Liz McGraw is thriving and completely happy after walking away from The Real Housewives of Rhode Island following just one season, according to her longtime friend and co-star Alicia Carmody. Speaking exclusively to Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea while promoting her partnership with Ziploc’s Lunch Confessions campaign, the 41-year-old reality star addressed McGraw’s surprising departure, the online backlash that followed, and where their friendship stands today.
Alicia Carmody Addresses Liz McGraw’s Exit and Online Backlash
Alicia Carmody expressed full support for her co-star’s decision to leave the hit Bravo franchise. According to Carmody, putting a family on reality television is demanding, and she acknowledged that McGraw likely got hurt by internet backlash. “It is a lot to put your family [out there], and I’m sure she did get hurt with the internet [backlash],” Carmody told Page Six, adding that she hears McGraw is “thriving.” In similar coverage reported by Us Weekly, Carmody emphasized, “I fully support her in her decision… I think that she had to do what was best for her.” Executive producer Andy Cohen previously noted that the “doors are open” should McGraw ever want to return, a sentiment that Carmody echoed to both outlets.
Did you know? Liz McGraw officially announced her exit in July, stating via Instagram that she wanted to step back and focus on her family, work, and personal passions while cheering on her castmates from the other side of the camera.
Behind the Scenes of the Season 1 Feud Over Homelessness
While McGraw did not explicitly cite social media hate as her primary reason for leaving, Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge told Page Six that McGraw was “really struggling with the hate on social media.” Part of that digital hostility stemmed from an on-screen clash between McGraw and Carmody during the debut season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island. McGraw repeatedly challenged Carmody’s claim that she and her mother were homeless after her father left, arguing that moving into her grandmother’s house meant Carmody was never actually without a home.
Clearing Up Rumors and Clarifying Their Lifelong Connection
Although McGraw has known Carmody since infancy, Carmody clarified to Page Six that they were never as close as the show portrayed. “No, I wouldn’t go that far,” Carmody said when asked if they were like sisters, explaining instead that she grew up best friends with McGraw’s niece because their families were extremely close. Carmody added that while they do not talk every day on the phone, she loves McGraw from afar and is currently giving her space while filming Season 2 in Boston. Meanwhile, McGraw shut down separate speculation via Instagram Stories in July, telling fans it was fascinating how everyone assumed her exit was tied to escaping “skeletons” or “jail.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Liz McGraw leave The Real Housewives of Rhode Island?
Liz McGraw announced she was stepping back after one season to focus on her family, work, and personal passions, though sources like Tamra Judge noted she was also struggling with social media backlash.
Will Liz McGraw ever return to RHORI?
Executive producer Andy Cohen and co-star Alicia Carmody both confirmed that the door remains open for McGraw to return to the Bravo series in the future if she chooses.
Are Alicia Carmody and Liz McGraw still friends?
Yes, Carmody stated that she considers McGraw a friend from a distance, supporting her decision despite not talking every single day.
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