#RIP
Zimbio
According to multiple reports,
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will debut on its scheduled premiere date, September 5, despite the recent suicide of
Taylor Armstrong's husband,
Russell. It seems Beverly Hills was such a big hit for Bravo, they are afraid to hold it back.
In a media statement Wednesday, Bravo president Frances Berwick said, "Bravo will proceed with the Monday, September 5 premiere date of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
So as not to alienate fans who have been inundated by media stories on the dangerous effects of reality TV, Bravo will air a suicide prevention PSA before the episode. They will also air a brief interview, which is thought to be the special that was filmed Monday with all the Beverly Hills housewives, except Taylor, talking about Russell's death. The show is continuing to be re-edited in light of Russell's suicide as he expressed concern being portrayed as a victim before his death. Russell's mother has already
threatened legal action if she sees any image of her son on the show this season.
The perils of reality TV are well founded. Although
Russell was going through a divorce, and having financial problems like many people do every day, he was in the spotlight. Recent allegations of physical abuse of
Taylor and his struggling finances being splashed all over the news, troubled Russell.
According to
Radar, “Russell was recently informed that a tell-all book was being written and that many of his secrets were going to be made public,” a source said. “He had expressed great concern about the book.” Radar goes on to say that the book was going to involve several accounts of sexcapades by his exes.
Further, following
Russell's death, his friend,
Tom Vickers, told press Russell had recently said, “It's funny how a reality show can ruin your entire life."
In the aftermath of Russell's suicide,
Taylor is left to pick up the pieces. The disturbing
911 call was just released online. The call is heartbreaking as you hear Taylor breaking down as Russell's friend tried to calm her. The friend tells the 911 agent, "my friend just hanged himself". He tells Taylor it's okay, but she is heard saying, "this is not okay!" Taylor's daughter was also in the home as the friend says, "have your daughter to go away please" he says, trying to protect five-year-old
Kennedy from seeing her father dead.
Taylor is currently staying at fellow housewife,
Kyle Richards' house.
In happier times,
Taylor was spotted at the Kendra Scott Jewelry of Beverly Hills Grand Opening benefiting "Blessings In A Backpack" on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.
