Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Bravo
Crystal Kung-Minkoff is reportedly returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in a full-time role for season 13 — and she’ll be joined by one of the “14 friends” she had a falling out with after joining the series for season 11 in 2021.
On the heels of exits from Lisa Rinna and Diana Jenkins, who confirmed their departures with statements earlier this month, insiders have revealed that Crystal will be back for the new episodes with a “pal” from her controversial friend group.
On January 13, Radar Online claimed that one of the 14 ladies who Crystal had issues with after signing onto the series would be part of season 13, but didn’t say whether she’d be a diamond-holder or a friend. As RHOBH fans will recall, this matter was discussed on season 12 before Crystal claimed on social media that it was actually “only [three] people” that she had a falling out with, noting “the rest came back and apologized.”
As the outlet explained, Andy Cohen was allegedly heard confirming this news.
“Allegedly a certain Bravo host was heard saying that RHOBH begins filming in a few weeks. 1 of the news HWs is one of the Crystal’s ’14 friends,’ seemingly confirming Crystal’s return too,” Queens of Bravo shared on Instagram this week.
Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Garcelle Beauvais, and Sutton Stracke are all expected to have roles in the upcoming 13th season of RHOBH. And, while Kathy Hilton was described as “being wishy-washy” about her own potential return prior to Lisa’s exit, Radar Online suspected that now that Lisa is no longer on the show, she’ll reprise her “friend” role for the new episodes.
On January 5, months after she decided to quit after the season 12 reunion, Lisa revealed the news to the public with a statement to PEOPLE.
“This is the longest job I have held in my 35 year career, and I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series,” she shared. “It has been a fun eight-year run, and I am excited for what is to come!”
Days later, on January 9, Diana took to her Instagram page, where she confirmed she also would not be featured in the new season.
“As many of you know, Asher and I are expecting our second child later this year. You also know that due to many factors, this pregnancy is considered high-risk, and I am on doctor-advised bed rest. To that end, I am not able to devote myself fully to filming the next season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” she wrote. “I would like to thank Bravo and Evolution for allowing me to focus on my pregnancy and for their support and understanding. I promise to continue sharing my fertility journey with you.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 13 is expected to go into production sometime later this month.