Taylor Armstrong Says Bitter Brandi Glanville Is "Dying To Be A Permanent Cast Member On Our Show"

MSNBC.com:

If you thought the women of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" saved all of their drama for the show, think again. While tensions between Taylor Armstrong and Brandi Glanville were on the rise during the recent reunion show, they've since spilled over to another show and even Twitter.


It all began at the reunion, when Glanville slammed Armstrong over her decision to write a book "a hot minute" after husband Russell Armstrong committed suicide. On Tuesday night's episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Armstrong revealed why she thinks Glanville "went there."


"Because Brandi's dying to be a permanent cast member on our show," she told host Andy Cohen. "So she thinks by saying explosive things, she's going to get the job."


But if Armstrong thought Glanville's earlier comment was an attention-getting low-blow, it was nothing compared to what she had to say on Twitter after hearing Armstrong's reaction.


"I'm not 'dying' to do ANYTHING!! But let's not forget someone did die," Glanville wrote. "P.S My mind can go alllllllllllll day!"


Yikes.


But there's still hope the feud could come to an end someday, at least if Glanville has anything to say about it.


"I always makeup up with everyone," she told one Twitter follower. "Agree life is too short."

RELATED: How Taylor Armstrong Explains To Daughter Kennedy Her Dad’s Violence

Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Stars Finally Sign Contracts, Dana Wilkey Not Coming Back

RadarOnline.com:

Get the champagne ready for another season of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!


The ladies who lunch, fight and shop are coming back and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned who will be on the third season and who won’t!


“Kim and Kyle Richards, Adrienne Maloof and Lisa Vanderpump have all signed their contracts,” a show insider confirms to RadarOnline.com.


“Brandi Glanville will be back for a third season as well,” the source says. “Her addition to the show was a lot of fun and really mixed things up.”


As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Camille Grammer will not be returning after being told her part would be relegated to a minor one next season.


But, Taylor Armstrong is in!


“Taylor is coming back for a third season,” the source confirms.


Following the tragic suicide of her estranged husband Russell Armstrong, things were up in the air for the widow, but she’s finally signed on the dotted line and will be back.


As for the cat claws that were out last season, expect them to be back and sharper than ever!


“The tensions are high among the women and they’re all ready to make this the most explosive season yet,” the source says.


As for new additions, RadarOnline.com has learned that the Bravo producers really want music mogul David Foster’s wife Yolanda Hadid on the show but her deal hasn’t been finalized yet.

RELATED: Why Dana Wilkey Was Dropped From The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills — Exclusive!

Taylor Armstrong To Quit RHOBH? Bravo Planning To Phase Her Out! Plus Russell’s Ex-Wife In Court Over His Life Insurance Policy!

RealityTea.com:

There’s never a dull moment in Taylor-land, is there? Days after a report stating Bravo may fire Taylor Armstrong, a new report has emerged claiming the controversial Housewife might resign from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills because Bravo is cutting her hours big time!


“Taylor’s appearances on Housewives will be greatly reduced,” a source reveals to HollywoodLife. “The producers want to make room for two new housewives.” The new wives are reportedly Yolanda Hadid and Marisa Zanuck.


“For all we know, Taylor might just quit the show if her role is diminished too much. That’s what happened to Camille Grammer. She said ‘Forget it,’ when she found out she would hardly be in the next season,” the source shares.


“The producers don’t want to concentrate on Taylor anymore,” the source continues. “They want a fresh start and new storylines.” And given the fan reaction to Taylor, particularly this past season, it’s perhaps in the show’s best interest to move in a more positive direction.


Which is why the embattled Kim Richards is also being added into the Friends of Housewives category. “Kim will also make some appearances, be they will be minimal,” the source explains.


The even better news, is that regardless of whether Taylor quits–or is fired–we likely won’t be seeing her on TV anywhere else! “All the housewives have signed two-year contracts with Bravo. So even if Taylor doesn’t come back, she can’t do another reality show for at least another year — and same goes for Camille and Kim.”


Moving on, Russell Armstrong is in the news again. Before his death, Russell took out a $1 Million dollar life insurance policy and named his ex-wife Barbara Fredrickson the trustee for an insurance trust that would benefit Russell’s eldest son.


The policy holder, American General Life Insurance Co. filed a claim in California Supreme Court requesting a judge determine whether Barbara is in fact the entitled beneficiary who retains the rights to the policy, OR if it should be turned over to the estate of Russell Armstrong, aka The Armstrong Family Trust. The Armstrong Family Trust is reportedly held in an off-shore Cook Island account. And guess who allegedly presides over that account? If you guessed, Taylor – you guessed correctly!


In fact, Taylor is currently being sued by MyMedicalRecords for hiding missing investor monies. Their attorneys believe much of that money is possibly being sheltered in that same account.


But back to the life insurance policy, according to Courthouse News Service, American General is “ready, willing and able to pay the life insurance proceeds” but that “there are actual and conflicting claims relating” to the policy.


Barbara believes she is still entitled to that money, and submitted claim for the policy on January 9, 2012. Unfortunately, “Upon review of the claim, American General contacted Fredrickson requesting a copy of the trust agreement to facilitate payment of the death benefit. Fredrickson has been unable to locate a copy of any trust created by decedent.”


“Therefore, there existed no written appointment of Fredrickson as trustee. American General is informed and believes and on that basis alleges that Russell Armstrong never created an irrevocable life insurance trust for the benefit of A.A. prior to his death.” A.A. denotes Russell’s son, Aiden Armstrong, 13.


Barbara is unable to prove she is legally entitled to the money, because she no longer has the deed (if said deed ever existed), it will be distributed to the Armstrong estate – unless a judge rules in Barbara’s favor. The money has already been turned over to the court, who will then distribute it to its rightful owner following deliberation.

RELATED: Report: Bravo Unsure About Signing Taylor Armstrong for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 3

Taylor Armstrong Claims Russell Forced Her To Act Differently On Camera

RealityTea.com:

With her job as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star on the line, Taylor Armstrong is opening up!


In a recent interview, loony lips discussed the differences between reality television and reality. Which is interesting, because I really question if she knows!


Taylor claims, the drama viewers see is completely unscripted, and the emotions and relationships are authentic. “We don’t have writers, so everything is just us interacting with one another,” Taylor explains, speaking to Discover San Diego, “but the real conflict that occurs is all on our own, as much as I’m embarrassed to say that,” she laughs.


“All of our relationship drama is very real. Unfortunately, our lives are not cookie cutter like people expected Beverly Hills to be. So I’m happy in a way that people have been able to see so much of how real these women are and that we really care about each other,” she continues.


“And the fact that we get so emotional is because we are truly invested in each other’s lives and we are a part of each other’s lives.” Taylor is glad the show is able to capture those fun moments, as well. “Any time we are all just having fun together, it makes me so happy to see, because we do have our ups and downs and we’ve all been through a lot together.”


And without her friendships to these ladies, Taylor doesn’t know how she would have survived last season’s dramatic storyline; which she believes was so intense because she was willing to expose more of her life on camera. Taylor claims, season one Taylor was a Taylor hiding from reality and viewers got to see a big difference in her authenticity in season two. “When I watched season one of the show, I really didn’t like me, and I was just a shell of myself,” she reveals.


Taylor blames her late husband, Russell Armstrong, of course. “I was trying to keep so much of my personal life off television that I was — it looked like me in some respects, but the way I was dressing and acting didn’t seem anything like me. And that was a real wake-up call, to see how much of myself I had lost in my relationship. And also seeing my relationship play out on television.”


“Although I knew there were things that were wrong, I could see such a difference between the way, just in our physical space together, how we interacted versus other couples on the show. It brought to light a lot, and I think was one of the biggest catalysts for us going into treatment and therapy in the beginning of last year.”


She calls this season, actual reality and says it was impossible to keep the unflattering and emotional parts of her life away from the cameras. “I was just such a mess this last year, I really was just falling apart and I wasn’t able to keep everything that was going on in my personal life under wraps any longer. I knew too many things were going to come out in the press. And so I really was falling apart, and it was happening as much off camera as it was on,” she describes.


Taylor is not disappointed she was on national TV working through her crisis, if anything she feels it’s a poignant reminder of how far she’s come. “I feel like unfortunately that was an accurate portrayal of the state I was in. And in season one, I was just putting on a facade of who I thought people wanted to see, instead of really letting them into my life. Now that my life is just an open book, it’s a much better place to be.”


Taylor credits the show for giving her the courage to expose the truth behind her marriage, and for allowing her to be a voice for domestic violence, although she is shocked by fan reaction to her storyline. “It is surprising at times, because you don’t know how it’s all going to play out and you don’t know what people are saying about you when you’re not around. So that can be surprising,” she says of watching the shows and then learning of viewers’ reactions.


According to Taylor, the best part of being a Real Housewife is the good moments the cameras have captured; particularly Kennedy‘s opulent birthday parties. Taylor also believes the show has given her a platform to really advocate for domestic violence victims, and she has starting her own foundation to further the cause; The Taylor Armstrong Foundation.


The Taylor Armstrong Foundation is a 501 c3 a not-for-profit, that helps local shelters around the country.

RELATED: Taylor Armstrong Suicide Payoff

REPORT: Domestic Violence Charities Do Not Want Taylor Armstrong Involved With Their Organizations; Taylor Calls Off Affair With Married Attorney!

RealityTea.com:

Weeks before filming is slated to begin on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills–with rumors that Bravo still hasn’t extended contracts with the cast and is actively scouting for new housewives–Taylor Armstrong (who is, according to reports, already skating on thin ice) is finding herself the recipient of much negative press and scrutiny.


The Housewife who has a penchant for changing her stories as often as she changes her underwear (we hope!), is receiving some serious backlash after the legitimacy of her abuse claims made in her non-fiction bestseller, Hiding From Reality. Her claims are being questioned, well, because some 0f them sound downright unbelievable and there’s no proof anywhere!


According to Reality Weekly (via their print edition), Taylor’s outrageous claims and subsequent media speculation are having some unfortunate and surprising side effects! As a result, domestic violence charities are not interested in having Taylor affiliated with their organizations.


Even worse, Taylor’s rep has tried to book her at domestic violence events and Taylor has been turned down by charity leaders because she is too controversial, and is not considered a good spokeswomen for their organizations. Yikes!


Taylor is still affiliated with the 1736 Family Crisis Center, and recently hosted a fundraiser for the organization. She claimed she was planning to donate proceeds from her book to their cause.


Moving along, Taylor is also facing backlash after rumors of an alleged affair with her very married attorney, John Bluher, surfaced. John is representing Taylor in the massive lawsuit filed against her by MyMedicalRecords.


Both Taylor and John (and John’s wife) denied any romantic affiliation, but several sources claim it was indeed going on. Adding to suspicions that the two were sharing more than attorney-client privileges, John was spotted in New York with Taylor while she was promoting her book. John claimed he was coincidentally there on separate business. Uh-uh…


Apparently, now that she is receiving some serious public scrutiny from, well, everywhere, and her Bravo contract is on the line, Taylor has dumped John and called off the affair. “Once the story made headlines Taylor broke it off with John and told him they couldn’t see each other anymore,” a source close to Taylor disclosed to RadarOnline. “She just has so much going on and didn’t want any bad press, especially involving her and a married man.”


John is reportedly disappointed that Taylor broke things off because he’s also a famewhore he had strong feelings for her, but Taylor’s friends are relieved she will no longer be “the other woman,” as she has enough drama happening!


I have to say, Ms. Armstrong certainly has a talent for causing problems! Here’s hoping we won’t have to see her doing it on-screen in the upcoming season of RHOBH!

RELATED: Taylor Armstrong Admits She Was a “Mess” in Season 2 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Dana Wilkey Calls Off Wedding To John Flynn, Talks Taylor's $60,000 Birthday Party For Daughter

Philly.com:

The latest addition to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast has called off her wedding to John Flynn, the businessman she’s been dating for six years. The couple have a two-year-old son, John Cayden Flynn.


“We realized that we’ve become more friends than romantic partners,” she says. “It’s better for us to break up and concentrate on our son right now.”


“My fiancé and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Dana, 38, tells Life & Style Weekly.


Not an actual housewife herself, Dana was added to the cast in the second season along with model Brandi Glanville as “Friends of the Housewives.”


Dana is a Lamborghini-owning business tycoon who is reportedly worth $12 million.


She began as an event planner for the stars (she masterminded the infamous $60,000 tea birthday party Taylor and Russell Armstrong threw for their 4-year-old daughter in season one.)


Dana also founded and owns the Adwil Agency,” a boutique web application development company and product placement firm,” as Bravo puts it.

RELATED: Dana Wilkey on Why She Thinks Taylor Armstrong Threw Her Daughter a $60,000 Birthday Party

Taylor Armstrong Talks "Real Housewives of Bevery Hills' And Having Personal Life In The Public Eye

UTSanDiego.com:

Taylor Armstrong stars in the Bravo reality TV series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and is using her celebrity to change women’s lives around the world.


Armstrong’s new book Hiding From Reality: My Story of Love, Loss and Finding the Courage Within is an autobiographical account of her personal struggle with domestic violence, which ended tragically in 2011 with her estranged husband Russell’s very public suicide.


Armstrong has since survived the whirlwind media storm, and continues to live in Beverly Hills with her young daughter, Kennedy (6). Channeling her experience into positive action, Armstrong has volunteered for the 1736 Family Crisis Center for six years, and recently founded the Taylor Armstrong Foundation to expand her reach to local domestic violence shelters across the nation. She was also named Chief Creative Director of BeautyTicket.com, a new online personal shopping community.


From juicy housewife gossip, to authentic book inspiration, a college speaking tour preview and what really happened when the cameras stopped filming, get to know Taylor Armstrong in this DSD exclusive.


Q: Does the show accurately depict the women of Beverly Hills?


A: All of our relationship drama is very real. Unfortunately, our lives are not cookie cutter like people expected Beverly Hills to be. So I’m happy in a way that people have been able to see so much of how real these women are and that we really care about each other. And the fact that we get so emotional is because we are truly invested in each other’s lives and we are a part of each other’s lives.


Q: Off camera, do you think that Beverly Hills women are similar to the famous housewives?


A: I do. I think that -- taking the drama of my life, obviously, in this last year has been pretty significant and severe in some ways -- so that aside, just the regular conflict. There is a lot of pressure for women across the country and I think that our relationships get strained with one another because we’re trying to be moms and wives and have relationships and people get their feelings hurt. It’s probably a little more intense when you’re filming a television show, just because there are cameras there and you find that your emotions are a little more raw when you’re on camera.


Q: The franchise, especially Beverly Hills, is known for drama. How do the producers stage and encourage conflict?


A: We don’t have writers, so everything is just us interacting with one another. They really assist us in getting together in locations, because when you’re filming in a location they have to facilitate that. So they’ll organize for us to get together sometimes in a restaurant or something, which has to happen with insurance and permits to film. So in that respect they are involved, but the real conflict that occurs is all on our own, as much as I’m embarrassed to say that. [laughs]


Q: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned from having your personal life in the public eye?


A: When I watched season one of the show, I really didn’t like me, and I was just a shell of myself. I was trying to keep so much of my personal life off television that I was -- it looked like me in some respects, but the way I was dressing and acting didn’t seem anything like me. And that was a real wake-up call, to see how much of myself I had lost in my relationship. And also seeing my relationship play out on television. Although I knew there were things that were wrong, I could see such a difference between the way, just in our physical space together, how we interacted versus other couples on the show. It brought to light a lot, and I think was one of the biggest catalysts for us going into treatment and therapy in the beginning of last year.


Q: What is the message of your new book? What do you hope readers will take away from it?


A: The book starts out with me at a very young age and talks a lot about the self esteem issues that I didn’t address when I was growing up. Just being that young girl who felt like I always needed to have a boyfriend there to complete me. I think I became a serial monogamist in the seventh grade. Always needing to have a boyfriend to fill a void in myself that I wasn’t able to understand. But whenever I didn’t have a boyfriend I would have a level of anxiety, feeling like I needed someone to make me feel like I was worth something. So I think the biggest part of the message early on in the book is for young women to find that in themselves and to find their own confidence so they don’t feel like they need someone else. Because that’s when you can get into unhealthy relationships, the minute you feel like you need someone rather than they’re just a complement to you. That’s when you could allow someone to control you or to treat you poorly and you stay. And those things, left untreated, can snow ball into an abusive or significantly unhealthy relationship. You almost wake up one day and think, how did we get to this point? Because it does happen very slowly over time. And I’m hoping that the book will help people not run by all the red flags, because the red flags are there.

RELATED: It's over! Real Housewives star Taylor Armstrong splits from lawyer lover 'over backlash'

Beverly Hills Housewives Rally Around Taylor Armstrong at Russell's Funeral

USmagazine.com:

Taylor Armstrong was surrounded by loved ones -- including her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills castmates -- at a Wednesday funeral service for Russell, her late, estranged husband.


One of two private services was held early Wednesday evening at the Church of the Hills-Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills, where Taylor, 40, was consoled by her pals Lisa Vanderpump, Adrienne Maloof-Nassif and husband Dr. Paul Nassif, plus Kyle and Kim Richards. Entertainment Tonight reports that Cedric Martinez, a former houseguest of the Vanderpumps, was turned away from the event (Martinez had an ugly falling out with the Vanderpumps last year).


The funeral was not filmed.


As reported by Us Weekly, Russell's body was cremated, and his ashes were divided between Taylor and Russell's parents. A second service is planned in his native Texas.


Venture capitalist Russell, 47, was found dead at a private L.A. residence on Aug. 15 after taking his own life. He leaves behind Kennedy, his 5-year-old daughter with Taylor, plus two older sons from previous relationships.

Russell Armstrong Stopped Taking Anti-Depression Meds Two Weeks Before Suicide

RadarOnline.com:

Russell Armstrong had been taking anti-depressant medications to control his rage issues, but stopped taking the drugs two weeks before his suicide, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.


Russell had been taking the drugs for several months prior to his suicide.


Russell was found hanging at a friend's Mulholland Drive mansion last week - his memorial is scheduled for Wednesday.


"Russell had been doing so well when he was on the anti-depressants. He was prescribed the meds to control his rage issues. Russell stopped taking the meds two weeks before his suicide," a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline.com.


Taylor had encouraged her estranged husband to stay on the anti-depressants. "Taylor was very supportive of him taking the meds. All of a sudden about two weeks ago, Russell stopped taking the meds though," the insider says.


Ed Winter, Assistant Coroner for Los Angeles tells us:"No medication bottles for Mr. Armstrong were recovered from the scene."

RELATED: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Scrap the Show, Says PEOPLE TV Critic

Danielle Staub Contemplated Suicide, Talks Russell Armstrong

Yunno, the prostitution-whore actually talks some sense here:

Russell Armstrong Memorial Set For Wednesday At Forest Lawn

RadarOnline.com:

A memorial service for Russell Armstrong has been scheduled for Wednesday, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.


Family, friends, and costars from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills will gather at the Church of the Hills at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills to celebrate his life.


That's the same church where Brittany Murphy was memorialized after her sudden death in 2009.


As RadarOnline.com has been exclusively reporting, there's been a war of words between Russell's estranged wife and now widow, Taylor Armstrong, and his family ever since his shocking suicide Monday night.


It's not yet clear if any of Russell's family will attend the 3 pm ceremony. They have planned their own memorial in Texas.


Armstrong has been cremated, and his remains are reportedly being split between the two sides.


Taylor and Armstrong were in the early stages of divorce, but because it had not been finalized, she was still the legal "next of kin" when he died, and entitled to make all of Russell's final arrangements.

Bravo Will Reedit 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' After Death Of Russell Armstrong

Really, did they have any other choice?

Bravo has opted to reedit footage from the second season of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" in light of the recent death of featured husband Russell Armstrong, Showtracker has confirmed. It's still unclear if the premiere date, originally set for Sept. 5, will be moved.


A spokesperson from Bravo declined to specify how exactly the footage will be rejiggered (if Armstrong's appearance will be eliminated completely or if his involvement will be restructured and marginalized).


The network's president, Frances Berwick, told Variety, "Contrary to what is being reported, we have not made a decision to change our original premiere date but we are in the process of reediting the show."


Armstrong was found dead at a Mulholland Drive home on Monday night after hanging himself. His death prompted many to wonder how the network would move forward with the season, given Armstrong's role in wife Taylor's storyline. Much of the second season was supposed to chronicle the couple as their marital woes played out; Taylor filed for divorce in July.


The network's announcement comes after family members already expressed their views on how the situation should be handled. A nephew of Armstrong appeared on "Good Morning America" earlier in the week saying footage of the 47-year-old should be edited out. Armstrong's attorney, Ronald Richards, told ShowTracker that Armstrong's mother and father not only want footage of Armstrong taken out, but also footage of those associated with him -- which would include Taylor and the couple's daughter Kennedy.

Bravo Execs Hold 'Crisis' Meeting At Adrienne Maloof's Mansion To Discuss Russell Armstrong Suicide

RadarOnline.com:

Bravo TV executives called a mandatory "crisis" cast meeting Wednesday, at Adrienne Maloof's mansion, to discuss the suicide of co-star Taylor Armstrong's estranged husband Russell, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.


"It was a somber meeting," an insider shares. "Everyone in the room was still in mourning and simply shocked by Russell's death."


We're told Bravo asked the housewives to say little to nothing at all to the press about Russell's suicide.


RadarOnline.com also learned that producers are still trying to figure out how and if they will air footage of Taylor and Russell, especially since the couple were working on their marriage through counseling -- all on camera.


"The people at Bravo just want to do the appropriate thing," the source insists. "Their first priority is being respectful to Russell, Taylor and their families."

RELATED: Taylor Armstrong Battling In-Laws Over Russell's FINAL Resting Place

Russell Armstrong's Nephew: Suicide ‘The Last Thing We Saw Coming’

Taylor Armstrong Was Hospitalized After Husband Russell Allegedly Hit Her In The Face

Russell Armstrong's Ex-Wife Says 'Taylor Drove Him' To Suicide

Taylor Armstrong Planning Estranged Husband Russell’s Memorial

RadarOnline.com:

Taylor Armstrong is planning her estranged husband, Russell Armstrong’s memorial, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.


Russell committed suicide by hanging himself, and his body was found at a friend's house on Monday.


Russell's powerhouse attorney, Ronald Richards, exclusively tells RadarOnline.com: "I have been notified by Taylor's attorney that she is making the memorial arrangements for Russell."


The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is in the early stages of planning the memorial. "Taylor wants to plan the memorial for Russell, after all, they were married. I know that Russell's mother wants to take his body back to Texas and have him buried though — but, that will be for Taylor and Russell's mom to figure out," Richards tells RadarOnline.com.


Meanwhile, Richards says that the "memorial will probably be next week. It's just an incredibly sad time for everyone."

RELATED: Taylor Armstrong Injured 4 Days Before Russell's Suicide

Russell Armstrong Autopsy Complete Suicide by Hanging

Russell Armstrong Asked for Xanax Before Death

Russell Armstrong Battled Depression, Had Huge Financial Problems Before Suicide

Yahoo.com:

The apparent suicide of Russell Armstrong — the estranged husband of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member Taylor Armstrong — has sparked a massive amount of interest in his life, family, and business dealings.


While the details of Armstrong's death are still forthcoming, the late investor's history of financial ups and downs has been well documented. Armstrong was a venture capitalist who had apparently fallen on hard times.


According to celebrity site TMZ, Armstrong's lawyer, Ronald Richards, remarked that his client had large debt problems. According to Richards, Armstrong's "credit cards weren't working. … As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don't have any assets, so I'm not sure what there would be left to leave." But the worries weren't only financial. Russell was also depressed about his looming divorce.


Last month, Taylor told People magazine that she and Russell had had a series of arguments. She accused Russell of shoving her. Russell told People that the show "pushed us to the limit." That comment and several others are sure to lead to questions about whether the "Real Housewives" program should be canceled. Armstrong, who was 47, leaves behind Taylor, as well as three children.


Before starring on the reality show about pampered wives in posh Beverly Hills, Russell Armstrong worked as a professional investor. According to his official site (which may suffer outages due to massive clicks), "Russell Armstrong has spent the past two decades as an investment banker and venture capitalist, where he has been instrumental in the development of over 200 businesses with early stage funding in excess of $2B dollars."


While that paints a picture of a secure and successful man, Armstrong was actually under considerable financial pressure. In July, he was hit with a $1.5 million lawsuit for breach of contract. The suing company claimed "it had hired him to expand its business but alleged he had misused the funds to redecorate the mansion he shared with his wife."


He also ran afoul of the law in 1997 when he he was convicted of felony tax evasion. Armstrong was sentenced to five years of probation. In 2001, he was accused of "fraud, negligent misrepresentation, statutory securities violations and breach of fiduciary duties." Starcasm.net hosts a PDF of the lawsuit.

By the way, although you know it's bound to happen anyway, let me say that Bravo should not be getting any blame for this tragedy. I'm not aware of any network that forces people to come on their shows. People who sign up for reality TV usually have a good idea of what they're getting into, plus they sign contracts--bottom line it's their choice to have the whole world get a peek of their everyday lives. Don't like reality TV? Think it exploits people? Fine, then don't watch it.

From many accounts Russell Armstrong seemed to be dealing with many personal demons that started way before his wife signed on to be on RHOBH. Did the show contribute to those problems? Maybe so, maybe not. But if they did then Russell Armstrong had no business being on the show (remember, Dina Manzo's husband Tommy never made an appearance on RHONJ) and I'm sure he wouldn't have been happy about Taylor appearing either. But Russell did appear on RHONJ several times and he wantonly spoke to the press as well. That said, while people will be quick to blame Bravo for Russell Armstrong's suicide, that takes away from the fact that the Armstrong's were grown adults who made the choice to appear on RHOBH.

Taylor Armstrong's Husband Russell Commits Suicide

TMZ.com:

Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead of an apparent suicide ... sources tell TMZ.


Our sources say Armstrong hanged himself. He was found hanging in his bedroom on Mulholland Drive.


We're told L.A. City Fire Department arrived at his home and pronounced him dead at 8:16 PM Monday. Sources say a roommate found Russell and called 911.


We're told authorities have not found a suicide note.


Taylor filed for divorce last month, after she claimed Russell physically abused her. We're told authorities informed her of Russell's death last night.


He was 47 years old.


UPDATE


8:13 AM: Bravo and the cast of "Real Housewives" were unaware of Russell's death. Kyle Richards was distraught when she saw the TMZ post, and Lisa Vanderpump was speechless.


8:38 AM: Camille Grammer just tweeted, "My sympathy and condolences go out to Taylor and Kennedy. My thoughts and prayers are with them."

Wow, this is shocking. Of course, only Taylor knows what really happened between her and Russell, but what I saw on screen last season always kind of creeped me out. And then since last season ended you hear about the Armstrong's being a therapy, getting a divorce and Russell admitting that he hit Taylor before, etc. I guess this is another example of the flip side to reality TV--there are (usually) no scripts, you're actually dealing with real people with real lives. Plus too, Taylor and Russell had a kid together. Wonder if the new season of RHOBH will be delayed now? Either way, how Bravo moves forward from this will be interesting to watch. Meanwhile, condolences to Taylor Armstrong and her family.

Taylor Armstrong Talks Split From Husband

EOnline.com:

As if the ladies of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills didn't have enough drama to deal with, try going through a divorce on top of all that catfighting.


"Unfortunately for me this year, there were a lot more tears, a lot more pain," Taylor Armstrong exclusively told us about her recent split with husband Russell Armstrong at this week's grand opening of Kendra Scott Jewelry in Beverly Hills.


How's their 5-year-old daughter Kennedy holding up in all this?


"I know it's going to be hard for me to watch a lot of it," Armstrong says of the series' sophomore season. "It's been such an emotional ride for me this year. And it's one thing to experience it, but then to watch it again on television and know that millions of other people are watching, it's going to be tough."


As for daughter Kennedy, Armstrong says, "She's doing great."


"I'm out and I'm spending a lot of time with my daughter right now," she said. "We're just trying to really take it day by day right now and trying to keep her life as consistent as possible and make sure she knows that she's surrounded by so much love and we're so fortunate that she really is."

‘Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills’ Bond Over Divorce

Taylor Armstrong's Husband Russell's Violent Past

Don't any of these chicks watch Oprah? 'Cause I'm sure at some point she might've said something to the effect of 'once an abuser, always an abuser':

Taylor Armstrong of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has claimed that her estranged husband, Russell Armstrong has been physically abusive toward her, and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that he has a past history of abusive and violent behavior with other partners.


In fact, Armstrong has had two separate restraining orders filed against by him, one by his ex-wife, and one by an ex-girlfriend. In addition, Armstrong has a criminal record, having pled guilty to battery in 1997.


Russell Armstrong was married to Barbara Armstrong from 1997 and separated shortly after their son Aiden was born. In exclusive court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Barbara alleges that when she was six months pregnant: "Russell threw me to the ground and slapped me across the face....the police were called to Russell's and my residence during our marriage because Russell hit me, blackened my eyes, kicked me in the back, threw crystal drinking glasses at me, and spit on me."


Barbara also states in her sworn declaration that in late 1997 Russell: "Pleaded guilty to battery and said that he understood that he had to go to an anger management program. That was the first anger management program that Russell was ordered to attend."

Taylor Armstrong's Allegations Of Abuse To Be Addressed On Show

RadarOnline.com:

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Taylor Armstrong has claimed in recent weeks that her estranged husband Russell Armstrong physically and emotionally abused her, and RadarOnline.com has learned that this will be addressed on the upcoming season.


Taylor filed for divorce from Russell several weeks ago; this is her first marriage, and Russell's third.


The couple participated in marriage counseling for the show and the allegations of abuse made by Taylor were alluded to. "Russell didn't want the specific incidents discussed on the show, and it wasn't. However, Taylor strongly hints at the physical abuse, along with the emotional abuse. Russell doesn't want to be perceived as a monster," our Bravo insider revealed.


Taylor "never called the police on Russell after a fight, which she says would turn violent at times, because she thought it was her fault. Taylor was in denial, which is very typical when a woman is in that situation," the source added.


Taylor filed for divorce at the beginning of July "and things between the former couple are very, very tense. This isn't an amicable divorce, and probably won't be anytime soon," the insider said.