Everyone loves to watch an underdog story, and the Bravoverse has many people viewers can root for. Half the fun of tuning into Real Housewives or a Vanderpump Rules storyline is the drama. But there are moments where the narrative gets a bit too real, leaving the Bravo star struggling to stay afloat. However, some Bravo stars truly fight their way back to the top after falling from grace.
Luann de Lesseps’ journey with drinking
Back in 2017, fans learned that while money can’t buy you class, it can hopefully buy you good representation. News broke over the holiday period that Luann de Lesseps had been arrested in Palm Beach, FL, during the early morning hours of December 24th. At the time of her arrest, Luann faced a slew of charges, including disorderly intoxication, battery of an officer, resisting arrest, and making threats against a public servant. The dashcam footage showed Luann kicking a door and the police officer as she was heard yelling, “I’m going to kill you all.” Needless to say, it wasn’t a good look for the countess.
In the end, Lu pled guilty to battery, trespassing, and disorderly intoxication. The cabaret singer was placed on probation and took a break from alcohol. She also went to rehab. At the time, she only allowed Bethenny Frankel to speak on her behalf via People. The statement read, “This weekend, Luann was surrounded by her girlfriends and decided — with their support — that in light of recent circumstances, it is the healthiest choice for her not to attend Tuesday’s reunion taping so that she can continue in her healing process.” However, in 2023, fans saw her have a few drinks on RHONY Legacy, where she told fans her sobriety was a work in progress.
Captain Sandy Yawn finds love with Leah Shafer
I have always been on Team Captain Sandy Yawn, but I know not everyone feels the same way. The skipper’s micromanaging ways really have rubbed people the wrong way. It didn’t help that Captain Sandy was in charge of firing Hannah Ferrier. The Season 5 axing of Hannah came as a shock to many, but Captain Sandy was doing what was right and protecting her own career. The chief stew had brought Valium and a vape pen on board the vessel without prescription, and that violated maritime law. Sadly, Captain Sandy had no other choice but to let Hannah go.
But now the stormy days are behind Captain Sandy as she looks forward to embracing love. Captain Sandy revealed to Aesha Scott in the newest season that she planned to ask Leah Shafer to marry her. Honestly, the news is pretty exciting since the captain always stated she would never drop down on bended knee. “I never thought in a million years I’d ask someone to marry me. Meeting Leah, my heart knew. I love Leah so much. And I just want to be everything that Leah sees in me,” revealed Captain Sandy. I’m not crying! You’re crying!
Erika Jayne is softening after Tom Girardi legal mess
When fans first met Erika Jayne, everything was different about her. For one, she had a high Valley Girl voice. But she was trying her best to be a lawyer’s wife and not make too many waves. She was subservient whenever her ex-husband, Tom Girardi, spoke and seemed to be overshadowed when in his presence. But their connection felt genuine as it was apparent Erika was in awe of her spouse. Their love story tugged at fans’ hearts as Erika describes that she met Tom when she was a cocktail waitress, noting, “Everyone loved Tom. He was kind and a good customer.”
Sadly, Erika learned later in life that Tom wasn’t the standup guy she thought he was. Now divorced, Erika has had to fend for herself. But she’s done swimmingly. After two seasons of fighting the court of public opinion, the Pretty Mess singer was vindicated. Now, she is rebuilding her life and career one brick at a time, starting with a Las Vegas residency.
Phaedra Parks is back, baby!
I’d argue that Phaedra Parks had one of the biggest falls from graces ever in the Bravosphere. She was undoubtedly a fan favorite on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but after her betrayal of Kandi Burruss, there was no love left for her. The accusations she made against Kandi were heinous and insinuated the Grammy Award Winner wanted to drug Porsha Williams in order to have sexual relations with her. After the chaos, fans really thought that was going to be the last time they saw Phaedra on their screens.
But the Bravo gods had other plans. Phaedra was cast in Season 10 of Married to Medicine, and fans were quickly reminded why we loved her in the first place. Then came her performance on The Traitors, and there was no denying that we needed her back on our small screens. Phaedra didn’t miss a beat as she schemed and spat out her Southern sayings. And now, after all these years, Phaedra is coming back to RHOA. It probably helps that Kandi isn’t returning, but I will overlook that because I am just so damn excited.
Kristen Doute is engaged to Luke Broderick
Kristen Doute is officially entering her engaged era! The Valley star has come a long way since her time on VPR. She was fired after she took part in a racially insensitive prank revolving around Faith Stowers. For years, Kristen stayed in the shadows and educated herself about white privilege. So when the opportunity to take part in the spin-off popped up, she took it. I think a lot of us forgot what good TV Kristen made and found it comforting to see her back on Bravo.
This month, she shared that Luke Broderick had finally asked her to marry him. After one crappy boyfriend after the other, Kristen was starting to believe that she wasn’t going to get her happily ever after. Luckily, the Colorado native stepped up, and fans are now dying for Season 2 to air. However, the bigger question is whether he will be permanently moving to Los Angeles.
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