Photo:Andrew Eccles/Bravo via Getty Images
Andrew Eccles/Bravo via Getty Images
AsEmily SimpsonandGina Kirschenheiterhead into their sixth season onThe Real Housewives of Orange County, the dynamic duo are hitting back against anyone who questions their rightful place on the show.
Simpson, 47, and Kirschenheiter, 39, chatted witih PEOPLE atBravoCon 2023, reflecting on nearing a record for “the longest-running Housewives on the mother show.”
“You spend enough time as an underdog, you learn how to become a top cat,” affirmed Kirschenheiter, while Simpson said they have “a lot to be proud of.”
Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty(3)
TheRHOCpals also reacted to a comment returning OC HousewifeTamra Judgesaid their former costarVicki Gunvalsonmade about them last year when reacting toJudge’s return to the series.
Though the conversation eventually took place privately over the phone, the 56-year-old formerCUT Fitnessowner revealed at Friday’s Housewife2Housewife: Comeback Queens that the original plan had been forAndy Cohento “announce it onWatch What Happens Livewhen I had Vicki with me.”
“Not a good plan,” she acknowledged.
Then she recounted her phone chat with Gunvalson, 61. According to Judge, the “OG of the OC” — whoquit the showin January 2020 after 14 years — said she was “happy” about her friend’s return, then asked pointedly, “Why the f— do Emily and Gina still have their job and I don’t?”
Judge summed up, “She cried, she yelled, she got over it.”
Trae Patton/Bravo via Getty
On Saturday, Simpson and Kirschenheiter said Gunvalson needs to “let it go.”
“We clearly have earned our spots,” said Kirschenheiter. “The thing is, we [are relatable to] real people. We [resonate] with real moms, and I’m not gonna apologize because I know that real moms and real people really like us.”
Simpson added that Bravo fans have not only connected with her but with her husbandShane, her children and their family.
“Seriously, Victoria,” she quipped with a wave of her hand, “get over it.”
Vicki Gunvalson.Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images
Gunvalson was one of the original Housewives whenRHOCpremiered back in 2006 but became aFriend ofthe franchise during season 14.
But it seems the situation wasn’t completely irreparable — Gunvalson made ahighly anticipated appearanceonce again in season 17 and was honored with the first-everWifetime Achievement Awardat BravoCon 2023.
For more of PEOPLE’s BravoCon coverage,click here.
The Real Housewives of Orange Countycan be streamed in full on Peacock.
source: people.com
