Luann de Lesseps has checked back into rehab, Yahoo Entertainment has confirmed. De Lesseps will miss this week’s reunion taping of the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of New York City.
The 53-year-old reality star first sought treatment for alcohol abuse in December 2017 following her very public arrest in Palm Beach, Fla. De Lesseps was charged with the felony of resisting an officer with violence as well as misdemeanor charges of trespassing and disorderly intoxication.
The network is standing by her choice to go back to rehab. “Bravo supports Luann’s decision to focus on her health,” a Bravo spokeswoman tells Yahoo Entertainment. “She is part of the Bravo family and we continue to stand by her as she copes with this challenging situation. At this time, we hope everyone will respect her privacy.”
De Lesseps — known as “The Countess” to fans — also has the support of her co-stars.
“This weekend, Luann was surrounded by her girlfriends and decided — with their support — that in light of recent circumstances, it is the healthiest choice for her not to attend Tuesday’s reunion taping so that she can continue in her healing process,” Bethenny Frankel tells People. “Luann is now surrounded by a core group of people who truly have her best interests at heart and who are working to make sure she gets the help she needs.”
Frankel adds, “Bravo has been very supportive of Luann during this time. It’s a brave and honest decision by her, and everyone is rallying around her and wants the best for her… She’s taking the necessary steps to get better so that the show can go on.”
Page Six reports friends of de Lesseps held an unsuccessful intervention for the reality star recently. It’s unclear if she relapsed or if there was a specific event that prompted her to seek help, but it has been a tumultuous week for the Countess & Friends cabaret performer. She is being sued by ex-husband, Count Alexandre de Lesseps, and their two adult children, Noel and Victoria.
A post shared by Luann de Lesseps (@countessluann) on May 27, 2018 at 10:48am PDT
The three claim Luann ignored a condition from her 2009 divorce settlement that she establish a trust fund for the kids from proceeds of the $8 million sale of the former couple’s home in Bridgehampton, Long Island.
A post shared by Luann de Lesseps (@countessluann) on Jul 2, 2018 at 1:54pm PDT
Page Six also reports that de Lesseps’ romantic life is entangled in drama once again. She is said to be dating her married agent, Rich Super, who only recently filed for divorce from his wife. “It’s very, very new [but they’re] exploring it,” a source claimed.
Last year, the reality star’s marriage to Tom D’Agostino imploded after a short seven months. They wed in Palm Beach on New Year’s Eve 2017. When she went back there in December on what would have been their one-year wedding anniversary, de Lesseps had her public meltdown and was arrested. (She told police officers, “I’m gonna kill you.”) De Lesseps said “buried emotions” were partially to blame for her actions.
I want to offer my most sincere apologies to anyone that I might have offended with my behavior. This was my first time in Palm Beach since my wedding and being here brought up buried emotions. I am committed to a transformative and hopeful 2018
— Luann de Lesseps (@CountessLuann) December 24, 2017
Alcohol was clearly to blame, too. Season 10 of RHONY — which is currently airing — has followed de Lesseps pre and post-arrest. She has attended AA meetings but hasn’t called herself an alcoholic, simply saying she’s giving up booze “for now.” Here’s hoping she’s getting the help she needs.
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