The Real Housewives of Rhode Island star Liz McGraw is shutting down rumors about her exit from the show after one season.
“It’s fascinating to me how everyone assumes my reason for leaving involves being afraid of ‘skeletons’ …’jail,’ etc.,” Liz, 56, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, July 1, hours after she announced her departure from the Bravo reality show.
Liz’s announcement comes amid close friend Dino Guilmette’s ongoing legal battle. Dino, 47, who made an appearance on RHORI and was mentioned by Liz and husband Gerry McGraw multiple times, was arrested in March 2022 and charged with drug trafficking, conspiracy and financial fraud. He has been accused of supplying and conspiring to supply Lorazepam, a prescription sedative, to a friend’s girlfriend, as well as defrauding a pandemic-era state program out of $7,000 in rent-relief money.
In a 2021 search warrant affidavit, Rhode Island State Police Detective Matthew Lynch alleged that Guilmette ran a cocaine operation in allegiance with the Patriarca crime family in New England, according to multiple reports. Guilmette has not been formally indicted for Mafia-related racketeering, and his lawyer has denied the ties to the Mafia.
Guilmette, who could face up to 88 years behind bars if convicted, rejected a plea deal to avoid jail time last month, with his lawyer noting that Guilmette has maintained his innocence. The case will return to court on July 17.
Liz and Gerry, 55, were dragged into the legal proceedings in 2021 when they were named as Guilmette’s associates in the affidavit, although they have not been accused of criminal activity. Fans have speculated that Liz pulled out of RHORI in anticipation of Guilmette’s trial.
“This is not new gossip … it has been the local slander for YEARS,” Liz continued in her post on Wednesday, seemingly referring to rumors that Guilmette’s case will uncover her own alleged nefarious activities. “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.”
Liz concluded, “Sorry to disappoint. It’s wild to me how people feel at liberty to openly state such absurd claims as facts. Now that I have time on my hands, I will start the process of holding those originating and spreading such fiction accountable.”
Liz announced her exit from RHORI earlier on Wednesday.
“I’m full of gratitude for the amazing opportunity to appear on this show,” she wrote via Instagram. “As filming for Season 2 begins, I have made the decision to take a step back and focus on my family, my work and my passions.”
The Bravolebrity continued, “The RHORI cast is an amazing group of women who have created something special. I’ll be watching next season, rooting for the continued success of this franchise. For now, I look forward to enjoying this little corner of the world from the other side of the camera.”
Read the full article here
