion ready to fight, she was not prepared to answer questions she didn’t want to deal with. When Andy asked why Dina opted out of being a housewife, Tre claimed it was because Dina didn’t like the cameras. Let’s all say it together — DEFLECTION. Andy followed up by asking about Joe Gorga alleging that Luis Ruelas had business beef with Dina’s man. Tre and MelGo didn’t take the bait or give it any life. Sketchy.
The worst part about seeing Teresa’s side of the feud with Melissa is that, unfortunately, it’s coopted by Luis. Tre’s staunch defense of his questionable behavior makes her, now more than ever, an even more unreliable narrator. But don’t hold your breath. Andy said we’ll have to wait until Luis hits the stage to get all of our Bo Dietl questions answered. I don’t think I’ll ever be mentally prepared for all of that.
Rachel and Danielle put down their weapons
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY — “Housewarming History Lesson” Episode 1304 — Pictured: (l-r) Jennifer Aydin, Danielle Cabral, Teresa Giudice, Rachel Fuda — (Photo by: Eugene Gologursky/Bravo)
To be honest, way too much of the first episode was dedicated to Danielle and Rachel’s drawn-out problems. Even Andy had to agree. “This is the dumbest fight, I’m sorry,” he said. Marge couldn’t even stay mad at the arsenal comment once she saw how “mild” the scene was in retrospect. After Rachel and Danielle exchanged final fighting words, Dolores brought them back together. They agree to bury the fight and never bring it up again. Hopefully, we see these bougie newbies make an alliance next season.
Danielle also had to address the problems with her brother during the episode. She revealed that the day after the reunion, she planned to attend her grandfather’s funeral. It just so happened that her estranged brother would also be attending. Danielle didn’t have any resolution in the situation but did reveal an interesting tidbit about her brother’s thoughts of RHONJ. “This was his favorite show,” Danielle admitted. “So he definitely watched.” Can you say awkward? Let’s please get the brother in a confessional chair STAT to get to the bottom of this. Or at least, as a guest on Watch What Happens Live to share all of his Bravo opinions.
Melissa hangs on by a string
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Melissa Gorga attends the NYC Second Chance Rescue’s 3rd Annual Rescue Ball at The Pierre on April 27, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Melissa tried to enter the reunion with the same energy as Teresa, but it was clear she was fighting a losing game. To be fair, she kind of always has been when it comes to her relationship with Tre, but MelGo just can’t stop adding fuel to the fire. In general, she came off as very defeated. She relied on the same crutch argument of feeling tossed away by Teresa after she met Luis. She also just kept saying how “sad” she was about the demise of her family. OK girl, we get that but you have to give us something else. Obviously, it’s past the point of no return, but both Tre and Melissa are responsible for it getting to this “sad” point. Don’t even get me started on Tarzan’s role in all of this until he makes his way out on the stage.
Melissa also seemed to know that her TV gig might be on the line now that she’s on the outs with Teresa. “Your whole storyline was me,” Tre said about MelGo’s reality TV career, and I see no lies being told. Melissa tried so hard to come off as cool and interesting — no literally, she said those words about herself — and even Andy rolled his eyes. Melissa could have a solid argument if she wasn’t so preoccupied with the TV show of it all. Like, she can’t chastize Teresa for talking about their kids on TV when she doubled down at the reunion that the four dorters have hatred in their hearts for Melissa. You’ve had 13+ years to get your story straight, Gorgas, yet it’s still somehow not making sense.
We’re all stuck in Melissa and Teresa’s jail
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on June 5, Melissa Gorga and Teresa Giudice attend the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards: UNSCRIPTED at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California and broadcast on June 5, 2022. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for MTV)
Since Teresa and Melissa seemingly approached this reunion as one final duel about all of their gripes, Tre’s stint “at camp” was obviously brought up. Tre spoke about coming home from jail and feeling like she needed to make the relationship smooth with the Gorgas. She also claimed that Joe only visited her once when the cameras were involved. Melissa threw it back on Tre, claiming that Joe wasn’t on the visitors’ list until she needed him for filming. Seriously, this family is the definition of demise via fame and fortune.
Tre also brought up going to jail when she was explaining everything that she’s brought to RHONJ that Melissa has not. It was like the TikTok sound. “I had a baby on the show, I got married on the show, I went to jail on the show,” Tre said. MelGo clapped for Tre saying the “J” word, which is such fan behavior. It’s worth noting that there is no life behind Andy’s eyes as he listened to this cyclical argument.
At the very end, Tre dropped a bomb that Jacqueline told her. Rumor has it that Joe and Melissa were hanging out with Joe Giudice’s ex-business partner, who didn’t go to jail for their collective crimes. Jacqueline claimed the business partner outed Tre to the feds. Tre walked back her claim that Caroline put her behind bars. “I take that back, I think you did,” Tre said to Melissa. The collective shock in the room provided the ultimate cliffhanger for us to hop back on this runaway train next week for Part 2.
Real Housewives of New Jersey continues Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY REUNION? ARE YOU ON TEAM TERESA GIUDICE OR TEAM MELISSA GORGA?
