While fans are still getting acquainted with the cast of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” so was Bachelor Nation star Ashley Iaconetti. Entering the series, Iaconetti only really knew Rosie DiMarie, leaving her unfamiliar with the rest of the group and their long-standing history with one another.
As a result, Iaconetti mostly sat out of arguments and feuds between the women, being more of an observer. However, in a recent interview, the “Bachelor in Paradise” star admitted that some of the conflicts were so overwhelming that they made her question whether joining the show was the right decision.
Ashley Iaconetti Discusses the Intense Dinner on ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Episode 10
GettySpeaking to Julia Cunningham on SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy,” RHORI star Ashley Iaconetti reflected on the fight between castmates Liz McGraw, Alicia Carmody, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi during a dinner at Boston Cap restaurant in episode 10. “The Bachelor” star described the moment as “scary” and “intense,” even calling her husband, Jared Haibon, where she shared that she questioned if she should quit the show.
“It was the most intense scene for me of the entire filming,” she shared. “I called [Haibon], afterwards in the car, I was like, Jared, I don’t think I can do it anymore.”
The feud began in a car ride as the three women headed to the restaurant, with McGraw continuing to deny that Carmody had been homeless as a child, which left Carmody in tears and Tiberi supporting her and trying to defuse the situation, to McGraw’s dislike.
Iaconetti walked into dinner not knowing why the energy felt “so scary” because she and Rosie DiMarie attended a Jonas Brothers concert beforehand. “I was like, ‘Why are you being fake right now? What’s going on?’ I was so scared. The energy was so scary, and you could tell [Jo-Ellen] was trying to get off topic,” she explained.
The fight escalated at dinner, with Tiberi continuing to question McGraw’s behavior. The tension hit a breaking point when McGraw pushed Tiberi’s chair, prompting Tiberi to stand up and walk out.
But, according to Iaconetti, viewers saw a very different version of events from what she experienced that night.
“Truly, it seemed like it was Jo-Ellen going at Liz harder, and I know on TV it doesn’t necessarily look that way … I really felt like Liz was the one who needed some comfort in that situation, which is why, if you see, I’m in the background next to her, because … I think it was the physicality that Jo-Ellen was sending Liz’s way that was just like, ‘Whoa,'” she said.
Iaconetti Admits It Was ‘Intimidating’ Being the New Girl
BravoSpeaking to Variety, Iaconetti opened up about how it felt being the new girl in town, especially being surrounded by women who have history together.
“Definitely intimidating. I’m definitely an extroverted introvert, and it came out a lot here. I was quite uncomfortable in a lot of these situations. So I just could only sit back and watch it all unfold. I felt like if I were to ever jump into it, it would be honestly inappropriate because these girls didn’t really know me and I didn’t know them,” she said.
Iaconetti was also not used to all the drama despite coming off a reality TV show.
“Like, I’ve never seen people communicate with each other in the way in which I experienced this summer. I couldn’t believe my eyes so many times sitting in these situations and I can only imagine that I will represent the audience at home watching,” she shared.
Iaconetti continued, “Seeing women scream at each other, point fingers in their faces… I just couldn’t believe the level that some voices can get to in an argument! I don’t know if these arguments are more over the top than your average “Housewives” arguments, but there’s going to be a lot of eye bulging when you watch this. Just like, “Oh my God. I cannot believe she said that.”
Staying out of most of the conflict and being more of an onlooker, Iaconetti acknowledged that Bravo viewers might be divided on whether she’s a good fit for the show. However, as she gets to know the Rhode Island women on a more personal level, she may find herself more involved in the group’s conversations if she returns for season 2.
