Season 15 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills premieres on December 4th, and OG cast member Kyle Richards has been busy. She has also started a new production company and is working on two shows, one of which is in pre-production.
Richards was also promoting the new season of Beverly Hills at BravoCon, where she sat down with two Variety reporters in the raucous press room. In our conversation, Richards talked about the new season co-starring Dorit Kemsley after a huge falling out last year, and what she really meant when she told Bozoma St. John in the Season 15 trailer, “You can be Brad, or you can be Angelina.” Richards also talked about the 12 or 13 tattoos she currently has (I don’t remember exactly).
So what went into the decision to come back this season after a really difficult season 14?
Last year I had a really hard time because Mauricio had just left home, and so did my daughter Alexia. I have a large family. I have 7 dogs. I’m a teenager there, and I’m used to packed houses. I went home once on Sunday and it was very quiet. And I thought, “Oh my God, this is scary for me.”
Returning to the show was very scary for me, but changing was also scary. After 15 years, it’s part of your life, so when the time comes, you’ll lose it again. That’s why I was scared. Honestly, it was scary.
Was that the main factor? Does that mean it’s part of your life?
it’s part of my life. Strangely enough, sometimes I don’t want it to be a part of my life. Like last year, when we finished filming. I’m a multitasker and I like to juggle a lot of things and hit a million balls in the air. And that would be a big part of changing my life. Honestly, it was based on fear.
Last season was tough for you and Dorit. How was this season and where are you now?
I would say we have made great progress, but then we have gone backwards again. So you’ll have to watch the show to find out. Do you think it’s hard for her to get to a better place because of what she’s going through? And sometimes I think, “Wait, I’m going through the same thing.” But her situation is completely different from mine. My home is very peaceful and friendly.
Let’s change the topic! In the trailer, Boz asks something and he says, “It could be Brad, it could be Angelina,” which got people really excited. When you came out as bi, people took it. What are your thoughts?
I guess I just don’t like labels. To be honest, this is where it all started. I know people who girls obviously heavily hint at that. And I was like, just come out and say it. They were like, “No, we’re just-” They all laughed, and so did I.
And when I saw it, I said, “Why did I say that?” I love Jennifer Aniston! I don’t mean that, she’s beautiful, but I’m a huge fan of hers. I thought, “Why did I say that?” I said it to make them laugh. I think people can think whatever they want.
I’ve always been the type, tall, dark and handsome, and that’s what I married. I am growing and evolving and my heart is open. So I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds right now, but that’s okay.
You’re talking to two lesbians, so—
Ha! Never in my life has such a thing ever occurred to me. And now I think it’s totally an option. To be honest, I’m just here to see what life brings me. I don’t want to have anything to do with anyone. Whatever happens, happens, and I’m okay with that. I also like spending time alone.
One of the things that happened last season was that there was a lot of pressure on people to label themselves. When it came to Brad and Angelina, even though you were Team Jen, did it feel like it took a weight off of you?
yes! I wondered if he would just leave me alone. Because, to be honest, I really felt like I was being harassed. And I didn’t think it was fair, not only for them, but also for myself, because I didn’t have a clear answer. So I thought, “Okay, can I back off now?” If I get a better answer, I will respond.
I was on the verge of going out for a bit.
Yeah! Of course, if I find out or come to any conclusions myself, I will be happy to share.
It seems like the Season 14 reunion was very difficult.
I honestly felt like this was really bad and I would never do that to anyone else. And I thought that crossed the line. You are expected to fully share every aspect of your life. And I’ve shared a lot over the years. People have watched my daughter go from diapers in her crib to applying to college. My husband and I were separated, and so were my sisters. They watched all the drama! But that’s not enough for some fans. When do you cross the line? It felt wrong on many levels.
One of the reasons for your and Dorit’s fight was something that actually happened at BravoCon. It’s something Richard’s sister feels most connected to. Are you keeping the peace this time?
Oh, well, we’re not talking, so that’s easy.
That’s why you guys impressed on the carpet.
I think so! I just wanted to say hi in passing, but something has gone wrong on the show this season. I want to go back to where I used to be with her. And I think it will get easier if things get better between her and PK.
Who is closest to you this season?
Erica. I am closest to Erica and Sutton.
Sutton? interesting!
You never know how the audience will take things. I think that’s always interesting. Because Sutton and I are actually good friends. And I think they don’t see that. I’m an early morning person, so she calls me around 7am, but I’ve been awake for about 2 hours. We’ll talk for an hour and we’ll really share everything. But you don’t see that in the show.
That’s why I thought, why would you do that to me at my dinner table and imply that your husband is cheating on you, since you are my friend? Is that for a show? Why are you doing that to me?
yes. It’s for show.
that’s right! That’s very frustrating, because in 15 seasons we’ve never done that. I think I’m an interesting enough person that I don’t need to start fights with people over TV shows. So it hurts when you feel that.
she’s so much fun She loves having fun. I love that about her. she really makes me laugh. The other night we were like, “Okay, we’re single, so we have to go out.” I felt like a 10th grader trying to go out and have fun. It wasn’t fun. I went to the first location thinking, “This is where people go! There’s no one here, I don’t like this. Let’s go to the next location.” The next place was very noisy. I can’t be this loud. And I didn’t like crowds. Then we went to another place and she said, “There’s no cute one here.” Then she made me go to the pub. It seems far from home. I’m at an Irish pub in the middle of the night! ?
We did this all wrong. We need to stick to what we know. I can’t go to a pub.
The trailer seemed to portray Amanda Francis, who bought your old house, as the show’s new villain.
I think she may be polarizing. Sometimes I think so – for sure.
When Garcelle Beauvais recently appeared on Watch What Happens Live, she said that out of all the women on the cast, you were the one she wanted to connect with and meet. Was that a surprise?
That was a surprise. I wish she had shown it to me more directly. This happened to Garcelle and I. We looked at each other, had an unspoken language, and laughed at the same things. I love making her laugh. For example, I love a good audience. I know how to make her laugh. When we left Georgia, we said, “I love you, goodbye,” but I don’t say any words of love.
I was surprised when she left. And when she said that, I thought why not act like that. why don’t you tell me that?
Have you spoken since “Watch What Happens Live”?
No, she had unfollowed me on Instagram. I think it’s hard to develop friendships on this show, so I’m so thankful for Erica and Teddi and even Dorit, even though we’re going through this difficult time. It really makes you appreciate those friendships.
Is it a good season? What should people think about season 15?
It’s a good season. There is no doubt that it will be an enjoyable live performance for the audience. Of course there will be a lot of drama, and I’m sure there will be a lot of laughter as well.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
