Reality Star of the Week: Jill Zarin says 'no more cameras' after 'Below Deck' vacation sparks criticism
GRENADA, CARIBBEAN: Jill Zarin of 'The Real Housewives of New York City' has stated that she will not allow cameras to capture her next holiday after being labeled a "spoiled brat" for her latest appearance on Bravo's 'Below Deck'.
On April 2, the reality star headed to Instagram and uploaded a snapshot from her trip, tagging 'Below Deck' primary charter guest Melinda Springer and her husband Noah Springer.
"Thank you @themelindaspringer and @mrnoahspringer for an amazing trip. We made a great show together but this summer’s trip NO cameras! Love you both," Jill wrote on her Instagram Story.
The comments follow Jill's appearance on the most current episode of 'Below Deck', which aired on April 1. She boarded the St David boat alongside other pals and her lover, Gary Brody.
However, team members expressed concern over Jill's "demanding" demeanor. This included directing stewardess Barbara 'Barbie' Pascual to alter the ice cubes in her Diet Coke because she didn't like the form and requesting a doorbell to alert crew members whenever she wanted.
She also mentioned that the toilets were not well stocked with amenities. In another scenario, she trashed the meal and demanded that snacks be offered to all passengers at all times of the day.
"I think she’s annoying, and I think it’s too much," Barbie said of Jill in the episode. "You’re a freeloading guest who’s extremely demanding. This is too much for me. I need another stew just for Jill."
Chef Anthony Iracane continued, "I think the primary, she’s OK, but her friend taking over the boat, it’s like she’s a f****** captain. Like taking over the ship."
In the meantime, Chief Stew Fraser Olender said Jill was "crawling into my brain and eating away at my soul."
'Below Deck' star Barbara 'Barbie' Pascual comes to defend show's 'most demanding' guest 'RHONY' alum Jill Zarin
Some 'Below Deck' stars have subsequently defended Jill, including Barbie, who, after rewatching the episode, remarked, "I don’t think that Jill was as bad as it looked. I just wanna also say that there were so many other moments where she was super fun and sweet and nice," Barbie said in an Instagram Story on April 2.
She admitted that Jill was "demanding," but said she "wasn’t rude" and was merely asking for "normal yacht requirements" that were "pretty logical."
Barbie said, "She was right. She just wanted nugget ice in her Diet Coke; that’s not a big deal."
What is 'RHONY' alum Jill Zarin's net worth?
Following her training at Simmons College School of Retail Management, she worked as an assistant buyer at Filene's before becoming the national sales manager at Jockey Hosiery. She married her first husband, Steven Shapiro, in 1987 and had a daughter, Allyson Shapiro, who was created through a sperm donor.
After their divorce in 1998, she married Bobby Zarin two years later and began working as a consultant at Zarin Fabrics, a well-established firm founded by his father in 1936. She then shared her life with the rest of the world after joining the cast of 'RHONY' in 2008.
Jill was an ongoing cast member on the dramatic reality show for four seasons until she left in 2011. Over the years, she has founded several successful businesses, including Jill Zarin Jewelry, Jill Zarin Rugs, Skweez Couture Shapewear and Hosiery, and Jill Zarin Bedding.
She also started Jill & Ally, a clothing and accessory company, with her daughter. With all of this in mind, Jill is estimated to be worth $20 million by Celebrity Net Worth.
Who were the charter guests on 'Below Deck' Season 11 Episode 9?
The main guest for the April 1 episode of 'Below Deck' was Melinda, a previous cruise director.
She was accompanied by her spouse, Noah, and the following charter guest lovers: Gary, a fashion executive, and his girlfriend, 'RHONY' alum Jill; Laura, Peter; and Josh and Jennifer.
