Kyle Richards Shuts Down Gossip She Was an Alcoholic

RHOBH star Kyle Richards slams rumors she's faking her marriage issues for attention

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills OG Kyle Richards shuts down gossip that she stopped drinking because she had a problem with alcohol.

During a recent episode of RHOBH, Kyle Richards confessed to her co-stars that she couldn’t afford to be depressed, which is why she ultimately stopped drinking and started focusing on exercise to help ease her anxiety.

Now, the RHOBH OG is doubling down on claims that she didn’t quit drinking due to alcoholism.

“You can just ‘outgrow’ alcohol you know,” read an image Kyle Richards shared to her Instagram Story Saturday. “You don’t have to be an ‘alcoholic’ or ‘hit rock bottom.’ You are allowed to just wake up & decide to carve out a different path, any time you like.”

Kyle Richards makes it clear she was never an alcoholic

Days later, Kyle Richards thanked fans for sticking by her side all these years, especially during the most challenging times in her life.

“I wanted to thank you all for your messages. In the 13 years of being on RHOBH I have never felt so much love and support,” the 54-year-old wrote via her Instagram Story on Monday, December 18. “I wish I could respond to each and every one of you, but I do want you to know that I am reading your messages, and I want to thank you for taking the time to share your insight, support, and wisdom with me. I appreciate it more than you know.”

She continued: “It also makes me happy to know that many of you feel inspired by my choice not to drink alcohol, and in sharing that with me, you inspire me to stay on my path. Sending love to you all ??.”

Kyle Richards thanks fans for their support

In recent months,  Kyle Richards began opening up about what led to the dramatic changes in her life.

The changes in Kyle Richards’ life were kickstarted by the sudden and shocking death of her best friend, Lorene Shea, who passed away in May 2022 from suicide, following struggles with mental health. Lorene and Kyle had been friends since they were seven years old.

Kyle Richards and her late best friend Lorene Shea pose for a photo while traveling in Europe.

According to @yourbishtherapist, Kyle experienced “severe depression and anxiety” as well as “survivors guilt and blame/shame” following the “significant” loss of her childhood best friend.

To cope with the “intensely painful” loss, the RHOBH OG “realized she needed to do something…to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms due to her family history of addiction.”

“Kyle’s commitment to addressing her emotions in a healthy manner led to her [stepping] away from alcohol” and “channeling unwanted urges into a productive outlet,” i.e., working out.

Kyle Richards shows off weight loss.

The account also noted that Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky’s marriage issues probably occurred because Kyle “expected emotional support from Mau that he was incapable/unwilling to provide,” which “left Kyle feeling disappointed, resentful, and betrayed.”

Kyle co-signed @yourbishtherapist’s theory and shared the post on her Instagram Story. She encouraged RHOBH fans to swipe through them while adding her comments on the therapist’s findings.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. 

Thoughts on this all? Sound off in the comments!

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13 comments

Janice Provetti December 27, 2023 - 1:02 pm
Casual/social drinking and alcoholism are not even close to being the same.
Snarky Enigma December 26, 2023 - 8:21 pm
For most people, drinking (after 50) just takes it's toll on you ... I know I feel like crap today after just a few glasses of Moscato yesterday (on Christmas). But I suspect Kyle's problems are unrelated to alcohol. She's into the New Age psycho babble crap, busy re-assessing her life with Mauricio, and probably post menopausal, so she's using all these issues to create a new image to remain relevant on the show.
Zap It December 26, 2023 - 9:17 pm
Perfectly said. Two glasses of wine does the same thing to me. I'm so disgusted with myself. LOL
Snarky Enigma December 26, 2023 - 11:23 pm
IKR? Probably not a bad thing really. I guess it's time to order more gummies ?:-)
Zap It December 26, 2023 - 9:19 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone and your families. God bless. I was too busy with the fam to post this yesterday. I hope everyone enjoyed!!!
Italia December 26, 2023 - 6:58 pm
No one is accusing her of ever being an alcoholic. Nice try spreading that rumor Kyle. She just claims to have quit alcohol(in public at least) so she can also claim it is the reason she lost so much weight. Ozempic, cough cough.
Zap It December 26, 2023 - 9:14 pm
So true
Steve December 26, 2023 - 4:28 pm
I never thought she was addicted to alcohol, or any other substance for that matter. But she has clearly simply exchanged alcohol with cannabis. The only thing she clearly is addicted to is her need for constant attention, which is why she is willing to misuse anyone and everyone in her life to draw attention to herself.
Italia December 26, 2023 - 6:57 pm
Even her own kids and marriage. Yuck
Zap It December 26, 2023 - 9:13 pm
Kyle has absolutely exchanged alcohol for cannabis. The self righteous act about quitting alcohol is laughable. So now she's stoned all the time instead. I just don't know why no one has called her out on it.
Champagne Hangover December 26, 2023 - 11:50 am
I don’t know whether she was an alcoholic or not and it’s none of my business either way, but alcohol does not agree with everyone. Some people discover that it just no longer has a place in their lives and they’re better off without it. It CAN be nothing more than that. I think, no matter the reason, if someone decides to stop drinking, either be supportive or STFU. It has nothing to do with you and unkind judgments are unnecessary and will likely come to bite you in the ass. https://media1.giphy.com/media/SXqw0Vpql4sHX9pCl4/giphy-downsized-small.mp4
675309 December 26, 2023 - 3:33 pm
Right. No matter what, there is nothing to criticize her for (regarding drinking or not) nor anything for her to be defensive about in the first place.
Zap It December 26, 2023 - 9:16 pm
I agree but that's not Kyle. Too much credit given to someone who doesn't deserve it.
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