The Real Story Behind Lisa Rinna's Messy RHOBH Exit

During her eight-season run on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Lisa Rinna stirred up plenty of drama and laughs. From her explosive fight with Kim Richards in Amsterdam, to her Munchausen's-inspired feud with Yolanda Hadid, Rinna was never one to keep her mouth shut amongst her fellow co-stars. She quickly became a fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude and iconic quips... even when it backfired and got her into trouble.

In January 2023, Rinna revealed she wouldn't be returning to "RHOBH," per the Los Angeles Times. In a statement, Rinna's representative told the outlet that the reality star's "contract was up at the end of last season." The statement continued, "After taking the time to weigh her current options and business obligations, Lisa and Bravo have discussed and mutually decided that she will not be returning to RHOBH." Separately, Rinna stated, "I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series. It has been a fun 8-year run and I am excited for what is to come!" Yet, there's more to the story, as Rinna's exit wasn't so cut-and-dry.

In a January piece for Interview, Lisa Rinna spilled the details on her "RHOBH" departure. She revealed, "What happened was I left, really, right after the reunion. People don't know that. But I let everybody know right after the reunion that I was going to move on, that was going to be it." Rinna explained that the reality show became increasingly "unhealthy," adding, "It wasn't working for me. It wasn't right for me."

The Season 12 reunion was unforgettable for Rinna, as the star's beef with Kathy Hilton reached a boiling point. As fans recall, Rinna had previously slammed Hilton for her reported meltdown during a group trip to Aspen, per Us Weekly. Rinna shared, "She's screaming she 'made' Kyle. Kathy's responsible for Kyle and she said, 'I will destroy Kyle and her family if it's the last thing I ever do.'" Hilton wasn't pleased that Rinna was running her mouth, to say the least. Rinna and Hilton then exchanged some nasty words at the reunion, with Hilton telling the soap star, "You are the biggest bully in Hollywood."

In his book, "The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up" (via E! News), Andy Cohen disclosed that Lisa Rinna called it quits via text following filming of the Season 12 reunion. However, she supposedly then had second thoughts about leaving. Cohen wrote that he believed that Rinna "should go on pause but absolutely come back." He added, "Feels like she has a toxic relationship with the show at this point and taking a breath away could do everyone good."

Cohen spoke further about Rinna's departure in an interview on SiriusXM's "Smith Sisters Live." Co-host Lauren Smith dished on her confusing exit, noting that she believed that Rinna was fired. She expressed her shock at Rinna's indecisiveness regarding her departure. Yet, Rinna's rep offered Hollywood Life a different take on Rinna's farewell. The rep said, "[Lisa] is not 'ON PAUSE ' and there was never any discussion with anyone about that concept. Her contract ended, and the parties mutually agreed not to engage on a new one. She felt her time on the show had run its course and she was more than happy to move on. And she still does not regret it."