Dolores Catania is speaking out about her good friend Liz McGraw’s shocking exit from “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island,” and she may have just offered a major clue about why Liz walked away.
Liz surprised fans when she announced she would not return after a dramatic first season that saw her at the center of several major storylines. During a recent episode of the “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast, Tamra Judge questioned why Liz would leave after just one season.
“Let’s talk about Liz. She announced that she is indeed leaving the show,” Tamra said.
“She is very happy,” Dolores responded.
Tamra then pointed out how unusual it is for a Housewife to leave so quickly.
“I don’t know of any Housewife that came on for one season and decided to quit,” she said.
That’s when Dolores hinted that the intense reaction Liz received from viewers may have played a role.
Dolores Catania Hints at What May Have Pushed Liz McGraw Away
“She got hammered on social media,” Dolores said. “What did she do to deserve that?”
Tamra agreed that the reaction would be difficult for any first-time Housewife to handle.
“I would imagine your very first season and getting that kind of hate, it would be very overwhelming,” she said.
But Dolores insisted there was even more to the story.
“It was more than that,” she said. “Liz does homeless food drives at her dispensary. She’s the most generous person. And I wish that everyone got to see that side.”
Liz faced criticism throughout the season, particularly over her feud with Jo-Ellen Tiberi. Liz accused Jo-Ellen of stirring up drama while pretending to be a loyal friend, while Jo-Ellen defended her own actions. Liz also came underfire for not taking accountability for her treatment of Jo-Ellen during one particular fight which included hair pulling and chair pushing.
The social media backlash also led to renewed speculation about Liz’s life away from the show, something she strongly addressed after announcing her exit.
Liz McGraw Fires Back at Claims About Her Shocking RHORI Exit
Liz recently denied speculation that she left “RHORI” because she feared secrets from her past would come out.
“It’s fascinating to me how everyone assumes my reason for leaving involves being afraid of ‘skeletons’ .. ‘jail,’ etc. This is not new gossip .. it has been the local slander for YEARS,” Liz wrote on Instagram.
“If there were even an ounce of validity to it, I’d not have ever gone on a show! I realize that for some, it feels good to speculate, hate and defame my character, but I have never been investigated, nor involved in ANY criminal case. It’s preposterous and people should know how utterly ridiculous it sounds. Sorry to disappoint. It’s wild to me how people feel at liberty to openly state such absurd claims as facts.”
Liz also made it clear she may take action against people who continue spreading the allegations.
“Now that I have time on my hands, I will start the process of holding those originating and spreading such fiction accountable,” she added.
While Liz has not revealed one specific reason for leaving the show, Dolores’ comments suggest the intense backlash she faced after her first season may have played a part in her decision.
Season 2 of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” is currently in production.
Want even juicier Bravo tea? Sign up for Cocktail Party here.
