Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Temptation Island Season 5, Episode 7 Recap: Opening Pandora’s Box

Temptation Island Season 5 just gets messier every week. For the first time in the show’s history, there’s a Temptation Light in each villa. It glows red at every point one of the members of a couple give in to temptation. That light has already been working overtime, and this week was no different. There was another series first in this latest installment. Here’s everything that went down in Temptation Island Season 5, Episode 7…

Video messages from anybody, to everybody, making Temptation Island history

Temptation Island Recap
(Photo by: USA Network)

For the first time in Temptation Island history, the single Islanders will be able to send video messages to the partner of someone they have been getting to know. This is alongside the couples also being able to send a 30-second video message to their partner (or ex-partner) if they wish to. Kaitlin calls it the “make or break moment” for her and Hall, though that may have already happened judging by his behavior.

Meanwhile, Nafeesah is becoming unimpressed by Great’s actions. He’s daring to flirt with other women. She thinks that, because she has spent the past few nights in his bed, he should cut off getting to know anybody else. On one hand, I can see where she’s coming from. But then I remember that he came into this experiment with a significant other, and that didn’t stop Nafeesah from laying it on thick in an attempt to steal him away. If Paris wasn’t his partner, I’d probably feel a little worse. As it stands, this whole situation is falling a little flat – and Paris is snogging Tahjjic’s face off again, complaining about a lack of “privacy.”

As the boys’ villa enjoys a “Future Night,” the girls’ villa is getting down and dirty with a country theme. I lost count of how many times the Temptation Light lit up both villas throughout the night. “Save a horse, ride a cowboy,” Marisela said of her growing relationship with Kristian. She has well and truly left Christopher in her rear-view mirror – and honestly, I don’t blame her.

Nafeesah and Tamie’s beef over Great continues

Temptation Island Recap
(Photo by: USA Network)

The party sees Tamie trying to make a move on Great. She asks him if he wants to go for a private kiss. He notes that he doesn’t “wanna plan” a kiss; one should just come naturally. It’s a nice way to let her down, but he should be even more upfront. Instead, he makes a move on Abby. This certainly came out of nowhere! “If I don’t do this, I’m gonna regret it,” he says in confessional. “I’m the main character.” Um. Anyways. Abby rejects him, and he spends the rest of the night with his tail between his legs, apologizing to Nafeesah. She gives him one last chance, and the two share a shower.

Other notable moments from the parties include Marisela and Kristian going to bed together once again – thought she insists their physical connection doesn’t involve sex – as well as Hall and Makayla, and Chris and Alexius continuing to grow their bond. Kaitlin also lets her hair down more than ever before, licking whipped cream off of Sebastian. She’s felt a “shift” in Mike, who she was also getting to know, and isn’t a fan of his jealousy.

The next day, Mike pulls Kaitlin for a chat. He wants to warn her that Sebastian isn’t there for the right “reasons.” He thinks that if she goes down a path of trusting with him, she’ll end up hurt. While I actually agree with Mike, he’s going about this all wrong. Kaitlin has to make her own decisions. Let’s not forget, she is an engaged woman. She’s not someone that Mike simply HAS to protect. For his part, Sebastian says he didn’t want to catch feelings, but he has. Maybe he really is being honest with Kaitlin.

Video messages arrive

Temptation Island Recap
(Photo by: USA Network)

Vanessa and Rob are the first to receive their video messages from one another. Vanessa tells Rob she is “devastated,” and sorry for hurting him. She doesn’t think he’s ready to be in a settled relationship, and is “looking for security.” Vanessa ends her message by saying she hopes his “future decisions reflect the man I know you can be.” A message from Bryce then follows, who warns Rob he will lose Vanessa if he doesn’t “do better.” Rob didn’t get the change he was looking for from Vanessa in the video, but I actually think he’s being a little harsh.

On his video message, Rob says he has grown on the island. It’s the first time he’s seen the “standards” he wants in a partner. Rob describes the two as a “toxic couple,” who need to make changes. He loves Vanessa, but doesn’t think she has “what it takes to change,” but holds hope she can. Desiree then appears, and seems to give Vanessa a scolding. She purrs about her “emotional connection” with the “unique, special” Rob. Desi says he “deserves a partner who is emotionally available, not a partner who’s controlling.” In confessional, Vanessa explodes. “Who the f*ck do you think put in the work to make [Rob] like that?”

Chris and Marisela are next up. He’s not expecting a message, but he gets one. She tells her now-ex partner, that she has learned so much. “I am amazing just as I am.” Marisela thanks him for the time they’ve spent together, and wishes him well in finding “what you’re looking for.” Chris feels “guilty,” and for good reason. He didn’t even bother to send Marisela a message. Instead, she gets one from Alexius. “I see his potential,” Alexius says of Chris. She tells Marisela off for “breaking” him. Marisela’s unsurprised Chris wasn’t “man enough” to speak his feelings himself.

More messages, before an early Temptation Island reunion

Temptation Island Recap
(Photo by: USA Network)

Paris and Great’s video messages go almost as you’d expect. Great realized on the island he has trust issues, and has seen in Paris’ behavior everything he is “afraid of.” Paris is confused as to where she went wrong. Um, maybe when you were caught on camera immediately saying you would suck someone’s d*ck if the cameras weren’t around? Paris is a true enigma. The lack of self awareness is bewildering. Still, she’s fantastic for reality TV.

Where things really get juicy, is with Hall and Kaitlin. Hall’s video message is, as Kaitlin describes, very “surface.” He doesn’t commit to anything in particular. He comes off as stilted, and robotic. Kaitlin’s message is a vast contrast. She is emotional, and makes Hall cry. “I love you so much,” Kaitlin says. “You’ll always be my greatest love.” As for Makayla’s message to Kaitlin? It’s giving try-hard. She thanks Kaitlin for bringing Hall to the island, so she could meet her “soulmate,” and feel what it’s like to be “in love.” Cringe.

Then, Hall does something very unexpected. He demands to speak to Kaitlin. Producers immediately get him in a car, and send him to the girls’ villa, where Kaitlin awaits. “She deserves to finally hear the truth from me.” Shocked at his arrival, Kaitlin asks, “What are you about to say?”

“I have to talk to you,” Hall says, before breaking down. And then the credits rolled! We’ll find out what happens in next week’s episode, as Temptation Island Season 5 continues…

TELL US – DO YOU THINK HALL WILL CALL THINGS OFF WITH KAITLIN? OR IS HE GOING TO CONFESS AND BEG FOR ANOTHER CHANCE?

Temptation Island Season 5 continues Wednesdays at 9/8c on USA.

The post Temptation Island Season 5, Episode 7 Recap: Opening Pandora’s Box appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/07/26/temptation-island-season-5-episode-7-recap/

Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas Celebrating Anniversary in Greece

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year now since Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas tied the knot. Louie’s impact on Real Housewives of New Jersey can’t be understated. Some fear his presence will be Teresa’s downfall, if not the show’s downfall overall.

Indeed, Luis has changed the face of RHONJ, and likely not for the better. People have expressed concern for Tre, pointing out that she might be going down a similar path that she did with her last partner.

Those worries were only exacerbated when concerns began to arise concerning Luis’ finances. His company seemed shady enough on its own. Then other cast members began raising questions about his background. These questions have come to a head once again with the couple’s anniversary celebrations.

Tre and Louie’s private jet to Greece

Luis posted a video on his Instagram featuring Teresa putting on sunglasses and boarding a private jet with her family ahead of her. Louie wrote in his caption, “LOVE YOU ❤❤ #mykonos #familytime #summer2023 #happyanniversary❤” And Teresa commented, “Love you my forever ❤❤.”

Many commenters voiced their support, one fan writing, “1 year already!! Have fun!! Happy Anniversary to our Queen of NJ!!” Notably, Dolores Catania commented, “Have the best time celebrating.” Other stars such as Danielle Cabral also gave their support: “Enjoy!!!” But ragging on Luis is like taking candy from a baby, and detractors made their voices known in the comments too.

One repeated sentiment was money. “Did they pay their taxes?” one user asked. Another asked, “WHERE ARE THEY REALLY GETTING THEIR MONEY?” expressing how odd it was they could afford lavish trips so often. And, of course, someone had to write, “You’re going to do her wrong … I just can’t wait to see it.” That sentiment echoes throughout all of Luis’ IG posts.

Real Housewives of New Jersey is set to begin filming for its next season in August 2023.

TELL US – DO YOU THINK IT’S SUSPICIOUS THAT LUIS AND TERESA CAN TRAVEL SO OFTEN? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THEIR ANNIVERSARY?

The post Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas Celebrating Anniversary in Greece appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/07/26/teresa-giudice-luis-ruelas-celebrating-anniversary-in-greece/

RHOA’s DonJuan Clark Posts Racist Meme on Social Media

Content warning: racist and insensitive meme with caricatured text below.

Reality TV stars often have a bad reputation for being ignorant. While that’s not true for 100% of stars, the bad tends to make headlines, and audiences start to generalize.

And this week, it’s DonJuan Clark giving other reality stars a bad name. Known as Kandi Burruss’ right-hand man, the recurring Real Housewives of Atlanta guest seems mostly harmless. But it’s always the ones least expected.

On July 21, 2023, DonJuan posted a highly insensitive meme on his Instagram. It may have been unwitting, but that doesn’t excuse it. You can see a screenshot of the meme below, but I reissue a content warning. The meme in question is tone-deaf and xenophobic.

DonJuan’s xenophobic IG post

Photo: @donjuannc via Instagram

DonJuan posted a meme with the following text: “‘press one for English’ *1* ‘dank you Ford crawling eighty & T.’” Coupled with the text was a screengrab from the PBS cartoon Arthur featuring an annoyed Francine on the phone. DonJuan captioned his IG post with multiple laughing emojis and wrote, “I’m hanging up.”

For those who don’t understand, the meme is meant to caricature Indians, Pakistanis, and others who work at call centers whose native language isn’t English. Many companies set up customer service and call lines in Asia for cheap labor. Interestingly, no one on IG called out the post. But the original tweet garnered criticism.

DonJuan Clark
(Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

As one user wrote, “Just remember these ppl are doing [what] they need to to put bread on the table and it’s not their fault they were hired to do this.” One reply argued, “It technically is their fault for doing it,” then added, “but they shouldn’t be faulted for it … no matter how annoying it can get.” Although, many people don’t have job options, just like here in the States.

And before anyone calls me a snowflake or says ‘It’s just a joke,’ remember that all comedy is based on truth. So, consider what the supposed truth is that’s being perpetuated by this meme. And consider if that “truth” is helpful or harmful to a certain group of people.

The post RHOA’s DonJuan Clark Posts Racist Meme on Social Media appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/07/26/rhoas-donjuan-clark-posts-racist-meme-on-social-media/

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Below Deck Down Under Season 2, Episode 3 Recap: Some Crewmates Need an Attitude Adjustment

Below Deck Down Under may have said goodbye to their most obnoxious guests ever in Episode 2, but there’s more drama on the horizon. Some of the members of crew are getting a little too cocky. Just do your job, and don’t backchat to your superior! It’s really that simple. Here’s everything that happened in Below Deck Down Under Season 2, Episode 3…

The “kiss from Down Under”

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo via Getty Images)

Turns out Margot isn’t as annoyed as she seemed at the end of Episode 2! The third stew actually enjoyed the kiss that Luke planted on her; she just wasn’t expecting it. Harry thinks that his Bosun is trying too hard, and is happy to play the long game. As Margot confesses to Tzarina she has a little “crush” on Luke, however, it may already be game over for the Aussie deckhand. But there are mixed signals. “He’s super aggressive and I think it’s too much right now,” Margot tells Aesha. This spells trouble.

Back at the yacht, Luke and Margot share a kiss. He takes her to fill up the hot tub, while Harry pulls out the budgie smugglers. Luke and Margot have another smooch, but he’s moving very fast. “I feel like our flirting’s going past flirting,” he says. “It’s been one day,” Margot responds. She doesn’t want an awkward atmosphere in the morning, and so everybody goes to bed. Everybody, that is, except for Harry. He spends some time in the tub, hopeful that Margot may join him. Sadly, he’s on his own. Womp womp.

The Chief Entertainment Officer returns

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Laurent Basset/Peacock/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

The new deckhand is on his way, and it’s none other than Culver Bradbury! The self-described CEO – that’s Chief Entertainment Officer – is a welcome returnee. He’s always got a smile on his face, and is willing to not only listen to feedback from his superiors, but implement it as soon as possible. He’s a real shining light, and it’s easy to see why Captain Jason is so happy to have him onboard. “Do you know how lucky we are to have this guy?” Aesha says to Luke, overjoyed at Culver’s arrival. He’s just good energy from jump – exactly what the Northern Sun yacht needs.

There’s more good news, as Tzarina’s suitcase has finally arrived! She reveals that there is anything between $60,000, and $100,000 worth of designer clothes in that bag. No wonder the airline were so intent in reuniting the belongings with their owner. Above all of the outfits, however, Tzarina is most happy to be reunited with her knives.

Tzarina later questions Luke about his rendezvous with Margot. “Did you hook up?” she asks. “I think so,” Luke replies. That really depends on your definition of hooking up. In his confessional, Luke says of Harry: “Nice guys always finish last. Always.” I’m not liking this energy, Bosun!

A new set of guests with new demands

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo via Getty Images)

In the second preference sheet meeting of the season, the heads of department are introduced to primary, Jack Freeman. He’s a luxury interior designer, coming aboard with a bunch of foodies. They’d like a tasting menu on their first night, and Tzarina is just pleased that this is a group who have specific requests. “Classic, young, Sydney rich kids … which is fine!” Aesha quips.

Over with Margot, Luke apologizes for “forcefully kissing you last night.” Margot does the traditional dance of, ‘oh, don’t feel bad,’ and then Luke seems to backtrack. He doesn’t feel bad, he just didn’t want Margot to feel awkward. So, a bit of a non-apology, then? Weird.

Later, Margot teaches Harry how to get a stain out of his clothes. We learn that Harry has been stung in the past. His ex-girlfriend cheated on with him with his best friend and colleague. Honestly, I’m scared for Harry’s heart. He has big Golden Retriever energy, and I don’t want anybody to hurt him. Sadly, he seems like the perfect person to walk all over.

Friction begins to build as the crew prepares for the guests’ arrival. Laura has a problem with Aesha’s authority, and it’s clear there’s tension ready to bubble over the surface. Over with the deck team, Culver seems to be more helpful to Adam than Luke. The Bosun is a little patronizing, but you’ve got to roll with the punches when you’re at the bottom of the totem pole.

Who has ice in their rosé?

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo via Getty Images)

When the guests arrive, and ask for ice in their rosé, Aesha is DISGUSTED. I completely agree. It’s just not a done thing! Still, the guests get what the guests want – and that includes Captain Jason joining them for dinner. Before then, however, they want to go in the water. Adam starts to micromanage Harry during the anchoring, which he finds “frustrating.” One of the guests returns from the ocean, without her diamond earrings. Still, she doesn’t blame the crew.

As the day rolls on, the crew prepare for dinner. Adam calls Luke a “smart arse,” and gives him a test on the crew mess whiteboard. It’s all a bit awkward; especially when Luke knocks the “test” out of the park. I like Adam, but I’m unsure he’s going to last the season with this attitude. He’s sent to bed early, as he’ll be on anchor watch.

In confessional, Laura says, “I think [Aesha’s] standards could be higher. At least, if I were Chief Stew, my standards would be a bit higher.” Well, guess what, Laura? You’re not Chief Stew, and if the guests aren’t complaining, why are you flapping your gums? Enough!

Tzarina is feeling the pressure in the galley. “I don’t care about the guests when Captain’s there,” she jokes with Aesha. “I just stare at Captain, like every bite, I’m like, ‘Am I okay? Am I worthy? Am I worthy of your love?'” She’s already one of my favorite chefs from the Below Deck franchise.

The tasting menu proves to be a treat

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo via Getty Images)

As the guests and Captain Jason sit for their tasting menu, they are first served tuna tartar, with a wine I wouldn’t even hazard a guess at spelling. It’s refreshing to see the deck crew happy to help interior, without complaint. The guests call the first course “stunning” and “beautiful,” which only continues as the night goes on.

Course number two is duck bao buns, with Devils Corner Pinot Noir. It looks as delicious as the guests say it is. The meal is completed with a thrid course – barramundi with spicy mango chutney – but not before Culver is asked to whisper sweet nothings into the ear of the primary. It’s a hilarious moment, only beaten by one of the primary’s guests revealing he had been obsessing over Captain Jason in the run-up to their charter, to the point of a “wet dream.”

Despite the great mood, Laura knows how to bring it down. She has an ‘I told you so’ moment when two of the guests ask for ice in their wine. She had suggested a bucket, but Aesha said they would simply give them ice when they asked for it. Aesha clearly has the right idea; you don’t want a huge bucket of ice taking up space on the table. Still, Laura makes a passive aggressive comment.

“I don’t know if she’s trying to insinuate I’m doing a bad job, but there’s no way I would’ve ever called out one of my Chief Stews … no way … I definitely don’t love it,” Aesha says in confessional.

No need for nerves

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo via Getty Images)

As the meal finishes and the guests retire to their quarters, Captain Jason visits Tzarina in the galley. She’s anxious, and almost immediately unleashes on a tirade about what went wrong. Captain interjects, telling her it was “very good … don’t talk about what went wrong – a lot went right.” He hopes that she can be more positive in the future.

Margot is sent down for the night, and Luke tells Harry off for talking to her. He says he should be helping rather than just sitting in the crew mess – but isn’t he on a break? Leave the kid alone, Luke. You don’t need to take absolutely every living, breathing moment to flirt with Margot.

Adam’s on anchor watch as everybody else goes to bed. While he seems to do a good job, he does forget one important thing – to rinse the main aft deck and table. That means that some broken glass from earlier on in the day is left scattered, waiting for a certain somebody’s foot to poke right into…

Captain’s pissed

Below Deck Down Under Recap
(Photo by: Mark Rogers/Bravo)

The next morning, the crew is preparing to move the yacht. Luke is too busy massaging Margot, however, to get his deck team in line. “I need Luke to be on the ball,” Captain Jason says. “I’m pissed off.” After a delay due to the deckies not working fast enough, anchor is pulled up, and the boat begins to move. Side note: Is it just me that’s becoming annoyed with how Luke responds to Captain Jason? He’s not your “mate,” Luke! He’s your Captain.

As Margot sets the breakfast table around the guests, having forgotten to do it earlier, one of them stands on a shard of glass from the day before. Some of the crew rush to help him out, and Luke is annoyed that Adam didn’t get rid of it during his night shift.

Adam causes further irritation when he starts to lose his mind during what should be a simple task. “Relax, it’s not the Navy,” Culver jokes in confessional. “We’re not about to go to war.” Speak for yourself, Culver. Judging by the preview for next week, Adam could be about to go to war with his superior…

Below Deck Down Under continues Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo.

TELL US – WERE YOU SHOCKED TO SEE CULVER RETURN TO BELOW DECK DOWN UNDER? HOW DO YOU THINK AESHA SHOULD DEAL WITH LAURA? IS LUKE A GOOD BOSUN?

The post Below Deck Down Under Season 2, Episode 3 Recap: Some Crewmates Need an Attitude Adjustment appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/07/25/below-deck-down-under-season-2-episode-3-recap/

Lisa Rinna Goes Nude on Instagram to ‘Celebrate’ at 60

60 never looked better for Lisa Rinna! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, July 23, 2023, and shared a nude photo of herself. We wouldn’t expect anything less.

Considering she’s recently been subject to trolling over her looks, Lisa posed nude behind a massage table. She also used golden heart emojis to cover the more personal areas of her body and added a GIF that wished her followers a “Happy Sunday.”

The entrepreneur paid tribute to the popular Schitt’s Creek character Moira Rose. She captioned the photo, “Moira Rose says you should take as many naked pics of yourself while you still can and celebrate it. Ok Moira.”

Rinna sure knows how to keep herself in the conversation!

Lisa Rinna continues to make her presence known

(Photo Credit: @lisarinna/Instagram)

Although she left RHOBH after eight long seasons, she still knows how to make waves. The former reality star keeps experimenting with her looks. Change is good, Lisa, but perhaps not so often!

Recently, the alum was trolled for her Rinna beauty shoot where she displayed her hair extensions and plumped lips with pride. It ended up being a major fail, as fans thronged the comments section to leave their honest opinions – and they weren’t the best!

Social media users trolled Lisa for her look and noticed a stark resemblance to fellow RHOBH alum Brandi Glanville, as well as Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler.

Well, looks like Lisa is way beyond all of it and couldn’t care less. In fact, she revealed in a later Instagram story that she and Brandi had a laugh over the comparisons.

Her exit from RHOBH marked the end of an era. Lisa is set in her own ways and her social media and businesses are the prime example of that.

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF LISA CHOOSING TO GO NUDE? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA ANTICS?

The post Lisa Rinna Goes Nude on Instagram to ‘Celebrate’ at 60 appeared first on Reality Tea.



from Reality Tea https://www.realitytea.com/2023/07/25/lisa-rinna-goes-nude-on-instagram-to-celebrate-at-60/