Bravo Source Claims Kim Richards Would Often Sneak Off During ‘RHOBH’ Filming

A Bravo source claims Kim Richards’ recent relapse may have happened far before anyone realized it. Although there had been a few questions thrown out during filming on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 5, a Bravo source now claims what was going on behind-the-scenes was far more serious than what fans have seen on the show.

On April 21, Ecumenical News reported the following in regard to the Bravo source’s statement.

“While Richards did not drink alcohol openly on the set, the actress would, at times, disappear for a brief time period and re-appear in a somewhat less than sober state.”

According to the site, the Bravo source spoke to TMZ earlier this week, revealing news of Richards’ secretive behavior on set.

Prior to the Bravo source’s statement, Richards’ co-stars often questioned her sobriety, namely Lisa Rinna, who has experience with dealing with addicts (her husband Harry Hamlin’s two brothers were alcoholics). On Season 5 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Rinna actually asked Richards, point blank, if she had been drinking prior to her arrival to Eileen Davidson’s house for poker night. While Richards denied the accusation and immediately became irate with Rinna, she later admitted to taking her ex-husband’s prescribed medication, which many believed was just as bad.

As the Inquisitr previously reported, a Bravo source recently revealed to Radar Online that executives held a meeting in regard to Richards’ future with the show after her arrest. During the meeting, a sobriety clause was reportedly discussed.

“They decided that they would possibly like to implement a sobriety clause into Kim Richard’s contract,” a Bravo source revealed to Radar.

The Bravo source claimed the network wasn’t prepared to get rid of Richards, but wanted to ensure she would remain healthy throughout filming.

“They do not want to get rid of Kim on the show because she does so amazing for ratings, but they also think that keeping her on the air is not conducive to her well-being. The fame that this show has brought her has seemed to actually make her alcoholism worse instead of better because whenever you throw a lot of money and fame at someone who is already struggling with addiction issues, the situation can become incredibly volatile, as it has in her case.”

Ecumenical News also reported Richards posted $20,000 in bail.

Although the Bravo source claimed the network has already discussed Richards’ part on Season 6, the series has yet to be officially renewed.

[Photo via Instagram]