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Jim Bellino claims his ex-wife Alexis Bellino is being “used” for a main storyline on season 18 of RHOC and isn’t being paid for it. He also comments on rumors that Alexis staged her romance with John Janssen.
Alexis Bellino‘s ex-husband, Jim Bellino, believes she made the wrong move when she agreed to return to the Real Housewives of Orange County for season 18 as a “friend” instead of a full-time cast member.
During a recent appearance on Kelly Dodd and Rick Leventhal‘s Patreon show, Jim Bellino said he believes Alexis, who is currently dating Shannon Beador‘s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen, is being “used” by Bravo for a storyline and drama. He also addressed claims that Alexis and John’s relationship is “staged.”
“I believe in being all in … If Alexis is going on the show, I think she should’ve been one of the housewives, which she was offered that role,” the former RHOC husband said. “To be a friend I don’t agree with because she’s got her toe in the water and frankly, you became a housewife and got used for that role without getting paid for it. That’s just my honest opinion. She should’ve dove in and done it all.”
Jim Bellino claims that Alexis would have made five times as much money if she had signed on as a full-time Housewife for season 18 of RHOC.
“It’s a lot more money. Times five. I believe Alexis is a very important part of the show this year and didn’t get paid for it,” he said. “Had I been consulting her, I would’ve advised her differently. And I did tell her, ‘Do the whole show.’ I personally believe through her wardrobe, makeup, everything, she lost money.”
“You need to make sure you get paid,” the 62-year-old added before admitting that he didn’t “agree with” Alexis’ decision to return to RHOC as a “friend.”
He then addressed claims that Alexis “plotted” her return to RHOC by purposly going after Shannon’s ex-boyfriend.
According to Jim, Alexis’ romance with John was an “amazing coincidence. ”
“To be very clear — and I was a witness to this because Alexis called me — before she ever met John Janssen, she was asked to be on the show,” Jim stated. “It just so happened she met John Janssen after she agreed to be on the show and that all morphed. Was it a benefit to Bravo? Was it a benefit to Alexis’ storyline? Yes. It was. But Bravo benefited more than anybody.”
The Orange County businessman then noted that Alexis initally struggled with her decision to return to RHOC, but he doesn’t believe she has any regrets.
“Alexis really did struggle with the decision of being back on the show or not. She went back and forth and back and forth,” Jim shared.
“My gut would say no,” Jim said when asked if Alexis regretted returning to RHOC.
He elaborated: “I think she likes when things play out publicly. I’m not saying this was intentional. I believe they authentically met at a Restaurant. I believe that it was a perfect scenario for the show and by the way, let’s clear it up right now so nobody ever asks me this question again: Do you believe that relationship was staged?’ One hundred percent no. I believe that relationship authentically happened through happenstance of them meeting and it’s just a cause and effect that it was the perfect scenario. And once again, as usual, Bravo wins.”
While Jim knows Alexis and John have many doubters, he doesn’t believe his ex-wife went after Shannon’s ex-boyfriend with ill intentions or any plan in place. However, he can’t comment on John’s intentions when pursuing Alexis.
“I really don’t. The verdicts out. Alexis is aware but naive at the same time. We’ll see. That’s to be determined — for all of us to watch,” he shared. “If I was flipping a coin, I think it’s 50/50. She has a good heart. Her intentions are 100 percent pure.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
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