Lisa Rinna has made headlines with her candid revelations in her new memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It. The 62-year-old actress does not shy away from discussing her experiences on Bravo, particularly during her tenure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) from 2013 to 2022. In a bold introduction, Rinna emphasizes her intent to share her unfiltered opinions, declaring, “None of the names have been changed in this book because everything here is just my opinion, and I’m entitled to it.”
Rinna’s memoir opens with a gripping account of her first day filming RHOBH. She describes a chaotic scene where producers reportedly deemed the show “boring,” prompting her co-star Brandi Glanville to take matters into her own hands. “Sensing our surprise, Brandi explained, ‘Don’t worry, they can cut around it,’” Rinna recalls, setting the stage for a tumultuous experience behind the scenes.
Financial Penalties and Personal Struggles
One of the most striking claims in Rinna’s memoir is her assertion that she faced a $50,000 fine from Bravo for expressing her opinions on social media. This financial penalty contributed to her decision to leave the show. Reflecting on her time, Rinna stated, “I had a great time. It was really only the last year that sucked,” noting the ups and downs she experienced with her fellow cast members.
Rinna also details the emotional turmoil she faced following the death of her mother, Lois, who passed away at age 93 in November 2021. Just three days after her mother’s death, Rinna was encouraged to travel to Mexico to film RHOBH season 12. In her memoir, she expressed her discontent, stating, “Bravo should have said to me, ‘Lisa, don’t worry. Take as much time as you need.’” Instead, she felt pressured to participate in filming, describing the situation as “insane” given her shock and grief.
Confrontations and Controversies
Rinna provides a vivid account of a memorable trip to Aspen during season 12, where she claims she witnessed a dramatic meltdown by fellow cast member Kathy Hilton. She recounts Hilton’s behavior with alarming detail, saying, “She flipped out, was pounding on the walls, screaming and yelling,” a scene that left Rinna feeling “freaked out.” Despite the fallout from this incident, Rinna mentions that she and Hilton have since reconciled.
In another notable section, Rinna reflects on her inclusion in Andy Cohen‘s recent memoir, The Daddy Diaries, where he shared personal text messages between them. Rinna was less than pleased, expressing her frustration by stating, “It was so shady, so Andy, so Bravo, so unnecessary.” She even went so far as to burn Cohen’s book in her fireplace, a dramatic gesture that highlights her feelings of betrayal.
Throughout her memoir, Rinna reflects on her overall experience, admitting that she often felt “miserable” during her eight years on RHOBH. “To be honest, I was really uncomfortable,” she writes, though she acknowledges the friendships she formed during her time on the show, stating, “We’re trauma bonded forever.”
Rinna’s memoir offers a revealing look into the realities behind reality television, illustrating the pressures and complexities faced by cast members. As she shares her story, it becomes clear that her journey on RHOBH was filled with both laughter and heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on her life.
