Lisa Vanderpump Weighs In: Unpacking Kyle Richards’ Ongoing RHOBH Drama and Their Fractured Friendship

The world of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) is rarely without its share of drama, and the latest season proved no exception. Long-time cast member Lisa Vanderpump, a beloved and formidable presence on the show for nine seasons before her departure, recently offered her perspective on a significant feud involving her former friend, Kyle Richards. Kyle, who has been a staple since the series’ inception, found herself at odds with co-stars Garcelle Beauvais and Denise Richards, among others, prompting her to express feelings of isolation within the group.

The particular incident that brought Kyle’s frustrations to a head occurred on May 20, as a heated episode of the Bravo reality series aired. Kyle took to Twitter, lamenting her perceived lack of support from her fellow cast members. Her tweet, directed at castmate Lisa Rinna, read, “Trying to think of one time anyone defended me. Like maybe now would be a good time [Lisa] Rinna #rhobh.” This public plea for solidarity immediately ignited a flurry of responses from dedicated fans of the franchise, many of whom were quick to recall a period when Kyle had a steadfast ally in Lisa Vanderpump.

One fan, echoing the sentiments of many viewers, pointedly reminded Kyle of her past bond with Vanderpump. “Errr you did have a very good friend @LisaVanderpump but when she was mourning and going through a difficult time you all turned on her like a pack of wolves……..,” the fan commented. This pointed remark caught Vanderpump’s attention, leading to a succinct yet powerful affirmation: “True dat.” Her two-word response instantly reignited discussions about the infamous “Puppygate” scandal and the profound collapse of one of RHOBH’s most iconic friendships. The comment underscored the enduring bitterness surrounding Vanderpump’s exit and the unresolved tensions between her and the remaining cast members, particularly Kyle Richards.

Trying to think of one time anyone defended me 🤔 Like maybe now would be a good time Rinna #rhobh

— Kyle Richards (@KyleRichards) May 21, 2020

The “Puppygate” scandal, which unfolded during the ninth season, proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Lisa Vanderpump’s tenure on RHOBH and, more specifically, her friendship with Kyle Richards. At its core, the controversy revolved around a dog named Lucy Lucy Apple Juice, adopted from Vanderpump Dogs by fellow housewife Dorit Kemsley, who subsequently gave the dog away. When the dog ended up in a kill shelter, the incident became a hot topic among the cast. Vanderpump was accused of leaking the story to the press and orchestrating drama, a charge she vehemently denied. Kyle Richards, despite her long-standing friendship with Vanderpump, questioned her sincerity and loyalty, ultimately contributing to Vanderpump feeling betrayed and targeted by the entire cast. This happened during an incredibly vulnerable time for Vanderpump, as she was still grieving the sudden loss of her beloved brother, Mark Vanderpump. The perceived lack of support and the relentless accusations from her supposed friends, including Kyle, left an indelible mark.

Following nine impactful seasons, Lisa Vanderpump officially announced her departure from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in June 2019. Her exit marked the end of an era for the reality series, which had largely centered around her glamorous lifestyle and complex relationships. Vanderpump cited the negativity and the feeling of being ganged up on as primary reasons for leaving, particularly highlighting the breakdown of her friendship with Kyle. While the two former friends have occasionally crossed paths in public since then, Vanderpump has unequivocally stated that their friendship is “finished,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who followed their journey from the very first season.

Despite the unequivocal nature of their fallout, Kyle Richards openly admitted that filming the show without Lisa Vanderpump felt undeniably “weird.” During an appearance on the “After Show” segment for the April 29 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Kyle candidly discussed the void left by one of the show’s original cast members. To host Andy Cohen, she confessed, “People keep asking me if it was weird for me to do the show without Lisa, and before we started I did feel weird. Because we had started together, 10 years ago.” This acknowledgment from Kyle underscored the deep history and shared experience that she and Vanderpump had as the only two housewives who had been part of the cast since its very first season. Their bond, however fractured, was a foundational element of the show’s early dynamic, and its absence was palpable, at least initially.

For many years, Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards were often seen as the anchors of RHOBH. Their relationship, characterized by both genuine affection and underlying competitiveness, provided countless iconic moments. They were the “OGs” who navigated the shifting alliances and intense personal dramas together, often relying on each other. The evolution of their friendship, from close confidantes to bitter adversaries, was a central storyline that captivated viewers for seasons. Therefore, Kyle’s initial “weird” feeling was understandable, given the shared decade of their lives documented on camera. The show had to find a new equilibrium, and Kyle had to adapt to a new normal without her long-time counterpart and friend, a process that proved challenging for both the cast and the audience.

However, as time progressed and new storylines began to dominate the narrative, Kyle’s feelings shifted. She revealed that the initial “weirdness” eventually subsided, replaced by the sheer momentum of new drama and developing relationships within the group. “But once we started filming the show just like takes off and all these women have so much stuff going on,” she explained to Andy Cohen. “Things start happening that you really don’t think about it honestly.” This perspective highlights the fast-paced nature of reality television and how the constant influx of personal conflicts and group dynamics can quickly fill any void left by a departing cast member. The show, known for its ability to generate compelling narratives, found new avenues for entertainment.

Echoing Kyle’s sentiment, Teddi Mellencamp, who was also a guest star on the show at the time and was directly involved in some of the Puppygate fallout, chimed in during the Watch What Happens Live segment. Teddi observed, “I’ve been able to get to know everybody in such a different way than I did in my past two seasons as well.” Her comment sheds light on a significant shift in group dynamics post-Vanderpump. Without LVP’s influential presence and often central role in the show’s power structure, other friendships and rivalries had the opportunity to flourish or transform. Cast members like Teddi, who had previously been closely aligned with Vanderpump or heavily impacted by her presence, were now able to forge new connections and define their own places within the group, free from the shadow of the reigning queen of Beverly Hills.

The departure of Lisa Vanderpump undeniably marked a turning point for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her absence allowed for a re-evaluation of alliances, a change in the show’s overall tone, and the emergence of new central figures. While some fans felt the show lost some of its sparkle without LVP’s wit, glamour, and strategic mind, others appreciated the fresh dynamic and the opportunity for other cast members to step into the spotlight. Kyle Richards’ journey from feeling “weird” to embracing the show’s new rhythm reflects this broader adaptation. The legacy of her fractured friendship with Lisa Vanderpump, however, continues to be a topic of fascination, reminding viewers that in Beverly Hills, some wounds simply run too deep to heal, even as new dramas unfold and the cameras keep rolling.