The cast rumors surrounding season 16 of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” are becoming increasingly messy.
Over the past week, multiple reports and insider tips have surfaced online claiming major casting changes could be ahead for the Bravo franchise, including uncertainty surrounding Dorit Kemsley’s future on the show.
According to information shared with Bravo and Cocktails from a source described as “very reliable,” producers remain divided on whether Kemsley should return full-time next season.
The source claimed Kemsley is “not officially on pause yet” and alleged, “half of the producers want her back.”
The same insider also claimed Lori Loughlin had been approached about potentially joining the cast, although “nothing [was] confirmed” as of Friday morning.
Other names reportedly locked in for season 16 included Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, Rachel Zoe, Kathy Hilton, and Jennifer Tilly.
Meanwhile, Erika Jayne’s status was reportedly described as “50/50.”
According to the source, producers allegedly want “more” from Jayne next season involving her son, boyfriend, and legal situation.
Crystal Minkoff, Amanda Frances & New Additions Remain in the Mix
The insider also claimed Crystal Kung Minkoff remains “open to returning” and has recently been meeting with executive producer Alex Baskin.
The source added that producers reportedly believe Minkoff “would make sense with this cast.”
The update came shortly after another Bravo and Cocktails source claimed Minkoff was officially “back in the mix.”
That same report also alleged Emma Grede was being considered alongside Loughlin as potential new additions.
Meanwhile, season 15 newcomer Amanda Frances continues generating conversation after a polarizing first season.
According to one insider, Frances would “absolutely return” but is reportedly seeking a higher salary. Another source claimed she had already been invited back but may ultimately decline.
Frances recently fueled speculation herself after sharing screenshots of a direct message she allegedly received from Rihanna encouraging her to stay on the show.
“No, no, NOPE!!! No quitting!!!!” Rihanna allegedly wrote.
“You’re gonna have your redemption I promise you!!! We need more of you!”
Frances later joked on Threads, “Wait… if Rihanna says I have to do a second season, then do I have to do a second season?”
The “Money Queen” had a rocky rookie season that included clashes with Kemsley and difficult conversations about her business and past involvement in a cult.
Speaking to Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Frances described the drama as an “initiation process of sorts.”
“She didn’t want me to have an easy time growing into the group,” Frances said of Kemsley.
Alex Baskin Denies RHOBH Overhaul Rumors
As speculation intensified online, Baskin publicly denied reports claiming Bravo had already finalized a dramatic season 16 cast overhaul.
After a blind item circulated on May 23 alleging Kemsley was officially being put “on pause,” Baskin responded directly on Instagram Stories.
“Not true,” the executive producer wrote.
The rumors surfaced shortly after Kemsley admitted she and Richards were still not speaking following the season 15 reunion.
“I have not spoken to Kyle, no,” Kemsley told Extra earlier this month.
Still, Kemsley said she remains open to eventually repairing the friendship.
“There’s nothing that you can’t get over if two people want to,” she explained.
“I do believe truly that Kyle and I will absolutely be able to have some type of relationship at some point.”
Dorit Kemsley’s Divorce Drama Continues Off Camera
The casting rumors also come as Kemsley continues navigating her contentious divorce from estranged husband Paul Kemsley.
Earlier this month, the couple reportedly clashed over allegations that Kemsley spent more than $1 million on luxury items during the past year.
Kemsley addressed the accusations during her Extra interview.
“When you’re in litigation, you have to sort of follow the legal process,” she explained.
“When you hear one version or one narrative, there’s always another side.”
Kemsley defended her spending habits and insisted the purchases were made using her own income.
“Do I love fashion? Yes. Do I spend a lot of money on clothes, expensive clothes, designer clothes? Yes,” she said.
“It is my choice. It is also my money. It’s my money that I earn, that I work for. Not his money.”
