Russell Armstrong's Mom Blasts Bravo For Not Delaying 'Real Housewives' Premiere: 'Let's Not Murder My Son Twice'
Russell Armstrong's mother, John Ann Hotchkiss, had harsh words for Bravo regarding the network's decision to proceed as planned with 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Season 2 premiere on Mon., Sept. 5 at 9PM ET."When I was informed of this, I thought, 'I hope Bravo will take the high road and keep it tasteful,'" she said in a statement. "Let's not murder my son twice."
Russell, estranged husband to 'Real Housewives' star Taylor Armstrong, hanged himself on Aug. 15. Since then, Bravo has confirmed they will re-edit the season, but not delay the premiere.
"Re-editing of the episodes is still underway," Frances Berwick, president of Bravo Media, said in a statement. "Bravo has partnered with the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. to raise awareness about suicide prevention. The network will air various PSAs during the 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' We will also provide additional information and resources on Bravotv.com, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline."
Early trailers for the new season showed a very fragile Taylor dealing with her crumbling marriage. Taylor filed for divorce in July, claiming Russell had abused her.
Hotchkiss places blame on the show for her son's death.
"What bothered me the most, I think, is on the program itself -- and this is on video -- he would be bashed by some of the other cast members," Hotchkiss told CNN shortly after her son's suicide. "Especially Lisa [Vanderpump], who is a beautiful lady. I just couldn't understand why she would be so unkind to him.
"I know it hurt him deeply, because he would talk to me about it -- never criticizing Taylor, of course," she said. "I would not want him to. The program itself just really brought him down."
Russell was on edge about the new season.
"'Mom, they're just going to crucify me this season,'" Hotchkiss said her son told her. "And he said, 'I don't know what to do. I'll never survive it.'"
Tell us: Do you think Bravo should have delayed the premiere?

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