Rulla Nehme Pontarelli has dealt with bombshell after bombshell on camera involving her husband, Brian, and his alleged mistress, during The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’s inaugural season. Now, Andy Cohen is sharing his thoughts on the first-time housewife and her marriage drama.
“Rulla feels like an interesting case study of someone who, in her first season of Housewives, seems to think she can hide more from the cameras than is possible,” Andy remarked during his May interview with Vulture, where he was named one of the masterminds of reality TV.
Andy also pointed out Rulla’s surprising reactions to learning more of her husband’s affair.
“She has a different way of reacting. You’re talking about the allegations that her husband was involved in an affair while we’re shooting,” he added. “You’re looking at someone who’s making decisions on behalf of her family.”
Andy noted that he was impressed with how Rulla and Brian continued to film and participate in RHORI despite the drama unfolding in their home: “That conversation continues, by the way. Her husband shot with us throughout the season. He came to the premiere party with her. They’re excited.”
“I’m not viewing her as stonewalling,” Andy added. “I’m viewing her as an active participant in the show.”
Where Rulla Nehme Pontarelli and her husband Brian stand today
“We’re working on things, to be honest,” Rulla said on the April 26 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “We’re in a much better place than we were before. It’s like it was prior to the affair—and better.”
Brian weighed in from the audience, noting that he and Rulla are “stronger than ever.”
Andy, for his part, called Brian the “bravest man on Bravo” for facing the WWHL audience amidst the drama.
As far as what’s playing out on RHORI Season 1 regarding his affair, Brian noted he’s “a different person” now. “That was a while ago. That was before,” he said to defend himself, and later added, “I realized what an amazing person my wife is, and the only thing that matters to me now is my wife and children. I just want to move forward.”
“I don’t think that Brian is a bad person,” Rulla added. “I think he’s good to the core, but has made some grave mistakes, and a bad series of choices.”
RELATED: Was Brian’s Mom Actually Sick on RHORI? Rulla Sets the Record Straight (EXCLUSIVE)
Andy went on to ask Rulla why she’s stayed with Brian despite the affair. “I’m all about keeping the family together, but I’m not stupid, at the same time,” she answered. “I know what we had before, I know there’s potential, so I don’t want to be perceived as wrong or weak just because I’m choosing to work on my marriage.”
“I’m not the type to drop a relationship like that,” Rulla added. “And we have a family.”
Andy Cohen weighs in on the debut season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island
In the same Vulture interview, Andy admitted he was nervous to roll out a new Real Housewives franchise.
“It is so scary launching anything at this point. There are thousands of shows. No one is watching live television,” he shared.
However, Andy revealed what he believes sets RHORI apart: the cast.
“I knew from the casting that this show was going to be a hit. When it happens as a producer that, in your gut, you know something’s going to be great, and then it is great, and then other people think it’s great — that is why we are doing what we’re doing,” he said of the ‘Wives.
Andy also revealed what he looks for as he views Housewife casting tapes: “[It’s] about connections to the group, and it’s about whether they pop on camera, whether they’re opinionated, whether they have something to say.”
He added the one trait a Housewife must check off for him: “Funny is huge. I am often looking at casting, and my note is, ‘I did not smile once.’”
ICYMI, Rulla answered Bravo fan questions. Read more on the tea she spilled when it comes to her marriage and her friendships with the other ‘Wives.
