Credit: Instagram
Katie Ginella has announced her exit from The Real Housewives of Orange County after starring on the Bravo reality series for just two seasons.
In a post shared on Instagram on Friday evening, Katie, 41, who found herself on the outs with nearly all of her casemates after season 19 due to a series of claims about what Gretchen Rossi, 47, told her off-camera regarding her alleged roofing, confirmed she’d been let go by the network.
“After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with Season 20 without me. While disappointing, it’s not entirely surprising after seeing how Season 19 played out,” Katie wrote in a January 9 statement. “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I received — it was seen, felt, and deeply appreciated. Representation matters, and I’m proud to have shown up authentically, even when it wasn’t easy. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don’t end there.”
After Katie shared the news, her husband, Matt Ginella, who was dragged into the drama of season 19 due to his communication with Gretchen’s fiancé, Slade Smiley, 52, offered his reaction.
“Love you more than ever,” he wrote. “Onward! (With a lot less tears and toxicity.)”
Tamra Judge, 58, spoke out as well, saying, “I love you … Thankful for our friendship!”
Other Real Housewives stars also weighed in, with Melissa Gorga, 46, sharing a couple of crying emoji, Guerdy Abraira, 48, saying, “Love you,” with a kissing emoji, and Bronwyn Newport, 40, admitting she was “sad to hear” the news.”
As for the fans, many expressed disappointment.
“You’re so much better off without them. I’m grateful for the time we had with you,” one person wrote.
“Love you … can’t wait to see what you do next,” said another.
“I love you so much,” posted a third. “Thank you for creating magic with us we are so grateful. The end of an era but we are family forever.”
“This just ruined my Friday,” someone else added.
While Bravo has not yet announced the full season 20 cast, Vicki Gunvalson, 63, was confirmed to be returning at BravoCon, and rumors have been swirling in regard to Heather Dubrow, 57, leaving the show and crossing over to the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 20 is expected to go into production sometime early this year.