Dorinda Medley Confirms ‘RHONY’ Exit Was Not a Mutual Decision
Weeks after announcing her departure, Dorinda Medley has confirmed that it was not her decision to leave Real Housewives of New York
Medley spoke with fellow former Housewife and friend Bethenny Frankel on Frankel’s new podcast Just B with Bethenny Frankel. The Skinnygirl founder encouraged Medley to speak her truth on this week’s episode, Medley’s first interview since parting ways with Bravo.
“Listen, I did not have a good season this year so I’m not going to make excuses for that, but I was doing real,” Medley admits. “It has been said that I probably should have taken a year off.”
She explains that her father’s illness, as well as the flood in Blue Stone Manor, added to her personal stress going into Season 12. Medley admitted she felt “very, very scared” at the beginning of the season following her breakup with boyfriend John Mahdessian, as well as breaking her rib.
Season 12 also marked Medley’s first season without costar Frankel. “When you left, I was really in a mode of coming back and being a powerful couple,” Medley tells Frankel. “So then I came back and I was sort of a toothpick in an ocean. I didn’t get my voice out correctly.”
The new addition of Leah McSweeney, plus Tinsley Mortimer’s midseason departure, further proved Season 12 was a transitional season for the franchise. “I had a rough season, but that’s what we do as Housewives,” Medley reasons. “We have good seasons, we have bad seasons, we come back and we change it up. I was looking forward to coming back this year…I was thinking [Season 13] was going to be my season.”
Now, Medley is in a “good place” and described the phone call she received from Bravo as she was making arrangements for the annual RHONY holiday retreat at Blue Stone Manor. “I thought I was going to have a great year. I wasn’t given that option. At the end of the day, was it mutual? No.”
Following fan backlash over Medley’s exit ahead of Season 13, the network has reassured viewers this can be a “pause” for Medley until she is ready to return. But as Medley tells Frankel, if she’s not filming, she’s not really a part of the series. “No one likes rejection,” Medley acknowledges.
“You wanted to make it nice! That was the truth,” Frankel says, supporting Medley.
Bravo has announced multiple changes for the Real Housewives franchises, including New York, Beverly Hills, and Atlanta. It has been confirmed that Season 13 of RHONY will feature new Housewives, and Page Six reported that motivational speaker Bershan Shaw has been spotted filming with the Big Apple cast.
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O
I’m glad she is gone. She is a nasty and rude. She is the first to point out everyone else’s flaws but refuses to see her own! She is nothing but a bully!
15 2
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G
losing dorinda as a huge mistake, i watched the show last night and was boring without dorinda, i think i will find something else to watch
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O
Bring Dorinda back
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O
Dorinda was the main reason I watched New York. She is a very authentic woman. Not sure it’s worth watching with Ramona and Sonja or Leah
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R
I love Dorinda, huge mistake to get rid of her!
Also huge mistake to get rid of Tamara and Vickie I watched one episode of Orange County and was done!
10 3
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C
After the loss of Bethany New York seemed boring. Never liked the addition of Leah McSweeney and very tired of Ramona and Sonja and Luann. Maybe it is time to wrap it up.
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G
Dorinda had a big part on the show. I can’t believe BRAVO got rid of her. It’s a damn shame I say.
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R
I agree won't be watching anymore
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O
Dorinda please please come back!!!!!!!
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C
I'm going to look at it as Dorinda is on pause and will definitely return next season.... she must return... this season is boring...and I agree getting rid of Tamara and Vicky was wrong wrong wrong... I did the same ... I watched a few episodes and it was horrible.........this is definitely not Andy's decision
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P
Dorinda was RHNYC. Yes, Season 12 was rough, but that is life. It would have been great to see her heal with the support of Bravo and the other cast members. It would have shown other people that you do not punish yourself for being in that horrible space and that with the right support life will turn around. So firing Dorinda sent out the wrong message. God Bless Dorinda and health and happiness in the year ahead. Thank you for being you.
Marilyn, Scotland U.K
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R
The show is NOT as entertaining without Dorinda. Please bring her back! 🙏🏼
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O
Dorinda was the realest housewife ever… let’s not forget how ppl get after a couple of drinks… stones are not to be thrown ppl… she wasn’t mean, she was a true “Real Housewife” I hate it when Bravo decides to end casts that we love! Bravo all of a sudden became all about “fake news” and “politics”. I don’t want to watch the news while watching bravo. Stick to housewives stuff please!
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C
Bye Dorinda, it was a good run.
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