'RHONJ' STAR MELISSA GORGA Teresa Is Fine in My Book ... Despite Reunion Drama

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Melissa Gorga says she's on good terms with Teresa Giudice despite all the bad blood between her husband and her sister-in-law on the upcoming 'RHONJ' reunion show.

We got the 'Real Housewives' star leaving 1 Hotel West Hollywood and asked her about the state of her relationship with Teresa, who was seen arguing with Joe Gorga backstage in a preview for the reunion.

Melissa says all the fighting on camera doesn't change the fact she, Joe and Teresa are all family ... which to her means they're always on good terms. Seems blood is thicker than water for Melissa.

It's a pretty interesting response from Melissa ... considering she was on 'Watch What Happens Live' just last week, telling Andy Cohen she and Teresa haven't spoken since the reunion.

Still, it's clear there are lingering issues between Melissa and Teresa, which appear to come to a head during the reunion ... she tells us they don't speak to each other unless cameras are rolling.

The preview even shows Joe storming off the set after telling his fellow cast members, "I'm done, f*** you people" ... Melissa says it's a sign of how crazy the reunion show has become 'cause the men are now the ones walking off in a huff.

Teresa also accuses Melissa and Joe of "talking about my f***ing boyfriend" ... and Melissa tells us if she ever talks to Teresa's ex, Joe Giudice.

NeNe Leakes 'RHOA' Is Racist Cesspool ... Claims In Explosive Lawsuit

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NeNe Leakes says the folks who produce "Real Housewives of Atlanta" tolerate a toxic work environment rife with racism ... this according to a new lawsuit.

The former 'RHOA' star just filed an explosive suit in federal court in Atlanta, accusing the folks behind the reality TV show of ignoring her complaints about years of racist remarks directed her way by fellow cast member Kim Zolciak-Biermann.

In the docs, NeNe claims Kim, who is not being sued, made racially offensive and stereotypical comments about NeNe and Kandi Burruss over multiple seasons ...  and even used the n-word in reference to NeNe and other Black housewives in a dispute.

In her suit, NeNe claims she complained about Kim's alleged comments to the execs behind 'RHOA' ... but says Kim was not punished and was instead rewarded with her own spinoff series, while NeNe's complaints forced her from 'RHOA.'

According to the docs, NeNe claims the execs behind 'RHOA' tried to muzzle her support of the Black Lives Matter movement ... keeping her away from scenes where other cast members discussed BLM.

NeNe is suing NBCUniversal, Bravo, True Entertainment, Truly Original and Andy Cohen ... claiming they fostered a corporate and workplace culture where racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated, if not, encouraged.

She claims the folks behind 'RHOA' violated federal employment and anti-discrimination law ... and is going after them for damages.

The timing of the lawsuit is interesting ... NeNe hinted back in November she would return to the show, as long as some changes were made.

We reached out to reps for Bravo ... so far, no word back.

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

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Hidden under this pucker-lipped celeb scramble is one rich woman, and now it's up to you to figure out what face lies between these blinding, diamond hoops.

This blinged out wife was born in New York City and eventually made her way to the west coast. Although her child acting career did not last long, you may have seen her in the TV show "Bewitched." If the face is still throwing you off, try and recount her love for shoulder pads and Christmas time.

Can you navigate your way through this astringent photo and take a stab who is hidden behind the scrambled star?

Teresa Giudice Hospitalized for Emergency Procedure Got Appendix Removed

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7:17 AM PT -- 3/25 -- Leonard tells us Teresa has been released from the hospital ... a source close to the 'RHONJ' star confirms she had her appendix removed.

Teresa Giudice is in the hospital after undergoing an emergency medical procedure ... TMZ has learned.

Teresa's lawyer, James Leonard, tells us, she was admitted Wednesday night and had a "non-cosmetic" operation Thursday morning. Leonard tells us, "she is recuperating and is looking forward to speedy recovery. She thanks everyone for their prayers and well wishes.”

Teresa appears to be recovering well, her daughter Gia posted a pic of her mom in the hospital with the caption, "Such a trooper I love you. Pray for a speedy recovery I love you" and tagged her mother.

Page Six first reported the hospitalization.

As we reported, the 'RHONJ" star got engaged to her fiancé Luis Ruelas back in October in Greece. He pulled out all the stops when he popped the big question ... with sparklers, candles, roses, a violinist and fireworks.

Of course, Teresa was married to her now ex-husband Joe Giudice for 20 years, but the two finalized their divorce in 2020.

No word yet on a wedding date for Teresa and Luis, but for now we assume the focus is making sure she gets the proper care she needs to recover.

Originally Published -- 3/24 12:30 PM PT

Kandi Burruss I'm Outta 'RHOA' If Phaedra Returns!!!

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kandi Burruss has no problem walking away from the series, if rumors about a Phaedra Parks comeback turn out to be true ... because some things ya just can't fix.

Kandi's the latest guest on the "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" podcast ... and in this clip you can tell she's totally content, having just wrapped season 14 of the show, her 13th. She says it just works for her, because it allows her time for lots of other projects.

But, she also made it clear that could all change quickly. When Raq asked if 'RHOA' is big enough for her and Phaedra, she answered with zero hesitation ... "No."

As you'll recall, their friendship was broken during season 8, after Phaedra accused Kandi of not supporting her through her split with Apollo Nida.

Their feud exploded, ending Phaedra's time on the show the following season. She was fired after admitting she told Porsha Williams about Kandi and her husband Todd Tucker‘s alleged plan to drug Porsha and have sex with her ... something Kandi denied.

Five years later, Kandi says their rift is irreparable and you could feel the bad blood flowing as she said, "I don't think she and I need to interact."

Make sure to follow "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" on Apple, Spotify, Google -- or wherever you get your podcasts -- so you never miss any of Raq's episodes.

'RHOA' Star Kandi Burruss Claims NeNe Called Her Racial Slur ... Dishes on 'It's Tricky'

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UNCALLED FOR

NeNe Leakes once called Kandi Burruss the racial "c" slur ... so claims Kandi, who says she doesn't understand where the animosity comes from, but she has a hunch.

The former 'RHOA' star -- who now has her own new show, "Kandi & the Gang," on Bravo -- dished some tea to Raquel Harper on the 'It's Tricky' podcast, insisting her old castmate hurled the term at the peak of their feud.

Unclear when this happened, or what exactly triggered it ... but according to Kandi, NeNe said it.

Their beef has long been documented on reality TV ... but when Raq tries to drill down and get to the heart of the matter to understand where all this bad blood comes from, it leaves more questions than answers.

Kandi herself doesn't seem to know why NeNe's had it out for her, but she does have a theory -- it has to do with their respective success on the network, or a lack thereof (for NeNe, anyway).

As for the whole "c" slur thing ... Kandi thinks it's laughable -- and we'll let her explain why.

Make sure to follow "It's Tricky with Raquel Harper" on Apple, Spotify, Google -- or wherever you get your podcasts -- so you never miss any of Raq's episodes.

Joanna Krupa on Ukraine My Hubby Went to Poland to Help ... And I May Follow

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Joanna Krupa has skin in the game over Ukraine seeing how she has roots in neighboring Poland ... which is where her husband has gone to help, and where she'll join as well.

We talked to the model/ex-'Housewives' star Tuesday in Malibu about her send-off message to hubby, Douglas Nunes, who recently flew to Poland to help Ukrainian refugees flee the country as Russia continues to invade.

It sounds like Douglas felt compelled to get over there and lend a hand ... and based on what his wife says  ... it seems like his assistance will go a long way, especially for orphaned kids in need of transport and animals in desperate straits.

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SAYING GOODBYE

You can tell this hits home for Joanna, who says she's incredibly proud of her people for stepping up ... by opening their doors to Ukrainians looking for safe haven.

There's also this ... sounds like JK will trade places with her husband soon. She'll wait for Douglas to come back so he can take care of their young daughter.

As for whether she's scared for her husband, the answer is no, and she explains why.

'RHOSLC' STAR LISA BARLOW Everyone Deserves 2nd Chance ... Including Jennie After Firing

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Lisa Barlow says Jennie Nguyen should get another opportunity to star alongside her on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" ... despite an unceremonious exit.

We got Lisa this week at LAX and asked her about her former 'RHOSLC' castmate Jennie, who was fired by Bravo after some of her allegedly racist social media posts resurfaced from a couple years back.

Lisa says she hasn't heard much from Jennie besides one text, but she hopes she's all good ... and adds that Nguyen's firing has been "hard" on all of the SLC 'housewives.'

Our photog asked if Jennie should get another crack at reality TV, and Lisa told us she's all for giving folks second chances.

Jennie came under fire for her 2020 Facebook posts and re-shares many viewed as attacking Black Americans because the photos and memes were critical of the BLM movement.

Andy Cohen and several 'housewives' condemned the posts, but it sounds like Lisa is having a tough time turning her back on a former friend.

Lisa might be in a forgiving mood, because she's embroiled in her own controversy -- a hot mic incident from a recent 'RHOSLC' episode where she ranted about castmate Meredith Marks.

Lisa was heard branding her former BFF Meredith a "f**king piece of s*** garbage wh**e" ... with Lisa also alleging Meredith "f***ed half of New York."

Lisa knows she's got her work cut out for her if she's gonna repair the relationship with Meredith ... and tells us why she won't make the same mistake twice.

Luann de Lesseps Good Genes or Good Docs?!

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Luann de Lesseps' striking looks have us saying, "money CAN buy you class!"

Here's a 41-year-old version of the countess back in 2006 hanging out backstage at New York Fashion Week (left). This was two years before Luann snatched her 'apple' and became a leading cast member of "The Real Housewives of New York City."

And, 15 years later ... the now 56-year-old ex-countess is still making a splash, she recently posted a shot as she prepares for her next cabaret tour which kicks off next month (right).

To think her iconic mug shot went viral just five years ago ... she has come a long way! "Feelin Jovani?" ... absolutely!

But, the real question here is ...

RHOC's Elizabeth Lyn Vargas Lists desert Home For $9.95M

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"Real Housewives of Orange County" alum Elizabeth Lyn Vargas is giving up desert life ... for now, anyway -- TMZ's learned she's selling her home in the Palm Springs area for just under $10 million.

We're told Elizabeth listed the 6 bed, 7.5 bath home on Wednesday, and she's hoping to get at least $9.95 million, to be exact, for the 9,2000-sq ft. pad in the gated La Quinta neighborhood.

The house is much different from when she snagged it in February 2021 for just $3.3 million. We're told Elizabeth renovated the entire place over the last year, giving it modern finishes ... decking it out with new flooring, new fixtures and new paint.

The spread comes with some pretty neat features outside -- like an extended patio, a BBQ center and a private lake. The next owner can also enjoy a spa and a custom pool with waterfalls -- oh, and we can't forget the lighted tennis court!

The former 'RHOC' star still has another home in Newport Beach. You'll recall, that was the home where her ex-boyfriend barricaded himself inside, after she called the cops on him.

Despite having ongoing issues with her ex, it seems like she's staying focused on all the right things.

We’re told she's looking to scoop up another property in the desert -- this time in the Madison Club, where she might see some pretty familiar faces. Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli all have homes in that community.

Valery Neuman of Compass holds the listing.

'RHOA' Star Sheree Whitfield Filming With BF Tyrone Gilliams ... The Ice Has Thawed!!!

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"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Sheree Whitfield has been filming for the show's upcoming season, and longtime beau Tyrone Gilliams will be joining her on camera for the first time ... after being on non-speaking terms for months.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the two recently filmed multiple scenes together, including the season finale, in which Sheree hosts a fashion show.

Having Tyrone on is a big deal for the reality series ... as you'll recall, the couple had serious bad blood after Sheree allegedly tried to spring a camera crew on him back in November ... he was on home confinement at the time and wasn't able to leave the house for any reason -- filming included.

Tyrone had his attorneys fire off a cease and desist to NBC, Bravo and production company Truly Original ... asking to scrub every trace of him from 'RHOA' footage, social media posts, and advertising that used his name.

Recently, Tyrone and his attorneys were able to hash out a deal with Truly, which led to him filming mid-February. Now that he's off home confinement, he was able to shoot with Sheree and the other 'RHOA' cast members in ATL.

This will be the first time Tyrone appears on camera for the show ... their relationship was spotlighted in seasons' past ... they were together while he was locked up, which made for an interesting story arch.

'RHOC' Elizabeth Vargas Chilling Standoff Vid Inside Home ... 'I'm Taking You Out, Then Everybody Else!!!'

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Elizabeth Vargas' enraged ex told her she'd be the first, among many, to die as heavily-armed police waited outside and readied the SWAT team for her recovery.

TMZ got this video from inside the former-'RHOC' star's home Tuesday as her ex, Ryan Geraghty, barks at her ... "I'm taking you out, and then everybody else. They can shoot me if they want. I don't give a f**k anymore, I've got nothing to lose."

It's an especially chilling statement because, we're told, armored vehicles and SWAT officers had gathered outside Liz's home Newport Beach home at this point.

Clearly irked that Elizabeth had gotten the police involved, Geraghty says, "Bring the big boys, how f**king dare you."

TMZ broke the story, cops got Vargas out safely, and Geraghty was eventually arrested after an hours-long standoff. Vargas had originally called the cops to report Geraghty for extortion, but things took a turn for the worse when he showed up armed, and made his way inside her house.

We've also obtained footage from after the arrest, showing a police drone making its way through the home to make sure things were clear before SWAT does a final check.

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TAKING IT IN STRIDE

Elizabeth was outside NOBU in Malibu just 24 hours after the ordeal, and told a photog she was happy to be alive ... and was considering buying a gun.

Geraghty, a convicted felon, was hit with a slew of charges for the incident, including felony extortion of property by force or threat, several gun charges and possession of a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces up to 75 years in prison.

'RHOC' Elizabeth Vargas Happy to be Alive!!! Considering Buying a Gun After Terrifying Standoff

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TAKING IT IN STRIDE
UPDATE

12:14 PM PT -- Geraghty was just hit with a multitude of charges from alleged incidents that span 3 days, starting back in December. He's been charged with felony extortion of property by force or threat, several gun charges -- including gross negligent discharge of a firearm -- couple injury on spouse of cohabitant as well as possession of a controlled substance.

UPDATE

We're told he could face upwards of 75 years behind bars for everything.

Elizabeth Vargas is happy to be alive, but considering ways to keep herself safe in the future after a scary incident that saw a former fling inside her home armed with a gun.

Vargas hit NOBU in Malibu Wednesday night, a mere 24 hours after cops rescued her from her Newport Beach home. She shares some intimate details of the scary incident, saying all she could think was "Please help me" when the man, Ryan Geraghty, entered her home.

Vargas -- accompanied by her manager David Weintraub and billionaire John Paul DeJoria -- says she's not a gun owner, but the whole ordeal has definitely made her consider becoming one. She says she also plans to run background checks on any possible future suitors, as unbeknownst to her, Geraghty was a felon.

TMZ broke the story, SWAT team officers descended on Vargas' home Tuesday after the former 'RHOC' star called to report she was being extorted and believed Geraghty was coming to her home.

The two had briefly dated, and Geraghty had allegedly pressured Elizabeth to help him financially.

Somehow, Geraghty was still able to get inside, armed with a gun, and roughed Vargas up. He was eventually taken into custody and booked on a slew of charges including extortion and assault with a deadly weapon.

'RHOC' Elizabeth Lyn Vargas Oh, Happy Day!!! Shakes Off Ex's Armed Standoff Sitch

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What a difference a day makes -- Elizabeth Lyn Vargas is looking totally cheerful 24 hours after a terrifying experience where she feared she might be killed by an ex.

Check out these pics of the 'RHOC' star Wednesday outside her Newport Beach home ... where just yesterday her ex-boyfriend was armed and threatening her life. As you can see, she's all smiles now as she hangs out with a friend and her dog.

Looks like ELV was chatting up a guy -- possibly a neighbor -- just before or after walking her husky pooch. Whatever they were discussing, he got her to LOL ... no small feat considering the ordeal she just survived.

Like we told you, Liz had to get the cops involved after claiming the guy, who she'd briefly dated, started acting erratically -- constantly following her around, and allegedly asking for money. Things came to a head Tuesday, and she felt compelled to report it to cops as attempted extortion.

The situation escalated when the guy showed up armed at her home -- allegedly roughing her up before letting her go ... but barricading himself in the home in a standoff with police.

Cops say 33-year-old Ryan Geraghty was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm and extortion for the incident.

He was hauled off in cuffs last night -- so, it's great to see Elizabeth's bouncing back.

'RHOC' Elizabeth Vargas Traumatized After Scary Situation Allegedly Roughed Up By Ex

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UPDATE

3:47 PM PT -- Cops say 33-year-old Ryan Geraghty was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm and extortion for the incident.

UPDATE

In a release sent Wednesday, cops say, "Once inside the residence, police officers encountered an armed male suspect who was actively threatening the life of the victim."

Elizabeth Lyn Vargas is traumatized, but lucky to be alive after the terrifying situation at her Newport Beach home in which she was allegedly held at gunpoint.

A source close to the former "RHOC" star tells us Vargas had briefly dated a man in the area who quickly became obsessed with her. We're told he'd show up to her home, and places where she frequented ... and recently asked for money.

Our sources say Vargas occasionally helped the man out financially, but his financial demands had recently gotten more aggressive.

We're told Vargas decided she needed to call the police Tuesday to report him for extortion, and to tell officers she believed the man was coming to her house at some point that day.

Cops responded to Vargas' home, and we're told they spoke to her and decided to watch the property from a distance. However, the ex was still able to get inside -- our sources say he was armed, roughed Elizabeth up and would not let her leave.

Finally, Liz was let go -- she exited wearing a white robe -- but the man remained inside the home ... only to surrender to police a short time later.

Vargas' longtime manager, David Weintraub, told the NY Post, Liz is "shaken up and had an extremely traumatizing experience." He added that she's thankful to the Newport Beach Police Department for saving her."

'RHOC' Star Elizabeth Vargas Ex Allegedly Barricaded Inside Her Home ... SWAT Swarms, Arrest One

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6:50 AM PT -- 2/2 -- We just got new images -- videos and photos -- from the scene at Liz's home, and it looks like her block of Newport Beach became a war zone.

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UPDATE

Several SWAT officers surrounded the property with semi-automatic rifles aimed at the home. Cops also deployed armored vehicles and drones. Despite the presence of heavy artillery, the standoff ended peacefully with police arresting one man in the home ... presumably Liz's ex-BF.

Elizabeth Vargas' home is seeing lots of police activity ... we're told her ex-boyfriend barricaded himself inside after she called cops, and now one person is in custody.

Sources close to the 'RHOC' star tell TMZ ... she’s been having ongoing issues with an ex-boyfriend and called cops Tuesday to report him for possible extortion. We’re told the guy showed up at Liz’s home when police were there and barricaded himself inside.

Our law enforcement sources tell us one person is in custody ... but we're told they’re sweeping the place just to be sure no one else is inside the home.

As you see, there were at least 7 police officers outside Liz's place on the strand in Newport Beach ... and there's a guy in handcuffs at the side of a police car.

It sounds like a pretty scary situation for Liz ... but we're told she was not held hostage and was not harmed during the standoff.

Originally Published -- 2/1 6:29 PM PT