Danielle's BFF Kim G., should she replace Dina Manzo?

Kim Granatell tells Zap2it her thoughts on being a RH.

Bravo

By Jethro Nededog
You know Kim G. as Danielle Staub's partner in crime. And, Kim Granatell will freely admit she has stirred the pot on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Her name has been floated in the media as a strong candidate for Dina Manzo's vacated spot. But as Staub's sidekick, viewers also find her guilty by association. She says she expects the hate.

"You know what? They're going to trash me," Granatell tells Zap2it. "They're going to trash Jacqueline [Laurita]. They're going to trash the other girls. When you're in the public eye, that's what's going to go on. I'd be on medication if I read [all the opinions of me]. I know who I am."

In fact, after speaking to Granatell, we've learned that the story is always more complicated than it seems with the Franklin Lakes, NJ mother of three. And she'd love if the cameras could capture the other sides of her story, as well.

"They really haven't exposed my life in terms of my everyday living," Granatell says. "You know you see Jacqueline with the kids. You see Teresa [Giudice] going to the store. Well, I do that also. I'm a real, real mom. I have beautiful things. I have a driver, but my life isn't about cruising around with him."

Granatell has two sons who are college age and her daughter is in high school. She has been separated from her husband for seven years and she doesn't see the point of ever actually divorcing. "If it ain't broke," she tells us. Her money comes from her husband's company, which produces a cosmetics extract for Estee Lauder. Her other source of income comes from rental properties.

Like we said, there's always more to the story. You know Kim D. (or Kim DePaola), the other half of what we call, "The Killer Kims"? She is Granatell's sister-in-law, which Bravo hasn't seen fit to share with us yet.

"We are the two K's! The two backstabbing Kims," laughs Granatell. "I don't know what [Bravo is] waiting for. I thought maybe they were going to [reveal] it last week when we were sipping martinis together."

When we wondered where she was all of Season 1, Granatell let us in on an interesting factoid. Bravo once considered her for the cast.

"I was actually interviewed [by Bravo]," says Granatell. "But I have to tell you I was very skeptical, because my life was about to become an open book. I got very, very nervous."

At the time, she was dating a man that didn't want his life on television and whose entertainment friends warned Granatell against participating. She was actually relieved when the network told her they had found someone else.

Well, obviously things have changed. Today, Granatell says she would definitely join the cast next season if the network asked. And with people like Elvira Grau already throwing their hats in the ring, Granatell feels pretty confident she can deliver what the series needs.

"Quite frankly, I have the goods," she says. "Does Elvira have the goods? She couldn't play in my ballpark. I'd annihilate her in every which way."

Andy Cohen talks about The Real Housewives of D.C.

Article about the RHODC, Andy Cohen spoke to Zap2it about the ladies of D.C.

Bravo

By Jay Bobbin
Thanks to an alleged party crasher named Michaele Salahi, Andy Cohen knows, possibly better than anyone, how much more "The Real Housewives of D.C." has become than when it was hatched.

Cohen -- Bravo's senior vice president of programming and development, and also the host of the network's show "Watch What Happens Live" -- was in the thick of the controversy that exploded last November over the White House visit paid by Tareq Salahi and his wife Michaele, one of the Washington-based "Real Housewives"` in the franchise's latest unscripted series, premiering Thursday, Aug. 5.

"We want people to know about this show for the five women who are in it, not just one," Cohen tells Zap2it, emphasizing the White House incident "happens within the latter part of the series. So much more happens in the show -- outside of what happened with the Salahis -- that I think when people see the first episode, they'll say, 'Oh!'

"You certainly get a fuller picture of Michaele," Cohen adds. "I think the fact that she's known (fellow D.C. 'Housewives') Lynda [Erkiletian] and Mary [Amons] socially for 15 years, and that they have interesting points of entry to her, helps complete the story."

Having showcased "Real Housewives" of New York, New Jersey, Atlanta and Orange County (Calif.) already, with Beverly Hills to come later, Cohen says the idea of making the nation's capital one of the sites "popped up after the (2008 presidential) election.

"The casting was really good; we really responded to everyone who made it into the show. They seemed larger-than-life and independent, living aspirational lifestyles, and they all were really rooted in D.C. They had something to say about it. And I think D.C. looks more upscale and sexier in this than it has in a while."

The Jersey girls rumble again

Good write up of tonight's RHONJ episode from the Star-Ledger.

Bravo

By: Vicki Hyman/The Star-Ledger
Well, no one can accuse Teresa Giudice of not trying to earn her keep, and Lord knows, she needs the money. That was some vigorous pot-stirring on tonight's episode of "Real Housewives of New Jersey." She almost made Danielle Staub seem sane by comparison. Too bad we won't get to see the actual blow-up at the North Jersey Country Club for another two weeks; we do know the outcome, however.

The stage is set: Kim DePaola, proprietress of Posche in Wayne and professional-grade instigator, asks Teresa and Jacqueline Laurita to attend a fashion show at the North Jersey County Club. Danielle may be there, she warns/incites. They’re not sure if they’re going to go … but of course they’re totally going to go. They do conference with Caroline Manzo, who isn't going to the fashion show but tells them not to let Danielle rule their lives.

Danielle gets the finger: Danielle finds out that Kim D. has asked Teresa and Jacqueline and heads to the store to confront her about inviting “enemies.” When Danielle shows up at Posche, Donna, who works for Kim D., tells Danielle that Kim isn't in, which for some reason perturbs Danielle, who storms out of the store and calls her daughter to tell her there’s “a situation.” Is there any human interaction for Danielle that doesn’t qualify as “a situation”? Picking up her dry cleaning, maybe? Danielle: “The lady’s behavior at the desk I found to be unacceptable behavior for somebody who is supposed to be greeting a money-paying customer.” As opposed to someone who pays in livestock? Danielle asks Donna to have Kim D. call her when she gets in. Kim D. returns and gives Danielle a call. Danielle goes ballistic on her, saying she got Donna to be rude to her. Danielle returns to the store and says she's furious that Donna held up a finger to her (the second one, not the middle one) while she wrapped up a phone call. “This is what she did to me," Danielle freaks. "This is rude. This is wrong. And this was your way of saying, 'I can have my employees treat you anyway I want.'” She says she's hurt and betrayed. Kim D. basically tells her to take a hike, but Kim D. calls her later to ask her to let bygones be bygones. Come to the show, Kim D. says. "There's not going to be any craziness. It's a country club ... I'm not going to let anything bad happen." Yah. Kim D. has no idea what kind of crazy she’s invited to her fashion show, Danielle says. So Danielle does have at least an ounce of self-awareness.

Yes, they are all in junior high school: Kim D. has invited Teresa and Jacqueline to sit at her table. Danielle shows up late, a bodyguard (not Danny "A punk is a punk is a punk" Provenzano, thank goodness) in tow, along with Kim Granatell and other friends. Teresa, Jacqueline and Kim D. discuss who's going to say hello to who and how and whether they're going to walk over, etc. Meanwhile, Danielle pretends to talk on the phone. They are 12 years old. Danielle is angry to see Teresa and Jacqueline by Kim D.'s side -- "They're so desperate to get at me that they have befriend somebody that was my friend" -- and when she sees Ashley Holmes, Jacqueline's daughter, walking in the show, mutters, "Coke whore." It takes one to know one. Kim G. tries to get Danielle to pay attention to the show, but Danielle's having none of it. "These people harass me, terrorize me, threaten me, throw tables at me, call me a prostitute and a whore in front of my children?" Ashley, meanwhile, appears to be staring at Danielle and waggling her fingers at her. Real mature.

High noon: Danielle gets up to leave, and suddenly Jacqueline notices that both Teresa and Ashley are nowhere to be found. Jacqueline finds Teresa perched on a chair in the lobby. She innocently tells Jacqueline that she just wants to say hi to Danielle. And then Danielle walks by without a word. We'll just let their exchange speak for themselves:

Teresa: Danielle, hi! ... We're sitting across from each other, no hello, no nothing?
Danielle: I just said hello.
Teresa: Yeah, but I had to say hello first, right?
Danielle: I gotta go.
Teresa: Ah, what's the matter? You're running away?

(Danielle, in voice over, says, "You don't run at a psychopath, you run away from a psychopath." But the ever conciliatory Kim G. urges Danielle to talk to Teresa.]

Teresa: What's going on? I haven't seen you.
Danielle: No, you haven't.

[Teresa congratulates Danielle on daughter Christine's fashion show gig and tells her Gia also walked during Fashion Week. Danielle icily offers her congratulations.]

Teresa: So what else is going on?
Danielle: I really don't find this to be a friendly conversation. I find it to be too game-y.

[Kim G. tells her that Teresa is making an effort. Yeah, an extravagant effort to recreate her lightning-in-a-bottle table-flip moment.]

Teresa: After I flipped the table, you knew I was pissed, but I was like, Let me make things better. I was like, you know me, I'm like the sweetest person, I'm the nicest person. And I am the nicest person.
Danielle: I don't really know you that way.
Teresa: But I am. 'Cause you got me to that point.
Danielle: No, Teresa, you make your own decisions.
Teresa: No, honey --
Danielle, interrupting: Don't call me honey.
Teresa: I don't want to call you honey. (Something indecipherable, perhaps, "because you're an old hag." Teresa really needs to enunciate better when she attacks) I don't want to call you honey, bitch. Is bitch better?

And scene!

How about a couple of Emmys ... for the writers who scripted that exchange.

Elsewhere, Caroline is suddenly working the empty nest arc, which is almost as random as Danielle's "I'm not comfortable with my body" storyline. She asks Al Manzo to retire. He won't, and points out that all three kids are still living under her room. "The clock is ticking. If you don’t retire, I’m going to be crazy. You want a crazy person to come home to?” Looks like he already has one. How about getting a job, Caroline? Volunteering? Heck, beekeeping?

Lynn's new post

Click on THIS link to read Lynn's new post titled I Hate Jill Zarin RHONY Final – Sonja Morgan June 28, 2010.

Looking for drama

I will be writing a recap of the RHONJ tomorrow, but all I can say is how old are these women?  Nasty stares, pointing fingers and basically looking for a fight. Theresa said she gets soft and forgets, if that is the case why did it go to nasty with her so quick? She was looking for a fight with Danielle and Danielle was looking for trouble also. These housewives are my least favorite, the show tonight was a build up for the last 10-15 min. and we have to wait 2 weeks to see Ashley rip out some of Danielle's weave. And Danielle with her bodyguards, WTF. If she is so afraid and so annoyed with Kim D. why the hell did she go? The only thing that interested me tonight other than the fight was the food, it all looked good and made me hungry. Going to go grab something now.

Kandi talking men and BS

Click on THIS link to see Kandi talk about men and her low tolerance for their BS.

Kelly in Red

Tweet/pic. from Kelly.

Kandi from the RHOA on the town.

Tweet/pic. from Kandi, she looks fabulous.

Everybody follow @Joeyie he's the executive vice president of asylum & warner bros urban & a great guy!

Simon/Alex give support to the American Cancer Society

Interview from Appetite for Good.

By Francesca Bartolomey
It’s Real Housewives week here at Appetite for Good and I recently met husband and wife team Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen as they lent their support to a very worthy cause. The famous duo – and Brooklyn-residents – came out for the American Cancer Society event Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful held at the lovely BellTel Lofts in downtown Brooklyn.

I got the chance to meet Alex and Simon and chat with them about what brought them out to the event.

“Cancer is a disease that touches so many people,” Alex began.

“[The caregivers are] often the rock supporting the person who’s been diagnosed.”
“Too many people,” Simon chimed in. He revealed that his first wife was a victim of cancer – who survived, fortunately – and continued, “When someone is first diagnosed, it’s often difficult in a different way for the caregiver to go through their own grieving process. They’re immensely worried about the person who’s been diagnosed, but they have all these questions as well. And so the great thing that American Cancer Society does is that it looks at not just the [research and development], but the mental support for both the person that’s been afflicted and the caregivers because they need the support as well. They’re often the rock supporting the person who’s been diagnosed.”

Not to miss a chance to laud their own borough, Simon enthusiastically added: “And of course this is the Brooklyn chapter of American Cancer Society and we love Brooklyn!”

I asked them what other organizations they support and Alex responded, “We try to mix it up.”

And they certainly do! Among the causes the pair supports besides American Cancer Society are the American Heart Association, the Brooklyn Style Foundation (which puts on Brooklyn Fashion Weekend to benefit struggling designers), Robin Hood Foundation (which fights poverty in New York City), New York Foundation for the Arts, and the New York City Opera.

But one thing Alex and Simon were adamant about was remembering the arts during the economic crisis – “It’s important not just to support the charities that help those who are ill…but we also need to look out for those that are nurturing the arts…Not only do we need healthy bodies, but we need healthy minds as well.”

“Absolutely,” agreed Alex. “And you have to feed both of those.”

“There are so many opportunities to do good.”
Alex also discussed the positive effect The Real Housewives of New York City has had on her ability to bring exposure to her causes: “One of the great things about having an elevated profile due to reality television [is that] a lot of what we film – we don’t control what makes it to the show whatsoever – but we can try and film things that will get publicity for organizations that need it, whether it is a charity or a brand new designer and you want to wear their clothes on the show. There are so many opportunities to do good.”

They hadn’t eaten yet so I didn’t want to monopolize them much longer so I ended on a fun – yet highly appropriate – note. I asked the two to name their favorite restaurants in Cobble Hill, their Brooklyn neighborhood. The interview quickly evolved into a We-heart-Brooklyn love-fest:

“Just one?” Alex inquired.

“It depends on the night,” said Simon, diplomatically. “Honestly, if we’re coming back late and we’re hungry, eleven o’clock at night you can’t beat Bar Tabac for a good quality, fast-but-good food.”

“I have to give a shout out to Watty & Meg,” said Alex after thinking it over for a moment.

“We had dinner there Sunday!” Simon added.

“We did, and the food’s really good and it’s really close…One of the great things about Cobble Hill is that we know our neighbors…We love the camaraderie and the amazing food. You really don’t need to leave the neighborhood for anything.”

“Brooklyn is a village.”

“We’re spoiled for choice!”

Simon even addressed the show: “You know when we first got on the show people were like ‘why are you on that show, you don’t even live in New York City.’ Uhh, yes we do…Look at where we are!”

At this point, my friend (and photographer for the night) Stephanie interjected: “If Brooklyn were it’s own city, it’d be the fifth-”

“Fifth-largest city in the country!” Simon finished. “Absolutely! It’s true!”

And we all shared a laugh! We shook hands and I bid them farewell. I have to say, I was pretty surprised by how sweet Alex and Simon were. They seemed genuinely pleased to be there supporting such an amazing cause.

This article wraps up the three-part series on the American Cancer Society’s “Eat, Drink, and Be Hopeful” event at the BellTel Lofts in downtown Brooklyn.

Salahis featured in US Weekly

From Michaele Salahi's facebook, not sure why some of the article is whited out

How to make the most buck out of being on The Real Housewives

Post from Styleite.

By: Ruthie Friedlander
Ah, the side projects of the Real Housewives. Keeping up with what those women do in addition to their respective reality shows is almost as difficult as keeping up with their drama.

Kelly and Ramona from the New York cast; Gretchen from Orange County; Shereé from Atlanta; Teresa from New Jersey — it seems these women just can’t get enough of the side project businesses. And that’s not even including the array of singers (Kim and LuAnn), sex tap stars (Danielle), and authors (Jill and Alex).

So here is a rundown of some of Bravo’s Real Housewives’ fashion and beauty-related businesses.

Kelly by Kelly Killoren Bensimon is the New York Housewife’s navajo-inspired jewelry line which consists of pieces made from metal, leather, feathers, and crystals. The collection, priced at $50 to $150, is currently being sold country wide at Intermix.

Gretchen Christine Beaute is O.C. Housewife Gretchen Rossi’s makeup line, which she launched with the help of controversial boyfriend Slade last season, despite fellow cast member Vicky’s disapproval. We haven’t heard much of the makeup company, nor do we know if it’s sold anywhere other than her own website (we weren’t able to find it).

It’s impossible to talk about any Bravo Housewife series without mentioning Ramona Singer. Last season, Ramona spoke repetitively of the complete “renewal” of her life. Following the death of her father, she renewed her image by cutting her hair, renewed her marriage by having a second wedding, and because she’s so generous, wants to renew you as well, with her skin care line, Tru Renewal. This is Singer’s second side project, the first being her jewelry line — Ramona Singer Jewelry — with the Home Shopping Network.

She by Sheree is Atlanta Housewife Sheree Whitfield’s clothing line, which her website claims is “coming soon.” After the success of her Atlanta-based boutique, Bella Azul, Whitfield decided to give into her passion for fashion and launch her own line, which will consist of “stylish dresses from day to evening.” We’ll believe it when we see it.

TG Fabulicious is New Jersey Housewife Teresa Giudice’s e-commerce shop. The products consist primarily of hair accessories modeled on her children along with some New Jersey and Italian pride t-shirts; a lucrative business endeavor, we’re sure.

Is the Real Housewives franchise toxic?

Great article on DBKP-Death by 1000 papercuts.

                                                                      Bravo's Phenomenal Ratings for Toxic Real Housewives

By LBG1
With the last episode of season three of Real Housewives of New York City, the 3-part reunion episodes, and lost footage aired, some viewers were dismayed by the level of “toxicity” between the NYC Real Housewives this season. Viewers who watch Bravo’s Real Housewives franchises based upon Bravo’s premise of “real” housewives and their fabulous lives. Across the Hudson River, the second season of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey franchise has, in my opinion, proved Bravo has officially jumped the shark, dropping all pretense of the fabulous lives meme with a level of toxicity which makes the cast of RHONYC look like pikers in the game of holding grudges and carrying out revenge. Beginning in tonight’s episode of RHONJ, viewers will see a midseason climax, the culmination of the script Danielle Staub wrote and has been acting this season. A script where Danielle claims the Manzo mob is out to get her.

Tonight’s episode will make Bravo Real Housewives franchise history: The first time, during Bravo’s reality show franchises about real housewives , a Bravo Real Housewife called the cops and pressed charges against fellow cast members with Bravo cameras there to record the altercation and Danielle’s first day in court.

The altercation occurred on November 11, 2009 at a fashion show held at Hamburg Turnpike Country Club. An altercation which was filmed by Bravo for season two. After the “altercation”, Danielle called the cops then signed complaints against Teresa Giudice and Jacqueline Laurita for harassment and harassment and assault charges against Jacqueline’s daughter Ashley Holmes. On December 3rd, Bravo cameras followed Danielle to court where Danielle dropped the charges against Teresa and Jacqueline. Danielle kept the charges of harassment and assault against Ashley Holmes, telling the judge, Danielle felt “threatened” by 19-yr-old Ashley.

From NorthJersey.com:

But Staub pressed ahead with her complaint against Holmes, which alleges the teenager threatened “I’ll get her” and “I’ll kill you” before yanking Staub’s her hair so hard she ripped out a hair extension by the roots.

She told the judge that as she was leaving the ladies room after the fashion show “Jacqueline and Teresa were waiting for me and began yelling at me.”

Straub said she began to walk away but became frightened and started to run through the country club.

“I felt a little threatened,” she said. She claims she was pushed and scratched and broke her heel as she ran.

On January 30, 2010, the New York Daily News reported Ashley Holmes plead guilty to simple assault:

The daughter of cast member Jacqueline Laurita has been found guilty of simple assault for yanking out another housewife’s hair extension at a fashion show.

Ashley Holmes, 19, was fined $189, including $33 court costs, by Wayne Court Judge Lawrence Katz on Friday following the November ruckus with reality show star Danielle Staub.

As someone who has watched both seasons one and two, here’s my take on the real reality of the Danielle Staub, Jacqueline Laurita, Teresa Giudice, Ashley Holmes altercation.

This season on RHONJ Danielle has been busy padding a case against the Manzo’s, of Danielle “feeling threatened”. Danielle’s claims of a potential Manzo mob ambush at the Brownstone at a charity event held for a child with a rare form of cancer. Of Ashley Holmes sending threatening text messages to Danielle. Of Dina Manzo being a potential threat during a one on one meetup with Dina at a local restaurant. Of Danielle bringing on the show convicted felon and former member of the Genovese crime family Danny Provenzano for “protection” against the Manzo crime family.

The Brownstone episode proved Bravo’s premise of fabulous lives of real housewives had gone straight to the gutter. An episode where a real housewife–Danielle–brought onto the show a convicted felon, Danny Provenzano. Provenzano, who served time on racketeering charges, admitted during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live prior to sentencing that he “beat up” a man “badly” and smashed an associate’s thumb with a hammer.

During the Brownstone episode Danielle appeared with an “entourage”: Danny Provenzano and up to 20 men for “protection”. Another member of Danielle’s entourage, Danielle new BFF this season, Kim “G” Grantell, middle-aged socialite and mother of Caroline Manzo’s son Albie’s best friend. Viewers watched Danielle and Kim “G” as they gleefully watched Danny Provenzano threaten (on camera) to bust up the joint. (Danielle told Danny it was okay as long as he didn’t include the family of the little girl with cancer.) Later, Danielle and Kim “G” listened to Danny call Caroline Manzo’s son Albie a “faggot”. (Last season Danielle gave Teresa’s husband Joe a stern warning she wouldn’t tolerate Joe’s “gay slur” of “he’s so gay” directed at a dance instructor. This season, Danielle claimed Danny’s “faggot” comment was okay because 1) Albie wasn’t gay, and, 2) Danny was protecting Danielle.)

Danielle asked Danny Provenzano for “protection” when Danielle met Dina Manzo for a one on one talk at a local restaurant. (Bravo cameras recorded Danny and Danielle’s phone conversation of Danny telling Danielle he had his cell phone on his lap while he and his pal were stationed in their car in the parking lot.)

In another episode, Danielle showed Kim “G” a text message from Ashley Holmes, a message where Ashley told Danielle she was “going to hell”. Danielle asked Kim if Ashley’s message was a “threat”. Wise guy Kim “G” told Danielle to talk to the cops.

In tonight’s episode, Kim “G” accompanies Danielle to the fashion show. Also accompanying Danielle, a “bodyguard”. Since I’ve yet to see the episode it will be interesting to learn who approached who at the fashion show. Who was minding their own business and not, initially, looking to start a fight. Who escalated the fight? The answers will be revealed in tonight’s episode.

As for Danielle’s new BFF, Kim “G”, during a recent live episode of Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live!, Andy asked Danielle if she and Kim “G” were still friends. Danielle gave a rather emphatic “no” while refusing to divulge why she and Kim “G”–the socialite who was Danielle’s BFF this season and who accompanied Danielle to court–were no longer friends. I can’t help but wonder when the split between the two former BFF’s occurred? Did the split occur after filming for season two ended? And, the reasons behind the split?

Season two of Real Housewives of New Jersey proved Bravo had officially dumped the fabulous lives of real housewives premise. Dino Manzo opted out claiming Danielle Staub’s on camera and off camera antics were too much for Dina who claimed she signed on believing the show would be “fun”. Danielle, while appearing on Andy’s show, claimed she might reveal the real reasons why Dina left with Danielle alluding to far more sinister or shady reasons which Danielle might reveal on the reunion episode. Which leads back to Bravo’s original premise and the reasons why Bravo continues to feature Danielle Staub as a “real housewife”. The answer: Phenomenal ratings for Bravo.

According to Live Feed, last season’s RHONJ reunion episode, which aired after only six episodes, had 3.5 million viewers, the highest rated season finale of Bravo’s Real Housewives reality show franchises.

According to Hollywood Insider, the third season of Real Housewives of New York City averaged 1.3 million viewers, the highest rated season of RHONYC. The final episode, 2.64 million. Part one of the reunion episodes, 2.24 million total viewers.

On August 5th, Bravo is set to premiere Real Housewives of D.C. featuring White House gatecrasher Michaele Salahi. For details on Michaele and her husband Tareq, a couple with a track record of lawsuits and bankruptcy read the article written by the New York Times. Over at the Washington Post, Michaele Salahi’s claim she was a former Redskins cheerleader with Michaele going to extraordinary lengths to perpetrate the “I was a Redskins Cheerleader” falsehood for the benefit of a Bravo production camera crew.

While the Salahis were busy making Bravo reality show history gatecrashing a State Dinner at the White House in November seeking reality tv celebrity fame, the fallout wasn’t so fabulous for Desiree Rogers, Obama’s social secretary and the Secret Service. In February, Rogers resigned.

The Washington Post:

An administration official noted that Rogers was an especially hard worker who had many successes, including the National Governors Association dinner at the White House on Feb. 21.

Still, the security fiasco at the state dinner for the prime minister of India proved to be an embarrassment, and when she tried to reassert herself, she was quickly shot down, forced into a lower profile.

“Once the state dinner deal went down,” said the official, “people who had other political agendas started micromanaging every part of her business.”

Danielle's protector Danny on Jimmy Kimmel

Video taken before Danny went to jail. Danny was promoting the film "This Thing of Ours" Starring Frank Vincent, Vincent Pastore, James Caan, Eddie Lynhc, Danny Provenzano, and Paul Vario AKA "Big Paul".

Jill on Wendy Williams talks about Bethenny

Just found this clip, it has been out there over a month, but I thought I would throw it up here anyway.

RHONJ financial troubles detailed

Article from Reality Tea detailing the financial troubles of the housewives.

Caroline Manzo – Caroline’s husband Albert Manzo has been involved in over 30 judgments and liens (one brought on by a family member) since the early ’90s up until two years ago . Throughout the ’90s and into 2000, there were several judgments against Caroline for nonpayment of hospital and doctors’ bills, as well another judgment involving “Church Chronicle Publishing.”

•A state tax lien for $10,546.17 was filed against Albert Manzo in 2000.
•A judgment in favor of the Federal Mortgage Association for $148,000 also against Al.
•A few judgments in favor of the First Bank of USA and North Jersey Federal Credit for a combined total of over $10,000.

Dina Manzo – Jezebel reports out of all the housewives, Dina is the only one who has a clean slate when it comes to her financial history. Her husband, Tommy Manzo, is however a different story. Dina married Tommy (the brother of Caroline’s husband) in 2006 in a lavish wedding that reportedly cost $1.5 million. The wedding was featured on VH1’s My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding. You can watch that here.

•Tommy was sued by American Express for $12,599 in 2007
•He was also sued by the Bank of America for an undisclosed amount.

Jacqueline Laurita - Similar to Dina, Jacqueline also seems to have a clean financial slate. However as we reported this week, the company of Jacqueline’s husband, Chris Laurita, filed for bankrupty last year. The company, Signature Apparel Group LLC, was behind the Rocawear and Eve’s Fetish clothing brands. The financial issues found on the Lauritas were for the years 1988 and 1990.

•United Jersey bank successfully won a judgment against Chris for over $18,000 in 1988.
•American Express also successfully won a judgment against Chris for almost $3000 in 1990.

Danielle Staub – Danielle has been very vocal about her financial troubles on the show despite carrying designer bags, wearing $500 leggings from Neiman Marcus, getting Botox and lip injections, and having (her fourth) breast augmentation. Jezebel also shuts down Danielle’s claim that she was the first woman in New Jersey to own an American Express black card, something she bragged about in season one of the show.

•A federal tax lien was placed against Danielle in March 2006 for $111,161 by the IRS.
•Also in 2006, a civil suit was filed against Danielle by an attorney for an undisclosed amount, most likely stemming from nonpayment of legal bills.
•In February 2007, a different federal tax lien was placed against Danielle— filed in a new county—and her ex-husband, Thomas Staub for $130,577 by the IRS.

Teresa Giudice – Thanks to the uncovering of her 2009 bankruptcy filing, most of Teresa’s financial troubles have now been made very public. The only new information uncovered about the Giudices comes via PEOPLE magazine’s cover story on the couple which accused Joe Giudice of being a slumlord. Jezebel confirms this and shows court documents that go back well over 10 years showing the Giudices have been sued by numerous tenants and a heating company. A small sampling of nearly 20 civil cases were uncovered.