What happened between Vicki Gunvalson and Alexis Bellino? 'RHOC' stars feud drags on
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Vicki Gunvalson and Alexis Bellino, known for their tumultuous history as frenemies on the reality show 'Real Housewives of Orange County', found themselves in an uncomfortable encounter at a dinner event hosted by Gina Kirschenheiter in the fifth episode of the Season 18, which aired on Thursday, August 8.
The tension between Vicki and Alexis was palpable as they navigated the social dynamics of the event, striving to keep up a facade of civility despite their rocky past. Their encounter highlighted the persistent drama and conflicts that characterize the relationships within the Real Housewives franchise
The drama unfolded quickly once Vicki entered the room. Almost immediately, Alexis brought up a memorable quote from the original 'Real Housewives of Orange County', dating back to 2011.
"Look who's in my world now," Alexis said. Soon after, Vicki replied, "Her world? Sit down, b**ch." "What is wrong with this woman? She's gone Looney Tunes. She's gone cuckoo birds. Girl's nuts," Vicki shared in a private confessional.
Fortunately, Vicki and Alexis were not seated near each other. However, as the evening went on, Vicki took the opportunity to share her thoughts on the ongoing conflicts within the group. "I think it's disgusting, because a friend's a friend. This whole fighting thing," she said.
'RHOC' Season 18 star Vicki Gunvalson continues public feud with co-star Alexis Bellino
The ongoing feud between Vicki Gunvalson and Alexis Bellino shows no signs of slowing down. Despite Alexis's return to 'Real Housewives of Orange County,' Vicki continues to express her discontent over the situation. This latest development follows Vicki’s public criticism of Alexis for dating John Janssen, the ex-boyfriend of their mutual co-star Shannon Beador.
When the Bravo Housewives Instagram account asked followers if they wanted to see Alexis back on the show, Vicki quickly expressed her disapproval. Alexis, a former cast member from 2009 to 2013, had recently decided to return to the show after considerable contemplation and uncertainty. Upon learning that she would be rejoining the Season 18 cast as a friend, Alexis admitted to feeling hesitant about re-entering the reality TV world.
“I contemplated not even going back because I knew what I was throwing myself into. But also I thought to myself, ‘Why am I not going to do something I want to do just because I’m dating somebody else’s ex-boyfriend?,'" she told E! News.
In December 2023, John Janssen and Alexis Bellino made their relationship public, a year after John's split from Shannon Beador. Vicki, in support of her friend Shannon, swiftly took to Instagram to defend Shannon and criticize John and Alexis’s new relationship. Talking of Alexis and John's relationship, Vicki said, “Ridiculous and thirsty on both of them."
'RHOC' Season 18 star Alexis Bellino dishes on her bond with Vicki Gunvalson, reveals 'we're not best friends'
Alexis and Vicki first crossed paths as regular cast members on Season 5 of 'RHOC.' Their introduction was anything but ordinary, as their interactions unfolded in the chaotic and dramatic world of reality television.
Both Alexis and Vicki were mainstays on the Bravo show, with Alexis staying through Season 8 and Vicki remaining until Season 13. Even after their departures, both women continued to make frequent appearances on the show in later seasons.
Throughout their time on the show, Alexis and Vicki experienced numerous highs and lows in their relationship. In Season 5 of 'RHOC', tensions escalated when Vicki was disrespectful at a dinner party, prompting Alexis to confront her about her behavior.
Despite this initial conflict, they eventually became close friends. However, their friendship hit a rough patch when Alexis clashed with Tamra, leading Vicki to side with Tamra in the disagreement.
In an interview with RadarOnline in June 2012, Alexis mentioned that she had a strong connection with her fellow 'Wife, although she admitted that their relationship had taken some time to develop.
"[Vicki] went away with me last weekend, we’re going out tonight, we’re taking baby steps and we’re both very cautious," Alexis said. "We’re not, ‘Oh, best friends! Let’s call each other and get on the phone right now. You’re my best friend. I’ll talk to you five times a day!’ It’s not like that. We’re very guarded and we were realistic in the fact that one of us could get hurt. I think both her and I are just trying to protect ourselves," she added.
'The Real Housewives of Orange County' Season 18 airs new episodes every Thursday at 9/8c on Bravo.