Harry Hamlin Defends Wife Lisa Rinna Following Her Bravo Exit

It's the end of an era for Lisa Rinna. Days after ringing in the new year, the actor announced she was leaving "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" after eight years on the reality show. "This is the longest job I have held in my 35 year career and I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series. It has been a fun eight-year run and I am excited for what is to come!" she told People.

Following her announcement, Rinna posted a positive message on Instagram. We had a good run. Love you! See you soon!" she told fans. Fellow "RHOBH" star Erika Jayne told TMZ that Rinna's shoes will be hard to fill. "She's the GOAT," she stated. Garcelle Beauvais, however, seemed to shade her former castmate by posting an Instagram video of her new hairdo with the song, "I'm Still Standing," while gazing cheekily at the camera. "Yes, sis, you're still standing, but guess who's not? Oof, I guess she's so angry.." a fan replied, in reference to Rinna.

While fans and "RHOBH" stars seem divided on her exit from the show, Rinna has remained pretty quiet about her departure thus far. However, her dear husband Harry Hamlin was more vocal about her leaving and continued to remain her staunch supporter.

Harry Hamlin is among those happy to see Lisa Rinna leave "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" but his reason is far less nefarious. When asked how he felt about her exit, he told Extra TV, "That is like heaven, oh absolutely. Look, she had an amazing run on that show and I think she elevated it. She kicked a** on that show. All good things come to an end and it's time to move on and do something else." On Rinna being called a "bully," Hamlin was quick to defend his wife. "I have to laugh at that because the Lisa Rinna from Medford, Oregon is not a bully, has never been a bully to anyone at any time. I've known her for 30 years, so that's somebody else's projection," he shared.

Bravo producer Andy Cohen is also on Rinna's side. "First you've gotta give props to Lisa Rinna for being, by the way, eight years ... So this is a reality show, and that is a testament to how compelling Lisa Rinna is to watch on television that she went eight years," he stated on his show "Radio Andy." He then later added that he hopes Rinna's departure is just a "pause." Many housewives have left their shows only to return a few seasons later, so fans may just see Rinna back on "RHOBH" soon.