Q&A from Out Magazine.
By Kevin Downey
Last November, Michaele Salahi sauntered into the White House in a sparkling red sari, arm in arm with her husband, Tareq. Within hours, the Salahis were making headlines around the world as White House party crashers. White House social secretary Desiree Rogers ultimately stepped down over the security breach, but Salahi used the headlines to her advantage and secured a spot on Bravo’s upcoming The Real Housewives of D.C., which premieres this week. We caught up with Salahi to chat about starring on the newest season of the Bravo franchise, her catty co-stars, and her outfit of choice for the night she infiltrated the Obama's dinner.
Out: OK, first things first: Tareq is adorable. How did you two meet and how long have you been married?
Michaele Salahi: We have been married seven years and met 10 years ago. We met in Georgetown through a mutual best friend. He just blew my mind. Our first date was at a romantic, five-star restaurant in the middle of wine country. It was just beautiful. Our second date really blew my mind. He picked me up, I thought, just to go out to dinner. We were going out to dinner, but we got on a flight to Paris and were back in time for me to go to work the next day. Getting on a plane to another country and coming right back was nothing to him. To me, it was mind blowing. It was a girl’s dream.
You live in Virginia on a vineyard with your husband and you’re a socialite who spends time rubbing elbows with D.C. hotshots, but who are you exactly, and how’d you get to where you are today?
I was born in Maryland and grew up in Florida -- in Orlando. I went to school there. I came back to Virginia, lived in New York for a little bit, then came back to the D.C. area. I was always a people person, no matter what I did. I also always gave back. My mom taught me to do so. And don’t look for anything in return, just be happy and enjoy life. I don’t know about that socialite thing. I’m just a people person and I always try to look good. The Washington Post recently called me "Commander in Chic." I was like, “OK! I may not have power-power, but I have fashion power.” I’ve been a big part of D.C. during the past 15 years, at charity balls for human rights and other things. I do a piece in the show with [D.C. council member] David Catania, an activist for gay marriage here. He and I did a big thing on Housewives. I don’t know what will make it in. I haven’t seen any of it. But I hope he makes it in. He’s awesome. In this Housewives, we have politics and we highlight gay marriage. God willing, they’ll keep that in there. It’s such an important part of life -- the freedom to make your own decisions and to love who you love.
You’re ballsy and clawing your way into the spotlight -- two things gay guys love in a woman. How do you feel about being a gay icon?
I’ve been supporting the gay community for the past decade. I would be flattered to be a gay icon. I just hope I’ll do you proud.
You burst onto the scene with blaring headlines about being a White House party crasher when you and Tareq turned up at President Obama’s first state dinner. Let’s cut to the chase, how’d you end up wearing that stunning red sari?
I was in India in 2009 with my husband on the Fourth of July. We were invited by the ambassador to improve bilateral relations through sports. My husband plays polo. I said to him, “We’re going to be in India on the Fourth of July.” He said there would be nothing better than celebrating America in India. And the people were so loving and humble and real. It wasn’t about wealth. There was wealth. But then there were people who were just so proud in their beautiful saris and very gracious. It was very humbling, to be honest. When I wore the sari that night, I had phoned a White House official to make sure it was appropriate. I had bonded so greatly with the women of India that I wanted to make them proud. The White House official said, “Oh my gosh, Michaele, no one would wear a sari better. Please do it.” So, I did. It was bright red and sparkly. And, it doesn’t look it, but the sari is very heavy. I had to have someone help me get it on. There was a dignitary from India after that night who told me that I made it hip again for Indian girls in America to wear a sari. I’ll never forget that.
There were reports shortly after that White House party last November that you were already taping The Real Housewives of D.C. Is that true?
I was the first housewife cast [for the show] in March 2009. So, I wasn’t auditioning. But Bravo wasn’t ready to talk about the show, so I had to take the Fifth. My attorney said that I needed to remain quiet. There was so much that day that I would have liked to say, but I couldn’t. But in March 2009, I was honored to be selected [by Bravo]. I had no idea what it was. They just said, “You look good, you’re fabulous, you do charitable work, so we’ll try you out.” A week later they said, “You got it.” Then I learned what the show was. Now I’m addicted! They’re all successful for their own reason: New Jersey for drama, pretty girls in Orange County and New York for each woman being an individual. I ended up recommending Lynda Erkiletian and Mary Schmidt Amons for the show. I sat with producers and they had lists of people, thousands of people. We were going over the list and I pointed to them and said I thought they’d add something to the show. So that night wasn’t an audition. It wasn’t a stunt. I went that night with what I was told to believe. We went, gave our names and our IDs and we were announced. I’ve never needed to crash a party. If I’m not wanted, I don’t want to be there. I just like to have fun. In fact, most of the parties in D.C. are parties my husband and I throw.
There’s a scene in the first episode when you’re hosting a party for America’s Polo Cup. You’re just flitting around, talking to everyone and laughing.
I had so much fun that day. There’s something great about everybody. That’s what makes D.C. great. We’re not about one look. We have so much diversity. Everyone has a great look for a different reason. I think that’s what this Housewives will highlight. D.C. isn’t just about America. It’s about the world.
It’s interesting that you recommended Lynda Erkiletian for the show. On the show, she’s kind of vicious to you -- at least behind your back. What’s that about?
I haven’t seen the first episode. But it’s the anorexia thing, right? There’s something about her that, if I get a pink dress, she gets a pink dress. There’s something within her that, when she said I was anorexic, she gets a high off of knocking people down. I don’t. If I go to a party, I’m not about making fun of people. I’m about having a positive vibe. For Lynda, if you look too good -- like the Post calling me the "Commander in Chic" -- it kills her. If she would maybe have less hate, it might work in her favor. With the anorexic thing, I’d normally laugh it off, but it’s something she’s done to me for a long time. It gets old. I may be skinny, but I’m not anorexic. Here’s the difference between Lynda and me: If we went out dancing, I’d be meeting the room, dancing and having fun. She’d just sit there.
So, having seen the first episode of The Real Housewives of D.C., I think it’s safe to say a lot of viewers will be surprised to find out that you’re not the villain on the show. Were you surprised by that?
I’m definitely not a villain. If I was with you, I’d say, “Come on, let’s go dancing.”
The villain on the show appears to be Catherine “Cat” Ommanney, a British émigré who’s droll, condescendin,g and a bit mean-spirited. It she really like that?
I keep trying to rise above it with Cat. I’m just different. I don’t get her sarcasm. I just don’t get it. It doesn’t mean my way is right and her way is wrong. I just don’t have fun making fun of people. I think she makes fun of me in one of the episodes and my assistant stood up for me. I never see my assistant get tough with anybody. Cat is sarcastic and I just don’t get it.
Do you know any of the housewives of Orange County, New York, Atlanta, or New Jersey?
In October last year, I was asked to meet NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak [from The Real Housewives of Atlanta] to do a fund-raiser. But Bravo hadn’t announced the show, so I couldn’t go to the fund-raiser. I would have loved to have supported them and definitely will in the future. But on the Today Show, when it was our time to talk about the White House party, Danielle Staub [from The Real Housewives of New Jersey] was in the greenroom with her assistant. She was promoting her book. She jumped up and hugged me and said, “Hi, I know you’re the housewife from D.C.” She is super friendly and loving. And, speaking of thin, Lynda Erkiletian would have an out-of-body experience. Danielle is really thin and beautiful.
If one thing is crystal clear about starring in The Real Housewives, it’s that your dirty laundry is going to become internet gossip within minutes. Several of the housewives are having money troubles. Danielle Staub is reportedly hooking up with lesbian songwriter Lori Michaels, with millions of people reading about it. Are you ready for that type of gossip?
When I signed up, I kind of knew about that. Everybody goes through things and we’re going through difficult economic times. If someone is going through a foreclosure, that’s so painful. But how strong are they for being out there sharing it? For Danielle, that’s her choice. Whatever anybody wants to do, it’s their choice. America is all about freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I think people should decide what’s right their body, their mind, and their heart.
It seems there are also perks to starring on The Real Housewives, with some of the housewives promoting books or make up or jewelry and starring in their own shows, like Bethenny Frankel from The Real Housewives of New York. Are those perks already lined up when you sign up for the show?
It comes out of each person differently. When I signed on, it was to highlight the charities that are important to me. I also wanted to highlight my own life and maybe help others by showing what I go through. But I also wanted to highlight D.C. What an honor to have this huge franchise to show that D.C. isn’t stuffy and boring. We can highlight some of the best stuff. We are very hip. We have fashionable people and great restaurants. D.C. makes a lot of powerful decisions for the world, but it’s fun, too. D.C. has a lot going on, including a lot of drama.
What can we expect from you outside of Real Housewives? Book deals, modeling, the talk show circuit, your own show?
We started working with an investigative journalist who’s writing a book. A lot of people are writing books about that night. But we’ve had a lot of other nights. We’re working with her on the book, answering questions. It’ll come out this fall. It’s about who we were as individuals, who we are as a couple, and how we came out of that media circus. It’s her book, but it’s about our lives and we’ve been talking openly with her.
Last thing, is there anything specific you’re hoping to accomplish or highlight by starring in The Real Housewives of D.C.?
We have been big supporters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was my husband’s campaign manager in 2002, when he won Man of the Year for raising the most money for leukemia and lymphoma in the nation. It was a big deal. That’s dear to our hearts. So is multiple sclerosis and youth AIDS. I have been very active with various charities. If I can help someone on the way, or as many people as I can, I would feel that I have done something right.
What is so horrible about this show, is the sense of loss of something great. When we first met Bethenny, she was entertaining and unpredictable which was fun. She has become uninteresting and the only reason I watch is so there is an honest voice mixed in with all the Bethenny lovers.
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