Digital Spy
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kyle Richards on why racial justice issues "have to be addressed" on show
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards has spoken about the importance of exploring themes of racial justice and equality on the show.
While a large section of the TV franchise's fanbase have been supportive of Bravo's attempts to diversify casts and delve into discussions of equality, some have still pushed back vocally on social media.
One lightning rod moment occurred on RHOBH, after a heated reunion last year when Kyle and African-American co-star Garcelle Beauvais argued over paying for a charity auction item.
Following the controversy, season 11 opened up with a lengthy scene where Garcelle talked through the dispute and its racial implications with Kyle, leading to a resolution as the two agreed to move forward.
Looking back on the importance of that scene in a recent interview with Digital Spy, Kyle told us: "I was really happy to have that conversation. I wanted to hear what she had to say, and I wanted to really listen. I always, I liked Garcelle, so for me, having that conversation, it meant a lot to me.
"I was very moved by some of the things she shared for me and I was just happy. I know that some of the audience sometimes says, 'Oh, we don't want to hear about that stuff on the show.' Some people love it, and some people say they don't want to hear it. But, that's what's happening [in the world].
"This is a reality show, it's not scripted. We're going on what's really going on in the world, and with us. These things have to be addressed."
As a result of the two clearing the air, Kyle was also pleased to report that her budding friendship with Garcelle is definitely back on track.
"We're great, we're in a really good place," she said. "I really felt that both of us, after that conversation, were ready to start from scratch and just enjoy each other, and have fun, and that's what we did."
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kyle Richards reveals sister Kim's status for season 11 as she teases future
Kyle Richards has exclusively given Digital Spy the scoop on when The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans can expect to see her reuniting with sisters Kim and Kathy on screen.
Fans of the Hayu and Bravo series have gotten to see a different side to Kyle in season 11, as her sister Kathy Hilton has joined the show due to the siblings repairing their previously-strained relationship.
Understandably, now viewers want OG Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Kim Richards to come back as well for the ultimate sibling reunion. Kyle tells us it's likely to happen… just not this season.
When we recently spoke about season 11, Kyle shared the disappointing news that Kim didn't actually film anything for the upcoming episodes.
"She did not [but] you never know [about next year]," Kyle told us.
Kyle pointed out that Kim's reason for ducking out of RHOBH season 11 was completely understandable since the cast were filming right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When we asked if it's possible the sisters will reunite in a future season, Kyle hinted: "I think that's highly likely. I mean, the fans have really said that [they want all three sisters together] over, and over, and over. My sister [Kim] was really uncomfortable.
"We were filming during COVID and getting tested, and all that. She was very nervous. She, like, didn't even leave her house. She was one of those people that just didn't leave their home, they were so scared.
"There was that, and then of course, we got [COVID] and she was like, 'See, nevermind'. I think next year, or God willing, we'll see what happens going forward, but I think that's very likely."
As Kyle mentioned, the production on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills had some significant challenges when cast members and crew were diagnosed with COVID, causing a filming stoppage late last year.