‘RHOC’ Controversy: Andy Cohen Under Fire After Vicki Gunvalson’s Mother’s Death Airs On ‘RHOC,’ Bethenny Frankel Speaks

The RHOC controversy over Vicki Gunvalson’s mother’s death has just reached an all-time high. Two months ago, when the season 10 trailer for The Real Housewives of Orange County was revealed, fans were outraged that Bravo would have chosen to air a sneak peek at Joanne Steinmetz’s death — on Mother’s Day. Gunvalson also expressed her devastation in having to relive the incident on the special holiday. So, once the episode aired, the RHOC controversy was rebooted, and Andy Cohen was at the forefront.

On July 6, Cohen responded to the RHOC controversy on Twitter.

I asked Vicki her opinion about tonight’s show, she said she signed up for a reality show and this is her reality. Will post intvw soon

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) July 7, 2015

A few moments later, after seeing her Bravo boss’ tweet, Gunvalson spoke out, as well, telling fans that Cohen and the network have been “extremely sensitive” towards the airing of her mother’s death. The following morning, Bethenny Frankel addressed the RHOC controversy, defending Cohen against the backlash from the episode.

You and @Bravotv did nothing wrong. If she had said to turn the cameras off they would have. She knows the audience relates @Andy

— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) July 7, 2015

As the Inquisitr previously reported, the RHOC controversy began in May, when Bravo chose to debut the sneak peek for The Real Housewives of Orange County season 10 on Mother’s Day. The irony of their decision didn’t sit well with fans, and in a tweet to fans that evening, Gunvalson appeared peeved.

@housewivesglam It’s the most terrible thing to have to re-live again… Especially on Mother’s Day

— Vicki Gunvalson (@vgunvalson) May 11, 2015

Gunvalson first spoke of her mother’s death in February, revealing the devastating news to her fans on Instagram in an emotional post.

“My amazing, beautiful and strong mother passed on and is now with the love of her life my father in heaven. I am who I am today, because of her. An amazing cook, organized, bold personality and had a sense of style and fashion that I adored. I miss you so much mommy! My life will never be the same without you to give me advice and your wisdom. You were so healthy and so vibrant and so beautiful.”

For more of the RHOC controversy, stay tuned to The Real Housewives of Orange County season 10 every Monday night at 9 p.m. on Bravo.

[Photo via Twitter]