It’s no surprise that filming season 9 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills wasn’t smooth sailing for Lisa Vanderpump. The reality star spoke to Us Weekly ahead of the premiere on Tuesday, February 12, about how things played out behind the scenes.
“I think this season will surprise people,” Vanderpump, 58, told Us of the upcoming episodes. “Relationships are definitely tested and fans will be taken on a crazy ride.”
As for her own self-journey on the hit Bravo show, Vanderpump revealed: “This season was particularly difficult for me and perhaps I was not prepared. There was a lot going on in my personal life that I had to focus on.”
Us Weekly broke the news in October 2018 that the SUR owner was refusing to film with her costars including Erika Jayne, Teddi Mellencamp, Lisa Rinna, Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley, after they presumably caught her in a lie.
In April, Vanderpump suffered a devastating loss in her personal life. The RHOBH star’s brother, Mark Vanderpump, was found dead at age 59 of an apparent overdose in his home in Gloucestershire, England.
Vanderpump released an emotional statement to The Daily Mail following news of Mark’s death: “This has come as a shock to us all. My brother and I had connected the day before this tragedy and I was completely unprepared for this,” the restaurateur said. “ He was my only sibling and I am shocked and saddened by his passing. I am trying to be supportive to his two young sons that he has left behind, and help them get through this tragedy. We appreciate your consideration in this private and extremely difficult family time.”
Brandi Glanville opened up to Us in December 2018 revealing that though she feels bad for Vanderpump amid the current drama with the RHOBH castmates, she also thinks it may be time to throw in the towel.
“Personally, I would, just because she’s so successful. She’s got Vanderpump Rules. She’s probably going to do another show with TomTom. Why not do a show where you are the boss, and you can cut things out that you don’t like?” Glanville, 46, explained. “Rather than do a show where you’re not a producer, and you’re going to look bad. If I were her, because she is an executive producer on Vanderpump Rules, why not control it? Instead of having everyone say bad things about you. … I feel like it would be a smart move for her, but I don’t know that she’s going to do that.”
