Vicki Gunvalson faces scrutiny over personal life and TV return

Vicki Gunvalson is facing scrutiny regarding her personal life and television presence following her return to ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ for its 20th season. Cast member Jenn Pedranti expressed skepticism regarding Gunvalson’s four-year relationship with Michael Smith, alleging that Smith reportedly placed conditions on a potential marriage proposal.

While Gunvalson has described her relationship with Smith as empowering, Pedranti suggested the dynamic could be frustrating. Gunvalson has dismissed claims regarding proposal conditions as a joke.

In response to mounting criticism of Gunvalson’s recent behavior and portrayal on various Bravo programs, Andy Cohen defended the veteran star. Cohen noted that viewers are seeing Gunvalson at a different life stage and suggested her recent actions reflect her personal reflections and health challenges. He also addressed her role in the ensemble cast of ‘Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip’, acknowledging the difficulty of sharing the spotlight after years as a primary face of the franchise.