Celebrity News August 19, 2011
'Real Housewife' Danielle Staub Contemplated Suicide
In the wake of Russell Armstrong's suicide, other stars of the Bravo reality show are speaking out about the pressures of having their lives aired on national TV, including "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Danielle Staub.
"I completely understand reasons why he might have had the thoughts," Staub told "Extra," adding, "I've had similar thoughts myself."
Still, Staub does not hold that against the show. "I don't think it's the show to blame. We sign on for this. I'm going to put it very simply; this is what we signed on to do. We're just not accustomed to what's about to happen."
Armstrong's mother, John Anne Hotchiss, feels differently, squarely placing the blame on Bravo for her son's suicide.
Speaking with CNN's HLN anchor Jane Velez-Mitchell Thursday, Hotchiss said, "Before he took his life, he said, 'Mom, they're just going to crucify me this season, and he said, 'I don't know what to do. I'll never survive it.'" The Armstrong family is considering a lawsuit against the cable network.
Watch the interview on YouTube.
Bravo is currently discussing whether to postpone the premiere of the "Beverly Hills" show, which was scheduled for September 5. Network president Frances Berwick released a statement Friday, saying, "We have not made a decision to change our original premiere date but we are in the process of re-editing the show."
Russell, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star, Taylor Armstrong, was found hanged Monday night at a friend's home.
