Alexis Bellino was surprised by her Real Housewives of Orange County Co-stars gave her no more mercy amid her return to the long-running Bravo series.
Bellino, who had suffered the loss of his mother just months before filming season 18, returned to the show this year after previously starring in seasons 5-8. But her return has been met with backlash that she also happens to be engaged to Shannon Beadors controversial ex-boyfriend John Janssen.
Many fans (and some of the other cast members) have been critical of how Bellino has handled her new relationship in front of Beador, who was clearly struggling with the aftermath of her DUI arrest. Not only has Bellino flaunted her relationship in acting settings, but she also addressed it security cameras Janssen allegedly had from the night of Beador’s DUI.
Still, Bellino admitted to DECIDER that she was “a little surprised” that her co-star didn’t show her more grace because she was also going through a difficult time after the loss of her mother.
“It was almost like [they thought] I’m invincible or something, or I was just the bad guy from the beginning, Bellino said. “So yes, it was a very difficult season for me to film for the three reasons, [which] it would be my mother’s passing — we filmed, I think it was three months after her death. And then date who I chose. And then, you know, just all the stuff in the media.”
However, the reality star noted that her closest friends – Tamra judge and Heather Dubrow – was there for her throughout the season. “Jenn [Pedranti] and Katie [Ginella] definitely when they learned more about me. But it kind of just brought back the burner, she added.
While the online hate has been “very difficult” for Bellino, she said it has only brought her closer to Janssen.
“I think it’s kind of like when we first started talking as friends. Everyone talking about us pushed us closer together faster because we’re like, ‘We’re just friends.’ Like, what’s going on?” she said. “It’s kind of the same thing that’s happening with so much of the negativity that we’re getting right now.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs every Thursday at 9/8c on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream the next day at Peacock.