There’s drama in the Hamptons, and when those streets talk, we have to listen. Have you ever heard of the “King of Lipo,” Dr. Howard Sobel? He’s a popular celebrity dermatologist who can help give you the face of a reality TV star.
However, recent reports from Page Six have exposed a nasty divorce battle between him and his ex-wife. And to make the story even wilder, Ramona Singer used to be married to him.
Who was Ramona Singer’s first husband?
Before Ramona married Mario Singer, a little-known fact is that the Real Housewives of New York star married Dr. Howard. They tied the knot in the late 1980s. The news was originally reported by All About the Tea, but Ramona has tried to keep her past life buried in the past. But court documents don’t lie, and Ramona had a marriage license with this man issued in 1987.
Of course, the relationship didn’t last, but they stayed in touch. Dr. Howard went on to be Ramona’s go-to dermatologist. A popular celebrity doctor, he’s performed procedures for Bethenny Frankel, Luann de Lesseps, and Tinsley Mortimer. Tinsley’s Botox treatment was even featured on an episode of RHONY.
Dr. Howard is heating up the Hamptons
Fast forward to 2023, and Dr. Howard is causing a lot of mess in the Hamptons. He’s divorcing his wife, and it’s getting nasty.
Despite being worth $30 million, the outlet alleged that he’s trying to delay paying $25,000 child support payments for his sickly child. Documents filed in court called the doctor “abusive and controlling,” which was shocking for the New York City elite who frequented his practice.
Despite the well-reported stories of his nasty divorce, Page Six said he has become the hottest new bachelor in the Hamptons. Move over, Golden Bachelor! Dr. Howard is here, and insiders can’t stop talking about the newly single 72-year-old.
Sources said,, “He’s the hot new bachelor on the Hamptons scene,” and, “I saw him get a woman’s phone number.”
However, Ramona’s ex-husband denied the reports that he was out trying to pick up ladies. Instead, he said he innocently gave his card to a woman who wanted to become one of his patients.
“I got up from my chair once,” he told the outlet. “I was home at 9:30 p.m. That’s not exactly a guy looking to meet women. Everyone was talking to everyone. I talked to a woman I knew and one I didn’t know.”
Just because you were home at 9:30 p.m doesn’t mean you’re not looking for love. Some of the best Tinder swipes happen after 9 p.m.! Whatever happened that night, it may be time for Dr. Howard and Ramona to rekindle their flame. She’s always down for a date.
TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK RAMONA KEPT HER FIRST MARRIAGE UNDER WRAPS? DO YOU THINK DR. HOWARD’S MESSY DIVORCE WILL IMPACT HIS CELEBRITY CLIENTELLE?
Charlie Shanian is spilling the tea on his ex and her reaction to her dad’s will. Charlie and Tori Spelling were married from 2004 until 2006, when she left him for actor Dean McDermott. Tori and Dean are also now in the process of divorcing, after 17 years of marriage and five children.
Tori’s father was, of course, Hollywood icon and bazillionaire Aaron Spelling. The producer died in 2006, leaving almost all of his $600 million fortune to his wife Candy Spelling. Their two children, Tori and her brother Randy, received only $800,000 each. I would be happy with that, but apparently, Donna Martin was not. And the way she quickly blew through that amount kind of tells you that Daddy knew what he was doing.
On August 18, Charlie gave an interview that detailed Tori’s reaction to her dad’s will.
Prior to Aaron’s death, when Tori learned the dollar amount of her coming inheritance, it upset her so much that she started “crying,” according to Charlie. “From what I understand,” the actor and writer explained to Daily Mail, “[Aaron’s] hope was that it would bring Tori closer to her mom because it would require a connection between them.”
Sadly, at the time of his death, Tori and her mom weren’t close. Tori was upset that her mom would have complete “control” of her dad’s fortune.
“She was crying and feeling upset, not about the money,” Charlie said, “but about what it meant that [it] was structured in such a way.” Even though Candy has allegedly set up trust funds for her children, which they will still receive at some time in the future, “There’s a real pain in there.”
The author of “Maybe Baby, It’s You,” also told of an incident that left his ex in tears. When a doorman joked she “should be in a limousine” instead of a “beat-up” car, Tori allegedly “collapsed crying.”
“It really angered her and hurt her,” he said. “It was, like, this cathartic cry of just, ‘This is my life … This is what everyone thinks of me.’”
Since separating from Dean, money has been tight for Tori. She and her five kids were reportedly living in a $100-a-night motel, before moving into an RV. Meanwhile, her mom has been getting some heat on social media for not doing more to help her daughter.
When asked in July whether she’d help Tori “financially,” Candy responded, “Of course. I will always be there for her.”
TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK TORI DOESN’T ASK HER MOM FOR HELP? DO YOU THINK SHE ENJOYS LIVING A BOHEMIAN LIFESTYLE WITH HER KIDS?
Is there a rhyme or reason for the seating arrangements on Real Housewives reunions? If there is, then Kenya Moore thinks she deserves a better seat. The Real Housewives of Atlanta legend recently appeared on former RHOA producer Carlos King’s podcast. During their interview, she sounded off against the current production team. She has some strong feelings about not automatically sitting right next to Andy Cohen at the reunions.
The coveted first seat
Kenya sat down with Carlos for what felt like an exit interview from the show. The former co-workers chatted about everything, from Kenya’s personal life to the show’s casting complications. However, it was Kenya’s perspective on the reunion seating charts that really left our eyebrows raised — especially since Season 15’s reunion is right around the corner.
According to Kenya, she felt disrespected not having the first seat, despite twirling her way through so many seasons and creating so many iconic moments for the show. The conversation came up as Kenya and Carlos reminisced on some of her most heated reunions. The former producer told Kenya that it made his “stomach turn” watching all of the RHOA reunions where she didn’t have the first seat. Although the seating charts seem based on who was involved with the most drama in the season, Kenya and Carlos shared a different opinions.
“Don’t tell me it’s about story. It’s not about story. It’s about who are the leads of the show. NeNe [Leakes] did not have story for three seasons. They would never move NeNe’s seat,” Kenya proclaimed. “That is a fact. I felt so disrespected knowing what I have put into this franchise. You should never move my seat.”
Carlos agreed that the seating chart isn’t about the storyline but about who’s the “star” and the “face of the show.” They used Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac as an example. Regardless of what she brings to a season, she’s always next to Andy at the reunion. It’s just like Kyle Richards and Teresa Giudice on their shows.
In Kenya and Carlos’ opinion, the former Miss USA has earned her stripes and should sit right next to Andy, regardless of her storyline. After this interview, we’ll see if she even has a seat at the next reunion.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta is airing its 15th season on Bravo, Sunday nights at 8/7c.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE REAL HOUSEWIVES SHOULD BASE THEIR REUNION SEATING CHARTS BASED ON SENIORITY? DO YOU THINK KENYA SHOULD BE GUARANTEED A FIRST SEAT?
As the Real Housewives of New York opens, Ubah Hassan is meeting Erin Lichy at jewelry designer Jacob Arabo’s NYC shop. “Jacob is the jeweler to the stars,” Ubah says, “to the 1%.” Ubah has brought Erin here to pick out pieces to borrow for her upcoming tenth-anniversary party. Nice! Only rich people get to “borrow” expensive things they could probably afford to outright buy.
Meanwhile, Brynn Whitfield and Jessel Taank are in another store shopping for something pretty (and pricey) to wear to Erin’s party. “It’s honestly, my Disneyland,” Jessel says.
Brynn, who’s been engaged three times already, is having trouble finding the “one” she can settle down with. Rather than saying yes and breaking up with the poor guy down the road, one of the producers asks, “Why not just say no?”
“It’s easier to say yes,” she confesses. “You look in their eyes, and it’s very difficult to say no.”
But she’s still looking. She even went on a date the past week. Her unfortunate suitor took her to a party and she got bored, so she just left. She said she texted him when she got home and said, “Oops, I left.” I’m guessing he wasn’t the “one” either.
“I’m ready to settle down,” Brynn says in a confessional. “I can’t do this sh*t anymore. I’m old, I’m tired. I don’t want to date anymore, I don’t want to get to know people … I’m just ready to be married and old.” I’m thinking Brynn needs a good, old-fashioned arranged marriage. Here’s your husband. Let’s do the damn thing.
Here’s everything else that went down in Real Housewives of New York Season 14, Episode 6.
Erin and Abe’s (private) anniversary dinner
(Photo by: Cindy Ord/Bravo)
Later, Erin and Abe meet for a private anniversary dinner. Erin checks her coat with the hostess, but for some reason, Abe resists checking his jacket. Even though Erin’s not suspicious, I immediately am. Could Abe have something hidden in his pocket, like a present for Erin maybe? Hopefully, it’s something shiny with a lot of carats.
After placing their order, they launch into the New Yorkiest conversation ever about Uptown versus Downtown, which referred to the Upper East and Erin’s aversion to going “above Canal.” None of which made any sense to me, as I’ve never been to New York. It’s like they were speaking a foreign language.
Apparently, they’re writing their own vows. Sweet Abe tells Erin he’s had trouble writing his, since every time he starts writing, he tears up. Awwwww.
Erin says their relationship works because “we’re like opposites, but oddly similar: he’s more calm, I’m more crazy; he’s relaxed, I’m in overdrive. We have a really good balance. That’s why we work.” Erin admits that if they weren’t married, they’d be really good friends.
When the waitress delivers their starter, Abe decides he wants another drink, with a “big rock” this time, rather than crushed ice. Erin quips, “Ooh, I want a big rock, too.”
“You want a big rock?” Abe asks, followed by a dramatic pause. When his wife says she does actually, Abe waits just a beat before pulling a beautiful wooden box out of his jacket pocket. I knew it! And of course, it’s a ring with a diamond the size of a Ring Pop. And OMG, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
“Is that real?” Erin says, shocked. “I love you. Thank you!”
Jessel wants to send her twins to a pricey preschool
(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Jessel is under a deadline to get her 18-month-old twin sons’ applications in for the Montessori school. She tells her husband Pavit, “We have, like, less than two weeks to get these applications in.” The application process for preschool in New York is no joke.
She tells Pavit that she’s narrowed the search down to two schools. “I love this one,” she says, “because it’s international … They have campuses in Brazil, Sao Paulo, Hong Kong, New York.”
“All we care about is New York,” Pavit responds. “That’s where we live.” Good point.
“They teach in Mandarin, and they teach in Spanish,” Jessel continues, “so you’re, like, immersed in this language. Imagine. Our kids could speak Mandarin.” They’re two, Jessel. They don’t even speak English yet.
“But at the same time,” Pavit adds, “they … barely speak English right now.” See? Thank you.
“And the second one is a Montessori,” she adds, “which is actually kind of cool, because celebrities, tech entrepreneurs … It’s like a very, very high-profile school.”
“How about race car drivers?” Pavit kids.
Brushing his joke aside, Jessel pushes on and urges him to “take a look and see if this is, like, feasible.”
I’m assuming she was pointing to the cost of tuition on the computer screen because Pavit’s eyebrows went up to his hairline. “Are you crazy?! $62,000? For what, coloring? That is insane.”
“But look,” Jessel continues. “They give, um, materials, snacks, field trips. You get an iPad and you get an Apple Mac if you join the school.”
“Oh, great,” Pavit responds. “So you’re paying $62,000 for an iPad and a Mac. That’s ridiculous.”
Black marker on Sai’s white carpet
(Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
At Sai De Silva’s brownstone, her son Rio is using markers without supervision. Rookie move, Sai. Mommy should always keep custody of the markers, crayons – and most especially the Play-Doh – until she has time to supervise.
“I got very lucky with David,” Sai admits, while her spouse gets busy with the spot cleaner. “He’s always there for his kids … I’m actually jealous I didn’t have a father like that.”
After settling Rio with his markers at the marble kitchen island, David and Sai moved over to the seating area with their red wine to discuss Jessel and Erin’s conversation at the coffee shop.
“Apparently, Jessel and Erin got into it,” she tells David, as Rio blurts out “Cheese!” Does even Sai’s five-year-old know about Cheesegate?
Sai says she asked Jessel, “Why did you cry when someone called you ‘pampered?'”
“On top of taking care of twins,” David responds, “she’s starting [back to work] again … If someone was to call me out as pampered or this or that, and she’s juggling all this stuff, I might be pissed off, too.” And let’s not forget the stress of applying to expensive preschools.
“Think of how overwhelming her past year has been,” he continues. “I find it funny that the ladies come to you to discuss feelings. You have many strong suits, but a counselor is not one of those.”
Sai admits, “I have a tendency not to be so empathetic.”
“When someone opens up to you emotionally,” David laughs, “you tune them out. Amazing.”
No party for Ubah
(Photo by: Cindy Ord/Bravo)
Everyone’s excited about Abe and Erin’s party. Jenna Lyons has a friend over helping her pick out a fabulous outfit. Can we just see a little more Popeye (Jenna’s dog), please? Jessel is getting her hair and makeup done while sipping the glass of wine Pavit brought her. And Erin and Abe are relaxing with a snack before getting ready when suddenly the phone rings, and it’s Ubah.
Ubah has bad news. “So I picked my dress,” Ubah says. “I got my diamond. I ate because I was afraid you weren’t going to feed me … and I just took a Covid test … I’m so sorry.” Poor Ubah is sick. After getting all that bling for Erin to wear to her party, she won’t even be there to see it.
“I’m so sorry you can’t come,” Erin tells her. “I love you. I hope you feel so much better.”
Abe and Erin’s party goes down, but not without a hitch (or two)
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
The venue, Hall des Lumières, was absolutely gorgeous. Erin’s dress was beautiful, although the sideboob was a little much. It was borderline tacky.
Robert the diamond bodyguard arrived with her bling. “Maybe you’ll forget that I’m wearing them, and you’ll let me take them home,” she joked.
“I haven’t lost anything yet,” he laughed. “Are you gonna jinx me?”
When Brynn arrives, she tells Erin, “I have to meet your dad. I’m 100% hitting on your dad tonight.”
“Also there’s dudes everywhere,” she adds. “The place is crawling with dudes … Is this my birthday party?”
And of course, Brynn has to put the moves on Abe. “Now, once you’re ready to get a divorce,” she tells him, “I’m single. And we’re just gonna do a swap, right?”
“Wife-swapping, I think, happens after the 20-year anniversary,” Abe jokes.
“I’m patient, Abe,” Brynn says. “I’m patient … Whatever you do, don’t mess up [your vows] and say, ‘I take you, Brynn.'”
“It’s not you I’m interested in,” Brynn continues. “It’s actually Erin’s dad, ’cause then I’m Erin’s stepmom … and if I was Erin’s stepmom, I wouldn’t let her call me Brynn, you know? I’d be like, ‘No, you have to call me Mom now.'”
“I’ve gotta lock my sh*t up,” she tells Jessel after Abe makes his excuses. “I’m ripping on her party, and I’m hitting on her husband. I’m never gonna get invited to another anniversary party again.”
Jenna’s single again
(Photo by: Gavin Bond/Bravo)
When she vocally admires a “hot dude,” Jenna reveals, “I’m single, so I’m making moves.”
“Wait? What?” Sai and Jessel are shocked. “What happened?”
“Life happened,” Jenna says. “Just happened … past couple weeks … It’s been rough. It’s like when you, like, think your life is going one direction, and then it does a right turn.”
“I dated this person for almost a year and a half,” Jenna says in a confessional. “It had not been consistent. I think that there were signs. You get excited, you believe something is gonna be. And so when that future goes away, it can be really heartbreaking. I’m not getting any younger.”
“You can come hang out at my house,” Sai offers. “I’ll bring you tons of mocktails, and you can hang out with us.” Awww. Sai’s a good friend. Sai appreciates that Jenna’s finally opening up about her personal life.
“Would you like to have a threesome with me and my husband?” Jessel jokes.
“She’s a f*cking psycho, apparently,” Sai laughs about Jessel’s outburst.
Whatever happened to the two-minute rule?
(Photo by: Noam Galai/Bravo via Getty Images)
While well-wishers drone on and on during the speech portion of the vow renewal, Jenna, Sai, Jessel and Brynn entertain each other by cracking jokes. “This is why I don’t go to weddings,” Jessel complains, as she and Brynn shop on her phone.
“They’re amazing, they’re in love, they’re hot, they’re rich,” says Brynn, as the speeches continue. “Like, let’s just keep drinking, you know what I’m saying? Stop rubbing it in our faces.”
“What time do you think Nobu closes?” Sai asks. “It’s around the corner, isn’t it?”
At that moment, Erin’s sister Kelly came over and introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Erin’s sister,” she says. “I just wanted to tell you, it’s a little rude … Like, we’re at her engagement. And you guys are arguing.” Um, it’s an anniversary party, Kel, but have another drink.
When the ladies assure her they’re not arguing, she continues, “Whatever. You guys are chatting, chitchatting.”
“That’s fair,” Brynn responds. “Are you gonna go and tell each one of the other people, too? Everybody is talking.”
“I think the people that she should be telling to zip it,” Sai interviews, “is maybe … [the people droning on and on, perhaps?] Cause we’re done.”
Finally, it was time for the vows. And they were sweet, but I’m not going to transcribe them here. Cause I’m also done. Oh, and Abe is a Dead Head. Who saw that coming?
Let’s party!
(Photo by: Sean Zanni/Braavo via Getty Images)
Sadly, there’s not a lot of food at this party. There are pigs-in-a-blanket, but Sai’s a pescatarian (only eats fish). And she’s hungry. So Nobu’s it is.
“I came, I supported, I sat through all the speeches,” Sai says. “You wouldn’t even notice me if I was gone. I’m going to Nobu, honey. I’m hungry.” But Erin does notice, and she is not pleased.
When Erin returns in her second outfit, she wants to take a group pic with her girls. “Did Sai leave?” she asks.
“I am so pissed,” she interviews. “At the very least, she should’ve said goodbye to me, which is exactly what she said Jenna should have done when she dipped out of my house.”
Uh oh. I think Cheesegate has been replaced by Partygate.
“Aside from that,” Erin adds, “this party is everything I could have expected … It’s just a really, really beautiful, special night.”
Real Housewives of New York continues Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR BRYNN TO BE FLIRTING WITH ABE AT HIS VOW RENEWAL? DO YOU THINK SAI SHOULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE TO ERIN BEFORE LEAVING? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TWO-MINUTE RULE?
