Reality TV is not all diamonds and rosé, and Annemarie Wiley is learning that the hard way.
In Season 13 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the newbie has caught flack from every direction. Her castmates pronounce her name differently in every episode. The editors have made her look like an esophagus-obsessed madwoman, and the fans have been absolutely brutal to her on social media.
Of course, we know a little bit of online criticism comes with the territory of joining a show like RHOBH. However, Annemarie recently admitted that the reaction she’s receiving from fans has surpassed her expectations. In a new interview with Us Weekly, she opened up about how she’s navigating the backlash.
Battling the social media beast
Annemarie didn’t even come into the picture on RHOBH until Season 13, Episode 6. Her late entry to the show hasn’t stopped the backlash from being severe. Just in the last two weeks, she was dragged by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. She was portrayed in alleged racist imagery by a caricature artist, and we still have another five episodes left of the season, not including the reunion episodes.
When talking about the backlash, Annemarie said she doesn’t have any regrets about how she navigated the show. She just wishes that fans were a little less harsh in how they perceive her.
“I know who I am as a person, and I am somebody who prides myself on being a kind and caring and fun and giving person,” Annemarie explained. “So, for people to have a completely different perspective of me, I take it very seriously.”
Annemarie admitted that the overload of negative comments has been hurtful. She said some of the backlash “really hurts.” Despite the cruel words hurled her way, she said she’s been trying to focus on her family and the important things in her life.
“I have a wonderful life. I have a wonderful family, very supportive family that I’m very thankful for,” she said. “Hopefully, moving forward people will get to see me, the real me and see what I’m like as a person.”
Where are her fellow Housewives?
For Annemarie, one thing that would make the situation easier would be to have the support of her castmates. Amid the backlash, she said it would have been nice to hear from her fellow Housewives, who have a lot more experience navigating this atmosphere. She said she’s received some quiet support, but it would be better to get it publicly.
“I think there are some things that I’m dealing with that others have also had to deal with,” she said. “So it is always easier when you’re having to go through something publicly when you have others kind of rally around you. So, I think in that regard, it would definitely make it easier.”
Ultimately, Annemarie shared that she’s hopeful the remaining episodes in Season 13 of RHOBH will showcase a different side of her personality. Judging by the current reaction to her storylines, her future on the show probably depends on it.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills continues Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK FANS ARE JUDGING ANNEMARIE UNFAIRLY? ARE YOU SURPRISED THE RHOBH CAST HASN’T PUBLICLY DEFENDED HER?
