Crystal Minkoff Says Kyle Richards Tried to “Protect” Amanda

Crystal Kung Minkoff is sharing insight into a recent conversation she had with Kyle Richards and it sheds light on how Kyle really feels about the treatment of Amanda Frances this season.

Speaking on the Humble Brag podcast, Crystal revealed that she recently ran into Kyle, who opened up about the situation.

“I ran into Kyle,” Crystal said. “She said to me she felt really bad for Amanda. She was very like, ‘I tried to protect her. Everyone was so mean to her.’”

Crystal said she agreed and noted that Kyle often takes on a certain role within the group.

“And I said, ‘I know.’ We were talking about her being sort of the OG that welcomes the newbies. It’s like on her to welcome newbies. But she said, ‘I really tried with Amanda. I really worked hard.’”

The conversation also touched on a lighter moment, with Kyle sharing her experience filming a recent project.

“She said the shoot was so nice because no one’s fighting. Like you’re actually going to the studio to have fun and take pictures,” Crystal explained, adding that those types of shoots can sometimes feel tense depending on where the cast stands.

Crystal also weighed in on another topic that came up during the reunion, which was the conversation around Dorit Kemsley’s finances.

“I’m like, ‘Whoa,’” she said, recalling her reaction to the discussion. “They’re all facts, but it stings.”

She went on to explain that the pressure of being on the show can play a role in situations like that.

“But it’s also like, this is reality, and the economy is really rough. I think it’s a very hard situation to be a Housewife. I think people don’t really realize the pressure there is to keep up with the Joneses.”

Crystal added that there is an expectation that comes with being on a show like RHOBH.

“People don’t want to watch broke people. They want to see wealth. But then it’s like, what do you have to give up to get there?”

Her comments offer a behind the scenes look at how cast members view both the interpersonal dynamics and the real world pressures that come with being part of the franchise.