Production on Real Housewives of New York has shut down in response to a coronavirus diagnosis for the second time.
The first time around, a crew member contracted the virus. This time, a cast member has coronavirus.
Eboni K. Williams
By now we’re probably all used to the off-camera tweaks and updates the women of Bravo fit in between seasons. I think Vicki Gunvalson has had a new face nearly every year. Some reality stars, like Lala Kent are open about their procedures. Others, like Ramona Singer, still like to pretend their 60+ year old melanin-deficient skin just magically stopped aging somewhere along the way.
It will probably surprise no one that Leah McSweeeney of Real Housewives of New York is nothing but bluntly honest about her recent procedure.
Eboni K. Williams will join Real Housewives of New York. Eboni, who is a television host and attorney, is the first Black New York Housewife.
“I’m excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife. Can’t wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before,” Eboni stated. Eboni has already confirmed that the issue of race will be addressed on the show.
Last season on Real Housewives of New York, Sonja Morgan, Dorinda Medley, and Ramona Singer couldn’t handle the fact that Leah McSweeney had some tattoos. When Sonja heard about Leah’s tramp stamp she quipped, “That’s so when they have sex behind you, they remember who you are.”
Sonja said that it “says something negative about her.” Sonja even claimed that she doesn’t have sex with people who have tattoos, which I highly doubt. When Tinsley Mortimer said that she has a tattoo, Sonja told her that “no one is going to f*ck” her with that there. Ouch! That’s actually so mean, but not nearly as sharp as the daggers Dorinda threw at Tinsley all year long.
It’s no secret that the Black Lives Matter movement has altered the world of reality television. Whether they’ve stated it’s in response to the movement or not, Bravo has been casting shows including more women of color lately. Eboni K. Williams and Leva Bonaparte come to mind. While Leva says she doesn’t believe in race, Eboni reports that the RHONY crew will be discussing race point blank. Even some diversity of thought!
Bravo has also had to face several accusations of casting racist reality stars over the years. I can’t think of a single Housewives franchise that hasn’t been under fire for racism at some point. And they’re not alone. CBS has come under fire too. Remember Big Brother’s season 21 winner, Jackson Michie? For those who missed it, he was announced as the winner and then immediately grilled on all his racist decision making during the season. On Live TV. What a treat.
In October, Eboni K. Williams was announced as the first Black co-star on Real Housewives of New York. Former RHONY star Bethenny Frankel has said that she suggested several African American women’s names to join the show.
Leah McSweeney, who is going into her sophomore season, is a long-time supporter of the Black Lives Matter Movement. She also spoke out hoping to bring some racial diversity to the show.
Season 13 of Real Housewives of New York will be a time of embracing progress, and also giving a nod to the past. Viewers knew that RHONY would be adding some new blood. Tinsley Mortimer quit the show to move to Chicago with her love (and now fiancé) Scott Kluth. Dorinda Medley’s tirades against all her co-stars, especially Tinsley, led to her eventual firing.
For Season 13, Eboni K. Williams joined the cast as the first Black housewife. Finally! And now we have confirmation that RHONY alum Heather Thomson will also be appearing on the show. Welcome back, Mama!
Fans are already ready for Real Housewives of New York to return. Luckily, despite a two-week COVID-19 break, filming is already underway! Spoiler: it wasn’t a cast member, but production, who tested positive for the virus. That said, the drama during filming this season seems to be closely followed. At the center of the off-season news is our newest housewife, Eboni K. Williams. There’s also rumors of Heather Thomson’s return. Hollaaaaaa.
Eboni has mentioned feeling like a third-wheel around Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer. Is anyone surprised? Sonja just keeps descending further into a state of constant confusion. She’s harmless, but aloof. Ramona is just straight up rude. I can’t wait to see how this turns out. I’m just pleading that it’s not another year of generational division.