The Truth Behind the Rumors: Brandi Glanville, Kim Richards, and Carlton Gebbia’s Friendship Drama Unpacked
In the tumultuous world of reality television, particularly within the dramatic corridors of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, friendships are often tested by public scrutiny, whispers, and outright rumors. One such swirling narrative recently captivated fans, alleging a threesome between former housewives Brandi Glanville, Kim Richards, and Carlton Gebbia. The sensational claim has reportedly caused a rift in the long-standing bond between Brandi and Kim, prompting Brandi to publicly address the speculation and set the record straight on her podcast. This article delves into the origins of the rumor, Brandi’s candid denials, the complexities of her friendships, and the broader impact of such narratives within the reality TV landscape.
The core of the issue emerged when Brandi Glanville, 48, revealed that her close friend, Kim Richards, 56, was no longer speaking to her. The silence, according to Brandi, stemmed directly from the aforementioned three-way rumor. “Kim Richards is still not talking to me,” Brandi confirmed on the November 27 episode of her popular Unfilteredpodcast. Her disbelief was palpable as she recounted Kim’s reaction: “She said that she was upset about this threesome rumor. And I said, ‘Are you joking?'” The rumor specifically implicated Brandi’s other close friend, Carlton Gebbia, who was a cast member on season four of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. This dramatic revelation from Brandi’s podcast immediately sent shockwaves through the fan community, highlighting the often-fragile nature of relationships under the reality TV spotlight.
The perceived origin of this intricate web of gossip, as explained by Brandi, traces back to a seemingly innocuous social media post. “I think it all started when I put up a picture of Carlton, Kim, and I. Those are two of my favorite girls. They’re people I’m actually friends with. And that’s where I think it all started,” Brandi elaborated on her podcast. She was quick to dismiss any sexual undertones, asserting the platonic nature of her relationship with Kim, and the specific dynamics of her past with Carlton. “I’m going to make this clear, I’ve never had a threesome with Kim and Carlton, never with Kim, ever. We are just friends.” Brandi’s unequivocal denial aimed to quash the rumor entirely, emphasizing the sincerity of her friendship with Kim and distinguishing it from any other past encounters she may have had with other individuals.
The chatter surrounding these allegations wasn’t confined to Brandi’s platform alone. In November, fellow podcast host Zack Peter also brought the claims to the forefront on his #NoFilter podcast. Peter cited an unidentified source who allegedly claimed that the threesome had indeed taken place, further fueling the speculative fire. The photograph that Brandi posted, which sparked the initial frenzy, showed the trio all-smiles, radiating camaraderie. Brandi’s caption for the image read: “Throwback thursday with two of my favorite ex-housewives Kim and Carlton #throwbackthursday #tbt #redbottoms.” The hashtag “#redbottoms” was a playful nod to their designer pumps by Christian Louboutin, a detail that became secondary to the escalating drama ignited by the picture itself. This incident serves as a prime example of how a simple throwback photo, intended to celebrate friendship, can be misinterpreted and become the catalyst for widespread gossip in the fast-paced world of celebrity news.
While Brandi adamantly refuted the threesome allegation involving Kim, she did, however, openly confess to a past intimate encounter with Carlton. Carlton Gebbia, who famously departed the Bravo series after just one season in 2014, had a brief, romantic dalliance with Brandi. “Carlton and I, we fooled around…It was after her and [her husband] David [Gebbia] split up [in 2018] and we had a wild night,” the author of Drinking and Tweeting revealed. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, clarifying the nature of Brandi’s relationship with Carlton while unequivocally separating it from any involvement with Kim. This isn’t the first time Brandi has been at the center of such discussions. The former model was extensively featured during the last season of RHOBH over rumors she had slept with then-married cast member Denise Richards, 49. The sensational allegations involving Denise became a central storyline, dominating headlines and episodes, and significantly impacting Denise’s relationships with other cast members. The Wild Things alum and current Bold & The Beautifulstar has since departed the Bravo series after just two seasons, consistently denying that anything ever transpired between her and Brandi. This pattern of Brandi being entangled in hook-up rumors, sometimes confirmed and sometimes denied, has become a significant part of her public persona and her narrative within the Real Housewives universe, often creating friction and drama among the cast.
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Carlton Gebbia herself was a memorable, albeit brief, fixture on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills due to her distinctive personality and lifestyle. A self-proclaimed and openly practicing Wiccan, a religious path centered on witchcraft and nature worship, Carlton’s presence often created tension, particularly with veteran housewife Kyle Richards, 51. Kyle frequently expressed her discomfort and bewilderment regarding Carlton’s practices, which often manifested in odd occurrences and misunderstandings. “That was just weird. Everything she did was just so friggin freaky…I’m still convinced that she put a spell on me because bees always torture me and come in the most random places,” Kyle later mused on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (WWHL), clearly still affected by the experience. Her sentiment perfectly encapsulated the general reception of Carlton’s season, with Kyle famously quipping, “That’s the season I like to pretend never happened.” Carlton’s unique spiritual path and unconventional clashes with the other housewives ultimately contributed to her short tenure on the show, making her a polarizing figure who left an indelible, if brief, mark on the franchise.
The revelation of a past intimate encounter between Brandi and Carlton may not come as a complete surprise to avid Housewives viewers. The pair did share a notable on-screen kiss during a season 4 trailer, hinting at a chemistry and openness that transcended typical cast member dynamics. Addressing their connection, Carlton—who is a mother to Destiny, Mysteri, and Cross—once stated, “It’s not the first time I’ve kissed a girl and it certainly won’t be the last. Brandi and I got along because we both have that wicked sense of being.” This quote encapsulates the unconventional bond they shared, characterized by a mutual appreciation for rebellious spirits and a willingness to defy social norms. Their shared “wicked sense of being” forged a unique alliance within the group, making their intimate moments, whether on or off-screen, less shocking for those who followed their journey. This history provides crucial context to Brandi’s recent admission, clarifying that while an intimate connection with Carlton did exist, it was a separate event and did not involve Kim Richards. The current drama serves as a stark reminder of how public perception and unchecked rumors can strain even the strongest friendships, especially when the lines between personal life and public entertainment become irrevocably blurred in the high-stakes world of reality television.