Gina Kirschenheiter and Emily Simpson divided Real Housewives of Orange County fans when they joked about Gretchen Rossi’s appearance. The commentary, including a line about Gretchen dipping herself in formaldehyde, paired with lots of laughter, was directed at the returning RHOC star when she attended Heather Dubrow’s birthday party. And fans were confused about potential hypocrisy.
Of the duo, Emily seems the more sensitive one when it comes to her appearance. The lawyer has struggled with public comments regarding her weight, and only recently has she been feeling good in her own skin. And in a recent interview, Gina explained that they did not mean any ill-will.
RHOC’s Gina Kirschenheiter says “stunning” Gretchen Rossi is “well-preserved”
Host Andy Cohen presented the question as “one of the top two” submitted for Gina’s recent appearance. He asked, “Why was it ok for you and Emily to insult Gretchen’s appearance when both you and Emily have gotten upset when that’s been done to you? Isn’t that a double standard?”
Gina responded, “Ok, well I was so surprised by the reaction. Number one, I actually take my hits very well. And I make fun of myself so that s number one.”
Certainly, the realtor can be credited for taking the hits in stride. In one notable incident, she laughed about her questionable confessional look last season.
“Number two,” Gina continued. “I maintain we were complimenting Gretchen. Like we were saying she’s well preserved. She looks exactly like she looked 20 years ago really.”
The RHOC veteran star admitted that maybe the “snarky delivery is a little confusing” to viewers. But she maintains that she and Emily were complimenting their new co-star. Gina added, “But truly, Gretchen’s stunning. And she looks like she’s looked for the past 20 years. And Gretchen is in on the joke.”
The conversation seemingly prompted Andy to chime in. He said, “she looks like a face-tuned version of herself.” However, the Bravo executive followed up by saying he thinks “it’s a compliment.” And he meant it “as a compliment too.”
“Ok, well now you’re in trouble because I said the exact same thing,” Gina joked.
Catch The Real Housewives of Orange County Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo. It streams on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GINA’S EXPLANATION? DO YOU HAVE ANY REACTION TO HER AND ANDY’S CONVERSATION?
