Kathy Wakile Speaks Out About Her Reduced Role On 'Real Housewives Of New Jersey'

Kathy Wakile is finally speaking out about her smaller role on Real Housewives of New Jersey, expressing no ill will towards Bravo and seeing her lighter schedule as a positive.

“I’m so happy to be part of the Bravo family. I have enjoyed being a RHONJ Housewife and have now agreed to terms that give me the opportunity to film the show in a way that better suits my lifestyle. I’ve been able to get to know the new girls on my terms while remaining free to focus on other great things, including the expansion of my businesses,” Wakile said in a statement released Wednesday.

RHONJ Contract Drama

Wakile joined RHONJ in Season 3 and starred on the show for three years. Now, as season 6 approaches, Wakile has been demoted from ‘housewife’ to ‘friend of housewife’. Rumor has it Wakile’s decreased role in the series is thanks to a deal Bravo struck with her sister Rosie Pierri, who refused to sign on to the show without her sister when Bravo made clear they were not interested in inviting Wakile back.

“They wanted Rosie, not Kathy. Rosie would never sign a contract without Kathy. So what they did was they made them split a contract,” a source told Radar Online.

In her statement, Wakile mentioned Rosie and expressed her excitement at watching her on the show. She also took the time to thank all the viewers who supported her over the years.

“With everything in life, the key to growing and evolving is adapting to change and what my family and close friends tell me, that is my strong suit. The most important thing is being happy, healthy and pursuing your dreams, which I have to say is something I get to experience everyday. I am looking forward to the viewers sharing with my family and I, including my sister Rosie, in all we have been up to since last season and thank them for the continuous support,” Wakile said.

Wakile is, in fact, a busy woman. Apart from Real Housewives, Wakile is expanding her dessert business and is gearing up for the September release of her cookbook titled Indulge: Delicious Little Desserts That Keep Life Real Sweet.

Real Housewives of New Jersey season 6 premieres Sunday, July 13 at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

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Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.