Bravo recently changed the direction of the Real Housewives franchise. What started as mindless entertainment about luxury lifestyles shifted towards addressing societal ills in America. Of course, producers won’t give up on the irresistible formula that turned Real Housewives into the success story that it is. There’s still plenty of bickering, fights, drunken antics, and the lifestyle in general. But taking a cue from the Black Lives Matter movement, these ladies are now discussing race relations and white privilege. It’s ruffling some feathers within the cast and viewers.
It started with the addition of Tiffany Moon to the Real Housewives of Dallas cast. Tiffany shared her culture and experience of being Asian in America. Then Crystal Kung Minkoff joined Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with the same premise in mind. Real Housewives of New York was an all white group until Eboni K. Williams and Bershan Shaw were added for Season 13. Even Southern Charm took on race relations. Leva Bonaparte confronted Charleston’s dark history, and Kathryn Dennis’ ancestry.
Needless to say, some fans are not happy with this change. Some cite the need to keep politics out of entertainment. Others are saying it’s not enough diversity and Bravo should add women from other cultures as well.
And while fans may bicker unnoticed on social media, Leah McSweeney took to her platform to voice an opinion. Leah recently posted the following statement on Instagram regarding the backlash from viewers. She wrote, “I see all you bravo fan accounts that were bashing bravo for not having a diverse NYC cast but now mad that race is being discussed. Hard conversations are being had and none of us are doing it perfectly. That includes ALL of us. But we are doing it.”
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RHONY costars reacted with support. Alum Tinsley Mortimer liked the post. Eboni wrote, “say that Sis.” Bershan added, “love this.” Outspoken Sonja Morgan, who has been one of the biggest supporters of BLM in the cast posted, “Hot mess express. All aboard. (Elevator). Thx Leah. Well said #notperfect but we’re doing it.”
Stars from other Bravo shows responded as well as this response from fans may affect more than just RHONY. Real Housewives of Dallas alum Tiffany commented with fire emojis. Leva wrote, “you are doing it! That’s where it starts! That’s all any of us can do!”
Ultimately, viewers will decide tune in or not. It’s simply consumerism.
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TELL US- WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CAST CHANGES ON REAL HOUSEWIVES? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE RACIAL DISCUSSIONS? WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON LEAH’S STATEMENT?
[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]