Anytime Bravo announces a new installation of The Real Housewives, there’s always a little bit of a skeptical reaction. When The Real Housewives of Potomac first came out, everyone asked, “Where is Potomac?” And when The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City was announced, no one would have predicted that it would end up being the blockbuster true-crime sensation of 2021. However, when Andy Cohen announced The Real Housewives of Dubai as the 11th franchise, the subsequent backlash was more severe than ever before. Tons of devotees have questioned Bravo’s decision to bring the Housewives to the Middle East due to the restrictive laws for women and the LGBTQ community. Why would they take the franchise to a destination that isn’t reflective of their audience?
This question has been on many people’s minds, and thankfully, one fan called into Andy’s radio show (and waited over an hour) to ask the question directly. On the November 10th episode of Andy Cohen Live on SIRIUS XM’s Radio Andy, the Housewives exec finally responded to the backlash about RHODubai and the decision to put Bravo’s spotlight on the Middle East.
“Dubai is somewhere — we found an incredible group of people, and I think it’s going to be a really exciting show, and I think it’ll be a great addition to the franchise,” Andy said. He acknowledged that Dubai’s culture is much different from what the franchise is used to, but he’s hopeful that the show’s popularity can be a vehicle for change.
“I think for a lot of people in this country who watch the Housewives or who watch this kind of show, it may be their first or only exposure to Dubai. And while the show is really meant to entertain, what I also hope is that maybe we can showcase some of the stuff that’s going on there that is politically incorrect and educate people about that.”
The caller noted that he didn’t personally understand the criticism of the show. After all, some Housewives franchises have traveled to the Middle East for their cast trips. However, Andy acknowledged the critics of RHODubai are making a “fair point” since the show will be centered around the desert oasis rather than just a small episodic arc.
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“In a weird way, if we expose people to it, won’t that be a significant conversation starter as opposed to never having the conversation?” Andy philosophized.
He went on to talk about how ultimately, the culture in Dubai is complicated. He revealed that he had heard from gay people living in Dubai and even DM’d with one to try to understand what life is like as a gay person there.
“I heard from some gay people who live in Dubai that were so happy that we were coming there,” Andy explained. “I’ve known gay people who have lived in Dubai who are happy. I don’t understand how it works, is what I’m trying to say, whatsoever. Because from what you hear, it’s complicated, to say the least. Right?”
RELATED: Andy Cohen Wants Lindsay Lohan To Join Real Housewives Of Dubai
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE BACKLASH TO THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DUBAI IS WARRANTED? DO YOU AGREE WITH ANDY THAT THE NEW SHOW COULD HELP INFLUENCE SOCIAL CHANGE?
[Photo Credit: Bravo]
