Vicki Gunvalson Disses ‘Very Aggressive’ Stars of ‘Real Housewives of Rhode Island’: ‘Shut Up!’

Vicki Gunvalson Calls Out ‘Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Stars for Being ‘Very Aggressive’

Vicki Gunvalson, a legendary figure in the reality TV world and one of the original cast members of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” (RHOC), recently shared her candid thoughts on the newest addition to the Bravo franchise, “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” (RHORI). During an exclusive interview on Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Gunvalson described the Rhode Island cast as “very aggressive,” expressing surprise and discomfort at their confrontational style.

Gunvalson met the RHORI stars while filming the special series “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” which celebrates 20 years of the “Real Housewives” franchise by bringing together 82 different Housewives from various cities. The filming took place at Dorinda Medley’s Bluestone Manor in New England, where tensions quickly became apparent.

“I didn’t even know who they were,” Gunvalson admitted. “I was like, ‘Hi, bye. You’re all fighting. I’m staying away from that.’” Her blunt assessment highlights the stark contrast between her experience with the RHORI cast and her own approach to reality TV drama.

Inside the Drama: What Makes the ‘Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ So Controversial?

The “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” premiered in April 2026 to record-breaking ratings, quickly becoming Bravo’s biggest multiplatform series premiere since 2024. The show’s success is largely fueled by the fiery personalities of stars like Kelsey Swanson and Rosie DiMare, who have already made headlines for their heated exchanges.

One infamous moment involved a dispute over the square footage of DiMare’s house, during which DiMare called Swanson a “slam pig,” a Bravo insult that quickly went viral among fans. This kind of intense, no-holds-barred drama is a hallmark of the new RHORI season, but it also seems to intimidate veterans like Gunvalson.

Despite the explosive confrontations, the show’s popularity continues to soar, and Bravo has already renewed RHORI for a second season. However, Gunvalson’s critique suggests that the cast’s aggressive behavior might be a double-edged sword.

Vicki Gunvalson’s Advice: ‘Be Authentic’ and ‘Settle Down’

While Gunvalson acknowledges the entertainment value of the RHORI cast’s drama, she also urges the women to reflect on their behavior. “Be authentic,” she advised. “Would you do this in real life? Because if you wouldn’t do it in real life, what are you doing it on camera for?”

Her message is clear: reality TV stars should strive for genuine interactions rather than manufactured conflict. Gunvalson’s perspective comes from decades of experience navigating the highs and lows of reality television, where authenticity often resonates most with viewers.

She also encouraged the Rhode Island cast to “settle down” and approach their roles with a bit more grace. For Gunvalson, who has watched only “a little bit” of RHORI because it “scares” her, this advice is about preserving the integrity of the franchise while still delivering compelling content.

What This Means for the Future of the ‘Real Housewives’ Franchise

The “Real Housewives” franchise has thrived for two decades by showcasing a diverse range of personalities and storylines across different cities. With the introduction of RHORI, Bravo has added a fresh but controversial chapter to the saga.

Gunvalson’s critique highlights an ongoing tension within the franchise: balancing dramatic entertainment with authentic storytelling. While aggressive confrontations can boost ratings and social media buzz, they also risk alienating longtime fans who appreciate the more nuanced dynamics of earlier seasons.

As RHORI prepares for its second season, the cast and producers may take Gunvalson’s words to heart, aiming to blend fiery personalities with moments of genuine connection. This could help sustain the show’s momentum and appeal to a broader audience.

Meanwhile, fans eagerly await the premiere of “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” which promises to bring together fan favorites from across the franchise, including Gunvalson herself. The series is set to premiere on August 9 at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes available to stream on Peacock the following day.

Final Thoughts: Vicki Gunvalson’s Role as the ‘OG of OC’

Vicki Gunvalson’s candid remarks reaffirm her status as the “OG of OC” and a respected voice in the reality TV community. Her willingness to speak openly about the challenges she faced meeting the RHORI cast demonstrates her commitment to authenticity and her passion for the franchise’s legacy.

As the “Real Housewives” continue to evolve, Gunvalson’s insights serve as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour, these shows are about real people navigating real emotions — even if those emotions sometimes get a little loud.

Conclusion

Vicki Gunvalson’s blunt assessment of the “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” stars as “very aggressive” offers a fresh perspective on the newest Bravo franchise. While the RHORI cast’s fiery drama has captivated audiences and driven record ratings, Gunvalson urges them to embrace authenticity and dial down the hostility. Her advice highlights the delicate balance between entertainment and genuine connection that defines the enduring success of the “Real Housewives” series.

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