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During an interview on Wednesday, Alexis Bellino looked back on her mentioning of the pre-DUI videos she and John Janssen have of Shannon Beador.
As she also hinted at the reveal of “more” clips, reacted to Emily Simpson‘s criticism, and shared if she trusts Tamra Judge, 56, the 47-year-old Real Housewives of Orange County star admitted that John, 60, offered to double her Bravo salary and addressed claims of him “coaching” her.
“We are filming a reality show, so things you say in the moment when it’s heated or you’re upset, I’ve said this before, but I was going through a really difficult season. It was hard for me to film, especially with John,” Alexis revealed of why she mentioned the videos on RHOC during an August 21 interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“He wanted to file the lawsuit, and things Shannon had constantly been lying about, so there’s a lot to that. It’s not just videos of the DUI night, by the way. But you’ll have to stay tuned to find out more,” she explained.
As for what was so damning, Alexis wouldn’t say.
“I think I have to plead the fifth for right now about this and get back to you after reunion,” she stated.
As for whether she was surprised by Emily’s criticism, Alexis, who had been friends with Emily for years leading up to her RHOC return, confirmed she was.
“Yeah, I mean, the Emily that I knew before I joined back on the cast is not the Emily I’ve seen or worked with or had in my presence on the show as a cast member,” she noted. “So definitely shocked and a little appalled …. [wondering] what might actually be behind all of that.”
Alexis had also been close with Tamra before signing on for season 18 — and she still is.
“We’ve had so many heart-to-hearts now, and I think we both grew and had a lot of similar situations occur. It was awesome and I do trust her,” Alexis shared after being asked if she trusts Tamra following their years-long feud.
When Alexis was then asked about her recent claim of John offering to pay her Bravo salary if she’d stay off-camera, she confirmed he actually agreed to pay more.
“He knew I wanted my own independence, but he also was just, I think he was wanting me to know, first of all, just how much he did love me and that he would be willing to take care of me. He actually also then offered to double it. He said, ‘I’ll pay you double what Bravo is paying you,’” Alexis revealed.
But she still didn’t bite.
“I said, ‘Johnny, I have to do this for me. I already gave up my first career to be a stay-at-home wife for my first husband and my three children, and I know I get looked down upon because I was a kept woman or what other people said,’ so I just told Johnny I have to do this for myself, and once I did make the decision, he has been nothing but supportive and has never mentioned the money again,” she shared.
Because Alexis has frequently defended John on RHOC, many, including Shannon, 60, have accused her of being “coached.” However, according to Alexis, that is not the case.
“Any healthy relationship, you’re going to talk to your significant other about your work, and this is my career so yeah, we talk, and to me, it’s foolish to think we wouldn’t talk,” she clarified. “[But] there’s no coaching.”
“I don’t think anyone can tell me I’m coachable. But, with that aside, use whatever word you want to make it feel good for you,” she added. “We talk a lot, and he is my best friend and my partner in crime and my future husband.”
Also during the interview, Alexis responded to the allegation of it being “suspect” that she’s been with two men who’ve sued Shannon, including Jim Bellino, who filed a $1 million defamation case against her, and John, who is currently suing her for $75,000 for a facelift he claimed to have paid for.
“If she would shut her mouth and change her ways … isn’t it interesting that it’s two men about things she’s said and done?” she asked. “It’s her actions. It has nothing to do with me. I didn’t agree with John, but I am his girlfriend, so I am going to support him 100 percent.”
RHOC Live Viewing – This is also the live viewing thread for tonight’s new episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18, so feel free to comment and chat as the new season airs at 9/8c on Bravo.
