Bravo’s biggest mystery might’ve just been solved.
Ever since Lisa Rinna announced she was leaving “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in January, fans have speculated on the true nature of her exit. Did she quit? Was she fired? What really happened?
Well, thanks to a seven-minute preview of the Season 13 premiere, we may finally have our answer.
According to the clip, which was shared by Bravo on Wednesday, Rinna quit – at least initially.
The big reveal comes toward the end of the video, when Erika Jayne is seen arriving at a retreat hosted by her co-star Dorit Kemsley.
Erika, who appears visibly nervous, shows up to the venue solo and says, “So I am walking in like a man on my own island. My friend is gone,” referring to the Rinna Beauty founder’s exit from the reality TV series.
Then, Rinna’s alleged resignation letter is shown on screen. The email – dated Sept. 10, 2022 and sent to someone at Bravo’s parent company, NBCUniversal – says, “I will not be renewing my contract and I will not be coming back to RHOBH. Thank you so much for 8 years!!!! All the best, Lisa.”
This new development goes against previous theories (and a claim by series alum Lisa Vanderpump) that suggested the soap opera actress was fired from “RHOBH,” following her surprising feud with Kathy Hilton.
However, there’s more to the story than just this resignation letter.
While Rinna did initially quit the series after filming the Season 12 reunion, Andy Cohen said she “immediately regretted” her decision and retracted her resignation.
In his latest book, “The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up,” Cohen said Bravo eventually made the decision that she “should go on pause” and “come back” in the future.
Following the release of Cohen’s book, Rinna’s rep released a statement in May claiming she was “not ‘on pause.’”
“There was never any discussion with anyone about that concept,” Rinna’s rep told HollywoodLife. “Her contract ended, and the parties mutually agreed not to engage on a new one. She felt her time on the show had run its course and she was more than happy to move on. And she still does not regret it.”
After appearing as a guest in Season 4, Rinna joined the series during Season 5 in 2014. She remained on the show through Season 12, which aired in 2022.
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 13 premieres Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. Episodes can also be streamed on Peacock the following day.
