I doubt many Real Housewives of Beverly Hills viewers had both Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley getting a divorce on their 2024 bingo card. For years, fans watched these two women present two seemingly solid marriages while navigating all the other grenades that came with being a Bravoleb. But somewhere along the lines, something changes, and love just isn’t enough. While it is sad to watch the demise of a marriage, I think this season could be pivotal for viewers as the storyline touches on a subject close to home for many.
There is a sense of tragedy in the upcoming RHOBH season
For years, Kyle and Mauricio Umansky faced allegations of infidelity, but they were always waved off. Kyle first announced her separation in July of 2023. Season 14 showed the couple at a crossroads. Kyle no longer wanted to go and party, while Mau wanted a bit of nightlife. The Halloween actress was also linked to country singer Morgan Wade. The season ended with Kyle and The Agency owner sitting their daughters down to share their big life update. There were tears all around as the end of an era had just occurred.
On the same side of the coin were Dorit and PK Kemsley. In May 2024, the duo took to their respective social media accounts and revealed that they had decided to take a break from one another. Their joint release read, “To safeguard our deep friendship and maintain a harmonious environment for our children we have made the mutual and difficult decision to take some time apart and reevaluate our relationship while we prioritize our children.” But these two divorces didn’t feel the same as the other ones.
Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley could be pioneers on RHOBH in Season 14
As a longtime Real Housewives of Beverly Hills viewer, I think it is interesting that Kyle and Dorit, who came across as devoted wives, have been left husbandless. The fact is, according to the American Psychological Association via Forbes, approximately 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce. The divorce rate for second marriages is even higher, with approximately 60-67% of second marriages ending in divorce. With 76% of Bravo viewers being female, this divorce storyline will hit home.
Divorce is like a sisterhood nobody sets out on being a part of, but they are strong women supporting one another. I think highlighting Kyle and Dorit’s separations will bring awareness to a quiet stigma that has fallen over broken-up marriages. The fact that not one but two Real Housewives have to talk about their divorce to stay in the series is important. Whether the women were embarrassed or saw the end of their unions as a failure is okay. And for them to be able to share their struggles with viewers will be illuminating, to say the least. The Real Housewives have evolved, and sometimes evolution requires the dissolution of marriage.
RHOBH OG Kyle Richards is already helping others
Even though Teddi Mellencamp is no longer a diamond holder, she has also just announced she will be going through a divorce. Last week, the mother of three shared that she had ended her marriage to Edwin Arroyave. But Kyle isn’t leaving her friend out in the cold. She told People, “She can lean on me and show up at my door anytime she wants, no matter what time of night it is.” The actress is all about supporting her friends during their divorces, too. She added, “She’s watched me go through this and she knows. So, I think you can just, you just have to focus on your kids. You have to tune out the noise.”
I find it interesting that women initiate 70% of divorces. As we know, Teddi was the first to file. Teddi knew she was unhappy, and didn’t want to stay stagnant for one second longer. This, somehow, is very inspirational to me. It couldn’t have been easy to walk away. Especially with a layered history and more financial ties than I could ever imagine.
My hope for the RHOBH ladies is that they are happier and set free with this notion respectfully shining through to encourage others.
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