Fans of Real Housewives of Orange County knew it was going to be a steamy Season 18 premiere. Between Tamra Judge coming for Shannon Beador, Gina Kirschenheiter’s relationship issues, and Shannon’s apology tour, viewers had a lot to digest. But who knew Bravo would give us a primetime ring fight right off the bat? Alexis Bellino came in hot when first meeting up with Shannon. And like a box of fireworks on the Fourth of July, the two lit up each other with sassy comebacks and bombastic side-eyes. So, what exactly went down between Alexis and Shannon? Let’s take a look.
Lines were drawn in the sand between Shannon Beador and Alexis Bellino
Neither Shannon nor Alexis seemed nervous about facing off. We all knew inevitably, it had to happen, but no one was sure exactly when. Cue Heather Dubrow’s obsession with throwing a party, and we had ourselves a stage. Both mothers entered the party tastefully, but their demeanors had changed within minutes, and fans were ready for the confrontation.
Show Shannon Beador the money
Real Housewives of Orange County viewers will recall that Alexis’ ex-husband, Jim Bellino, sued Tamra and Shannon in a defamation case. Even though Shannon ended up winning her case, the mother of three is still peeved about having lost any money in defending her innocence. She fully believes Alexis is partially at fault for riling her former husband up. Shannon got the ball rolling as the two women walked off to talk alone outside.
Shannon explained, “I’ve been upset that you were involved in the lawsuit where your husband sued me and, as a single mom. I don’t want to tear up, but for three years, I went through such emotional and financial difficulties. I lost $300,000 defending myself for something that I didn’t even do. And you started the lawsuit by sending me a cease and desist letter. You’re part of it, Alexis.” However, Alexis saw the situation from a very different angle.
Alexis Bellino wants to see the proof
Alexis didn’t back down as she told Shannon “Show me the proof of my name on anything because Jim and I had been divorced for six months when he sued you. I had nothing to do with it.” Bravo cameras panned to Alexis in her confessional, adding, “At this point, I’m baffled. None of it’s the root of the problem. The root of the problem is you’re mad that I have a boyfriend, and you’re not gonna win the battle with him.”
Cameras cut back to Alexis telling Shannon she just needed to move on. Shannon did note that she could “dig up” the original cease and desist to prove Alexis’ name was on it, but it was at this point that Alexis refused to “rehash” the drama. When Shannon asked, “Are you gonna write me a check for $300,000 dollars? John was there that whole time, knowing the anguish that I went through.” Quickly and coldly, Alexis quipped that Shannon wouldn’t be getting a penny from her.
John Janssen is worth fighting for, evidently
Who knew John Janssen was a man worth fighting for? The 61-year-old hasn’t exactly been seen in the best light in recent seasons – meaning when he was with Shannon. Shan even stated that she had financed his life at one point. Except she currently owes him a large amount of money, allegedly. But Alexis seemed to feel that the root of Shannon’s issues was about her ex-boyfriend. Lex told Shannon point blank “I think what the real issue is here is that I have your ex-boyfriend. Guess what? Move on. We’re moving forward with our relationship.”
Shannon seemed taken aback as Alexis stormed off in a huff. But she did make sure to yell, “You know what, take John Janssen and I thank you for taking him from me!” But Alexis wasn’t about to let her foe have the last word and retorted, “And I’m thankful that he left you.” Also, Alexis didn’t take John from anyone, he dumped Shannon.
This early fight only goes to prove that Season 18 of the Real Housewives of Orange County can’t be missed. The women are bringing everything to the table and no one seems to be backing down from their truths.
You can stream Real Housewives of Orange County on Peacock.
