Former Real Housewives of New York castmates Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps have shared their reactions to Carole Radziwill rejoining the franchise. The three women appeared together on RHONY for several seasons, but Morgan admitted Radziwill’s comeback caught her off guard. She had never gotten the impression that Radziwill truly enjoyed her original experience on the reality show.
Sonja Morgan and Luann de Lesseps aren’t impressed with Carole Radziwill’s RHONY return
Radziwill announced her exit from RHONY in 2018, explaining that she wanted to devote her time to other professional interests.
“After six seasons on Bravo’s RHONYC, I have decided to return to what I do best — journalism and producing,” she wrote at the time. “I am sure this does not come as a surprise to any of the viewers, all of whom have been supportive, encouraging, and kind.”
Now that Radziwill has returned to the series, de Lesseps and Morgan addressed the unexpected career turn during a recent episode of Call Her Daddy. De Lesseps said she was not shocked by Radziwill’s decision, while Morgan acknowledged that she never expected it.
“I was surprised because when Carole filmed with us, she always acted like, you know, she wasn’t in 100%,” Morgan said. “She was always like, ‘Well, this is a bit beneath me.’ You know, she always gave that air.”
Even so, Morgan acknowledged that Radziwill has performed well since coming back to RHONY. Morgan’s praise came with one reservation: she still does not believe Radziwill is completely invested in the reality-TV experience.
Carole Radziwill previously responded to Luann de Lesseps, not Sonja Morgan
De Lesseps recently suggested that Radziwill’s return made sense because she was not particularly “busy.” Radziwill responded with a playful video showing herself fishing from a dock.
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“So I heard that the Countess recently said that I wasn’t that busy,” Radziwill said. “Now you know that I love the Countess. I went to her cabaret show at Bravo Con.”
Radziwill made clear that she was pleased de Lesseps was thriving with her cabaret career. As for herself, she said she had spent her entire life working and had reached a point where she was comfortable not constantly filling her schedule.
She shared why she decided to return to the show
After almost 10 years away from the franchise, Radziwill also admitted that returning to RHONY came with some nerves.
“I feel the pressure,” she told Bravo. “It feels different this time. It’s much more intensified. But I’m so grateful, because there’s so much love in the Bravosphere.”
Radziwill said the decision to return was ultimately inspired by an encounter with a stranger at a hospital. The woman was there visiting her brother and told Radziwill that seeing her had brought a moment of happiness during an otherwise difficult day.
“Just something about that moment, not to be super corny or basic, but there was magic in it,” Radziwill said. “And I just thought, you know, people love that show. It’s these microtransactions that happen every day that really, over the long haul, change your life. You’re gonna bring them joy. It was one of the turning points.”