Why are Noella and James Bergener splitting? 'RHOC' star posts she's a 'not so-happy housewife'
Noella Bergener, who is a budding reality star on the Bravo show 'Real Housewives of Orange County' has admitted that she was shocked by her husband's sudden decision to file for divorce. Personal injury attorney James Bergener, who is known across Southern California for his 'Sweet James' billboards, has been married to Noella for only a year. The couple shares a two-year-old son, while Noella has an older daughter from her previous relationship and James has a son from his past relationship.
The couple is living separately ever since James filed for divorce in Puerto Rico last week. Noella claims to have had little idea about the divorce, and was shocked to learn about James' decision. "I was just as shocked and disgusted to find out a week before filming ... and not from my husband. My marriage has been a fight every day since," she wrote in an Instagram post.
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Why are Noella and James Bergener splitting?
Noella is all set to star in the new 16th season of 'Real Housewives of Orange County' which begins filming next week. However, it is unclear whether the divorce will be a setback for the aspiring TV star, who would not technically be a "housewife" if the divorce finalizes.
Noella has revealed that she plans to file her own paperwork for legal separation in California. She plans to seek primary custody of their son and spousal support. While it is not certain what exactly prompted James to drop the divorce bombshell, TMZ has reported that he was accused of owing nearly $6 million in back taxes. As per legal documents, Bergener faced a massive federal tax lien in 2018 and 2019, which amounted to over $4 million in total. Additionally, he was hit with a separate lien of $1.85 million from the state of California.
Meanwhile, Noelle addressed her estranged husband's debt burden in her Instagram post, stating, "I am being very open about my journey and looking at every option to settle my husbands debts." She also updated her Instagram bio which now says, "Not so-Happy Housewife to Sweet James Sr, Junior, Coco & RiRi" (sic).
Bravo is yet to make an official announcement about Season 16 of RHOC, but Noella is already known to viewers for her brief cameo in Season 15. The Instagram page Team Noella Bergener provided an update about her casting in a post saying, "Welcome to Team Noella Bergener! This page will only spread love and positivity towards Noella!
Most of you might recognize Noella from her cameo in last season on #RHOC! She’s officially joining The Real Housewives Of Orange County for the upcoming season 🍊 Noella will be making history as the first person of color to be casted on #RHOC 🙌 moving in the right direction, you can definitely expect Noella to be open and honest in sharing her story! Let me not forget to mention…..what a BOMBSHELL she is 🔥 @noellabergener."