“Real Housewives” godfather Andy Cohen is standing by his casting decisions! On Threads, the iconic Bravo personality and father of two responded to a fan who asked him why he had so many “MAGA women” on the beloved franchise. Cohen, who is currently celebrating 20 years of the series with “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20,” said he would never look over a potential cast member because of their political affiliation.
Bravo’s “Real Housewives” has been airing since 2006. Since then, the show has spawned several new iterations from Dallas, Texas, to Dubai, and a handful of spin-offs. The different personalities and dynamics are part of what keeps the machine going, and it appears that Cohen knows that.
“If we didn’t showcase people with different POV’s there would be no show,” he replied to the fan. “Also, it’s a show about the women and their relationships, not about politics.”
Cohen also responded to a fan who asked him whether he believed any of the past or current “Real Housewives” could successfully run for office.
“So far the track record for reality stars running for office is TERRIBLE,” Cohen said, clearly pointing to President of the United States Donald Trump. “So I’m hesitant to say I think there are some really smart people on Bravo with great communication skills who could be effective in public service, though.”
Andy Cohen Previously Told Fans Mad About Casting Decisions To ‘Get Over It’
Cohen’s response on Threads isn’t the first time that he has fired back at someone who has voiced their frustration about watching a show with right-leaning women.
According to Cohen, he and the rest of the executive team producing “The Real Housewives” try to steer clear of discussing politics on the show because it elicits such a strong reaction.
“We have Housewives in red states and blue states. And a lot of blue-state fans get really riled up over Housewives who are Trump supporters,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
However, Cohen isn’t moved or concerned with people’s outrage. “You know, get over it, this is America.”
Andy Cohen Said That He Speaks Out About Politics Due To His Identity
Cohen’s response may surprise some readers, considering the 58-year-old has voiced his displeasure about Donald Trump on social media before. For Cohen, though, when he speaks out, it’s due to his identity as a gay man.
“Frankly, the way that I use my platform the most is as a gay American and a gay dad. When I speak about politics, it is through that lens. I think that’s really important because I’m the only gay person in late-night television,” he said.
He then added that creating a show like “The Real Housewives” today is much more challenging than it was when the series premiered 20 years ago.
“In 2009, when one of the kids called his brother a [homophobic slur], we left it in the show and then discussed it at the reunion episode. That was how two brothers talked to each other in 2009, and we saw it as a teaching moment,” he said.
‘The Real Housewives’ Turned 20!
Cohen’s comments about the cast of “The Real Housewives” come amid the network’s current celebration of its 20th anniversary. In a previous interview, according to The Blast, Bravo exec Frances Berwick described how she felt about the major milestone.
“Just feels incredibly gratifying and fun and joyous,” she said. “The fact that it’s still making people really happy to watch the show, that they love being part of this Real Housewives community, it just makes you feel good.”
What Is ‘Roaring 20th’?
The current “Ultimate Girls Trip” special airs new episodes every Sunday at 9 PM ET. The principal cast includes Teresa Giudice, Luann de Lesseps, Lisa Barlow, Vicki Gunvalson, Gizelle Bryant, Porsha Williams, and Kyle Richards. The group will travel from cities like Beverly Hills all the way to New York to hang out with iconic Housewives of the past and present.
“The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’ is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon, and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn,” Berwick said, according to The Blast.
