Gina Kirschenheiter, one of the stars of Season 17 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, recently discussed her co-star Shannon Beador’s recent DUI arrest on her Orange County podcast. In the episode, Gina reflected on “the irony” of the situation but also expressed sympathy for Shannon. She acknowledged that while the DUI incident may seem ironic given their on-screen dynamic, she didn’t have it in her to kick someone when they’re down.
Gina shared that she could empathize with Shannon as she herself had faced a similar situation when she was charged with a DUI back in 2019. This incident has also been a topic of discussion in the current season of the show. Understanding the mental and emotional toll that comes with such circumstances, Gina chose not to pass judgment on Shannon but instead offered her support.
Initially, Gina admitted that she had considered Shannon’s DUI to be karma. However, she quickly realized that it wasn’t productive or beneficial to dwell on that perspective. Instead, Gina chose to focus on showing appropriate sympathy and compassion towards Shannon in a difficult time. She stated that she never wished to see anyone down, including Shannon, and didn’t want to be put down herself.
During the interview, Gina also revealed that it had been nearly two years since her last drink. While she doesn’t identify as an alcoholic, she recognized that alcohol had been a problem for her and was hindering her progress. Speaking about Shannon, Gina mentioned that Shannon had helped her after her own DUI incident but later used it against her as a weapon. Gina emphasized that it would be hypocritical of her to do the same to Shannon and “weaponize” her DUI.
Just days before Shannon’s arrest, she responded to Gina’s comments about her drinking in an interview with US Weekly. Shannon refuted the accusations of having a drinking problem and pointed out that there were other cast members on the show who had been drinking heavily. She also expressed her desire for Gina to move away from making Shannon Beador her storyline on the series.
As the Season 17 finale of RHOC approaches, fans will have the opportunity to see how the events surrounding Shannon’s arrest unfold on-screen. Premiering on September 27 on Bravo and streaming on Peacock the following day, the finale will provide further insight into the dynamics between the cast members and their reactions to Shannon’s DUI.
In conclusion, Gina’s reflections on Shannon Beador’s DUI arrest emphasize the importance of empathy and support during challenging times. Despite the irony that may exist between their on-screen relationship and Shannon’s DUI, Gina chose to show sympathy and understanding towards her co-star. This highlights the growth and maturity of the cast members on The Real Housewives of Orange County as they navigate personal struggles and maintain strong bonds amidst the drama.
