Margaret Josephs Dives Deep into RHOBH Drama: Why She Stands With Denise Richards Against Kyle and Embraces New Faces
Even with production on The Real Housewives of New Jersey temporarily paused due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, fan-favorite Housewife Margaret Josephs, 53, isn’t taking a break from weighing in on the most compelling feuds within the expansive Bravo universe. Known for her outspoken nature and unwavering loyalty, Margaret recently offered her exclusive insights to HollywoodLife on an episode of TVTalk, addressing the intense drama unfolding on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her commentary, particularly her staunch support for Denise Richards, provides a fascinating glimpse into the inter-franchise dynamics and the authentic perspectives of a fellow reality star navigating similar pressures.
During the May 13th episode of TVTalk, following a particularly contentious installment of RHOBH that saw Denise Richards embroiled in a heated argument with Kyle Richards, Margaret made her stance unequivocally clear. “I like Denise Richards a lot,” Margaret exclusively shared with HollywoodLife. She continued, offering a compassionate and understanding view of Denise’s journey on the show. “I think maybe [Denise is] feeling more comfortable. I give her a lot of credit. She has a lot of kids and things like that.” Margaret also acknowledged the pre-season speculation surrounding Denise’s potential departure, noting, “Denise — Everyone thought that Denise was not going to be on. She’s — Wow.” This admiration stems not only from Denise’s personal life responsibilities but also from her resilience in continuing to film despite the intense scrutiny and challenging group dynamics, a situation many Housewives can undoubtedly relate to.
Margaret’s defense of Denise is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by women on reality television. She respects Denise’s ability to maintain her composure and authenticity amidst a constantly swirling vortex of accusations and interpersonal conflicts. Denise Richards, a Hollywood actress, brought a different kind of celebrity to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and her initial season showcased a more reserved persona. However, as Margaret observes, Denise appears to be finding her footing and comfort within the group, which often leads to more unfiltered and authentic moments – moments that, inevitably, can spark significant drama. Her commitment to her family, particularly her children, adds another layer of respect for Margaret, who herself is a dedicated mother and entrepreneur.
The specific incident that garnered Margaret’s attention this week was the dramatic fallout at Denise Richards’ backyard pizza party, where the tension between Denise and Kyle Richards, 51, reached a boiling point. The argument culminated in a teary-eyed Kyle storming away from the table, later exacerbated by Kyle’s dismissive “ragamuffin” comment directed at Denise before she and her husband, Mauricio Umansky, 49, made an early exit from the gathering. While Kyle did offer an apology to Denise later, the emotional impact of the confrontation was palpable. Margaret, ever the seasoned observer of reality TV skirmishes, provided a fascinating take on the incident, illustrating her vast experience within the franchise. “I understand why Kyle cried,” Margaret stated, acknowledging Kyle’s emotional reaction.
However, Margaret quickly pivoted to a broader, almost philosophical perspective on the typical Housewives gathering. “I thought it was a typical housewives dinner party. Somebody always leaves crying, it’s always a scene, someone feels ganged up upon. This is my normal housewives dinner. It was a perfect housewives dinner,” she quipped. This observation is telling, highlighting Margaret’s awareness of the inherent drama baked into the format of these shows. For a seasoned Housewife like Margaret, tears, arguments, and early exits are not anomalies but rather the expected, almost ritualistic, outcomes of group dinners, especially when strong personalities and simmering tensions are involved. Her labeling it a “perfect housewives dinner” is laced with irony, suggesting that from a producer’s standpoint, or perhaps even a fan’s, such explosive moments are precisely what makes the show compelling and keeps viewers captivated. It underscores the manufactured chaos that often defines these reality television events, where genuine emotions mix with the unspoken expectation of entertainment value.
Beyond the central feud between Denise and Kyle, Margaret Josephs also shared her enthusiasm for the new blood that has joined the RHOBH cast. She made a point to defend newcomer Sutton Stracke, 50, who has faced a somewhat polarizing reception from fans. “People don’t like Sutton. [They think] she’s this, she’s snotty,” Margaret admitted, recounting common fan criticisms. Yet, Margaret quickly came to Sutton’s defense, emphasizing her positive contributions to the show. “Listen — She’s entertaining. She’s good for the show. She has great style. Her clothes are amazing. And we need it. It’s nice to mix it up. Give her a chance!” This plea for patience is a sentiment often echoed by Housewives when new members join the cast. Integrating into an established group, especially one as dynamic and high-profile as the Beverly Hills contingent, takes time. Sutton’s unique, often quirky, and sometimes awkward personality, coupled with her undeniable sense of high fashion, provides a fresh dynamic that Margaret believes is crucial for the longevity and continued appeal of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her distinctive voice and affluent lifestyle certainly add a new flavor, ensuring the show avoids stagnation.
Margaret’s positive outlook extends to the other new addition to the 90210 zip code, Garcelle Beauvais, 53. Garcelle has clearly left a strong impression on the outspoken New Jersey Housewife, especially in the wake of OG Lisa Vanderpump’s, 59, departure from the show last year. “She’s magnificent!” Margaret exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident. “A great hire.” The void left by Lisa Vanderpump, a cornerstone of RHOBH for many seasons, was significant. Her witty one-liners, opulent lifestyle, and central role in many past conflicts meant that her replacement needed to bring something equally compelling to the table. According to Margaret, Garcelle Beauvais has more than met this challenge, embodying a sophisticated yet direct presence that has resonated with viewers and fellow Housewives alike.
Margaret acknowledges that some fans might still “miss LVP,” a sentiment she shares to some extent. “I miss LVP,” she admitted, reflecting a common feeling among long-time viewers. However, she quickly added, “but these girls are keeping us interested.” This statement speaks volumes about the successful transition of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills into a new era. The addition of Garcelle and Sutton, coupled with the existing cast members’ evolving storylines and the intense drama surrounding Denise Richards, ensures that the show remains fresh, relevant, and highly watchable. Garcelle, with her established acting career and poised demeanor, offers a new perspective and an often-needed voice of reason, while also not shying away from confrontation when necessary. Her ability to navigate the complex social dynamics of Beverly Hills with grace and assertiveness has been a standout feature of the current season.
Margaret Josephs, through her candid interview, provides a valuable “Housewife-to-Housewife” commentary, offering a unique lens through which to view the often-complex world of reality television. Her ability to identify with Denise Richards’ struggles, understand Kyle Richards’ emotional outbursts, and champion the new cast members like Sutton Stracke and Garcelle Beauvais demonstrates a deep appreciation for the craft and drama inherent in the Real Housewives franchise. As a veteran of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Margaret understands the delicate balance between authentic emotion and manufactured entertainment, and her insights confirm that even during a hiatus from her own show, the world of Bravo’s Housewives continues to captivate both its audience and its stars.
The current season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has proven to be a roller coaster of emotions, alliances, and dramatic confrontations. With personalities like Denise Richards, Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, and Garcelle Beauvais at its core, the show continues to deliver the compelling television that fans expect. Margaret Josephs’ articulate and empathetic breakdown of the season’s key moments only reinforces the idea that the connections and rivalries on these shows resonate deeply, even across different cities and casts, solidifying the enduring appeal of the entire Real Housewives brand. As fans eagerly await the next episode, Margaret’s commentary serves as a perfect precursor, fueling anticipation and offering a refreshing perspective from one of Bravo’s most beloved personalities.