Gina Kirschenheiter offered her fans and followers a lengthy apology on Monday following her controversial DUI arrest last week.
Along with a meme that read, “The Best Apology Is Changed Behavior,” the Real Housewives of Orange County cast member acknowledged that because she is a reality star, her mistakes are magnified.
“I honestly believe that some issues no matter how great and important are truly only a part of our awareness once we are personally effected by them. For me….what happened this week is that issue,” Gina, 34, wrote. “It’s amazing how in the course of less than a week you can realize the full extent of allowing people into your every day life and how the opinions of everyone watching can run from incredibly chastising to extremely supportive.”
Gina was arrested on February 1 around 3:43 in the morning in Rancho Santa Margarita, California and is due to address the charges against her in court on February 28.
“Bad choices have bad consequences. Mine are magnified bc I chose to share my life with you on a very public stage,” Gina continued. “Those who are a part of my real life gave me words of encouragement and love knowing the content of my character and the love in my heart.”
According to Gina, she’s “embarrassed” by her behavior but has been pleasantly surprised by the support she’s received from her online audience.
“As embarrassed and hard on myself as I’ve been in these past few days, I’ve been shocked by the astonishing amount of ‘it could have happened to anyone’ and ‘we’ve all been there’ that I’ve received through friends both close to me and on social media,” she said.
While Gina appreciates the kind words she’s received, she doesn’t believe DUI charges should be brushed off as a minor mistake. Instead, she expressed disappointment in herself and acknowledged her failure to secure a sober driver during her night out with friends.
“I’m the queen of Uber/Lyft. This didn’t happen to me. I wasn’t ‘unlucky.’ I made a conscious decision to do something epically stupid. One time is one time too many. I am awake now. I can promise this will NEVER BE ME again,” she vowed.
“To all of you who wrote me with pain in their hearts about how drinking and driving has had a negative impact on them and their families, I hear you. Thank you. I make this promise to each one of you with your messages in my heart,” Gina added. “I am committed to this cause and hope to effect a positive change and dialogue. You don’t have to believe me with these words, but I hope over time you will see through my actions.”
Gina is currently in the midst of a divorce from husband Matt Kirschenheiter, who she split from last year amid filming on the RHOC season 13.
The Real Housewives of Orange County cast will return to Bravo TV later this year for season 14.
Photo Credit: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images