'Real Housewives of Rhode Island’ Cast Features Bachelor Alum & RHONJ Fan-Favorite
The Rhode Island rumor mill is working overtime.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island 's Rulla Nehme Pontarelli didn't shy away from addressing photos of her husband Brian Pontarelli getting cozy with another woman during the Bravo series' most recent episode.
The affair drama first came to light in December 2024 after costar Jo-Ellen Tiberi alerted Rulla of the scandalous snapshots, which were shared on social media.
"Jo-Ellen apparently had some photos that were posted of Brian and that cockroach," Rulla recounted in a confessional. "At first, I thought that Jo-Ellen was trying to be supportive and help me, because that's what it sounded like, until I learned that she had shared the pictures with the whole group and was running her mouth about town about it and that was not okay with me."
And despite Rulla insisting to longtime friends Liz McGraw and Kelsey Swanson that Brian's affair "is not still ongoing" these days, Liz called B.S.—literally—on her costar's rosy relationship update.
As Liz shared in her own confessional, "It's pretty out there that Brian is still doing his thing with this woman. If Rulla chooses to not acknowledge what's really going on and live in that land of delusion, I'm sorry but Elizabeth is allergic to bulls--t."
Later in the episode, Rulla and Brian—who share kids Luca, 8, and Laila, 5—sat down to reflect on the difficult time in their marriage.
Charles Sykes/Bravo
As the podiatrist assured his wife of 10 years, "What happened last year happened last year. It's in the past and I just want to move forward."
Recounting the moment she confronted Brian about the affair, Rulla recalled in a confessional, "When I saw the cheating pictures, I looked at Brian and I said, 'Is there anything that I should know? You better tell me now.' He broke down a bit. He said he was done, that's it, begging, pleading, crying."
And while Rulla put on a brave face in front of her RHORI costars, she hasn't yet totally forgiven Brian for his extramarital activities.
Noam Galai/Bravo
As the businesswoman told producers, "I'm still working on that."
In the end, Brian reminded his partner, "We know we're strong and obviously I'm with you. I let you track me, you know where I am every second. I love my wife, I love my family. They're just jealous, you know?"
But Rulla isn't the only Rhode Island Housewife facing affair allegations. Watch RHORI Sundays at 9 p.m. to see which other cast mates are tackling cheating rumors of their own.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the season one cast.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Alicia Carmody
Alicia Carmody is kick-starting her boss-babe era, pushing her way into her fiancé Billy’s popular restaurant, Pizza Mamma. A proud self-described “flip-flopper,” Alicia might call you a “whor-ah” one minute and pull you into a hug the next. When Alicia opens the vault on her past, she is faced with navigating long-standing relationships and personal growth that leaves one lifelong friend completely blindsided.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Kelsey Swanson
Kelsey Swanson has lived a charmed life as a beauty queen playing house in a castle owned by her wealthy boyfriend. Now at a crossroads, Kelsey must decide between the comfort of her gilded arrangement and a future on her own terms. When her loyalty to Liz is tested, Kelsey worries about going up against the group’s heaviest hitter and losing her greatest cheerleader.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Ashley Iaconetti
Fresh from finding her Prince Charming on television, influencer and former The Bachelor personality Ashley Iaconetti quickly learns that life after “I do” isn’t as blissful as she imagined. Between raising two young children, adjusting to life in Rhode Island and co-owning a struggling café with her husband, Jared, Ashley’s loyalties are tested when Rosie claims she never has her back.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Liz McGraw
Rhode Island’s cannabis queen, Liz McGraw, isn’t just running one of the country’s most successful dispensaries, she’s also the person to know in the smallest state in the union. When she and husband Gerry learn they’re about to become grandparents, Liz makes one thing clear – she will not be trading couture for a rocking chair. As she prepares for a new chapter in her family life, shifting dynamics within her inner circle test her influence and the bonds she’s long held close.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli
Grounded in tradition and guided by faith, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli puts family above all else. Proud of her Lebanese roots, she brings deeply held values into the group, especially when it comes to marriage. When rumors about her husband begin to circulate, Rulla is forced to confront uncomfortable questions that challenge her beliefs, resilience and commitment, putting her personal life under an unrelenting spotlight.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Jo-Ellen Tiberi
Jo-Ellen Tiberi may not be known for cooking dinner, but she’s never short on spilling tea. When sensitive information involving Rulla’s marriage circulates within the group, Jo-Ellen finds herself caught between honesty and discretion. Unresolved issues with her mother resurface, forcing her to confront long-buried childhood wounds and reckon with the personal cost of always being the one who tells it like it is.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Rosie DiMare
Former Rhode Island television news anchor Rosie DiMare and her husband, Rich, are leveling up, trading their cozy over-the-garage apartment for a sprawling dream home. As Rosie focuses on growing her local lifestyle program, she also faces challenges within her inner circle, leaving her to reassess loyalties and where she truly fits in with this evolving, close-knit group.
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Dolores Catania
Friend and familiar face Dolores Catania leaves the Jersey Shore behind to spend the summer in Rhode Island with her close friend, Liz McGraw. Together, the two embark on a new entrepreneurial venture — a menopause gummy brand — while soaking up some sun, fun and a little drama along the way.
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