‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ Cast Opens up About Ronnie Ortiz-Magro’s Mental Health Break From Season 5
Since Ronnie Ortiz-Magro‘s exit from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, many fans have wondered if and when he’ll return. While promoting JSFV Season 5, the cast opened up about their roommate. Here’s what they had to say about Ortiz-Magro, his mental health, and his break from the MTV series.
‘Jersey Shore’ roommates are wishing Ronnie Ortiz-Magro well
In May 2021, Ortiz-Magro announced he was stepping away from the show to take care of his mental health. “I think he handled it the way that he should have by taking his time to get his mental health right [and] go through the process and deal with everything he needed to deal with,” Jenni “JWoww” Farley admitted to Page Six. “We wish him the best and hope he’s doing well now — at least better than before.”
‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ cast didn’t keep in touch with Ronnie Ortiz-Magro while filming
During their conversation with Page Six, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi admitted there wasn’t a lot of time to keep in contact with Ortiz-Magro while they were filming season 5. “When we’re filming, it’s like full-blown filming, no phones, we’re just enjoying the moment,” she explained. “He knew we were filming, but I feel like he was busy trying to get his headspace right.”
“We respected his decision to take a step back and focus on mental health because that’s what’s ultimately the important thing,” Pauly DelVecchio added. “I certainly support that decision he made to take that step back and I wanna respect that with him.”
When asked whether Ortiz-Magro’s break from Jersey Shore: Family Vacation has been helpful or not, Vinny Guadagnino said, “I don’t know. We wish him the best. He’s on his own personal journey … and all we can do is kind of wish him the best.”
Will Ronnie Ortiz-Magro return to ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’?
At this time, it’s unclear if Ortiz-Magro will return in the second half of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 5 or if he’ll return to the show at all. When asked about their castmates’ return, Guadagnino referenced Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s transformation over the years, adding how the cast will always be there to support Ortiz-Magro.
“We’re always here for each other when we’re putting in the work and making these amazing comebacks,” he said. “All we can do is wait and see and, like I said, wish him the best.”
To many fans’ surprise, Ortiz-Magro did appear in the first episode of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Season 5. With the help of Sorrentino and support from his roommates, Ortiz-Magro visited Saffire Matos’ family to ask for their permission to propose.
“It’s kind of soon,” Guadagnino admitted in the episode. Many of the other Jersey Shore roommates felt the same way.
“I’m excited for Ron,” Sorrentino told cameras, adding: “I really hope that he’s making the right decision, but this could be rushed.” Farley agreed, saying, “You can be happy and not rush to the altar.”
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro stepped away after his April 2021 arrest
The show didn’t ignore Ortiz-Magro’s April 2021 arrest for domestic violence. MTV included clips of headlines regarding the matter plus resources for fans interested in seeking mental health help.
After news of his arrest spread, Ortiz-Magro announced his stepping back from the show. “After talking to the team at MTV, we have mutually agreed that I will step away from the show while I seek medical treatment for mental health issues that I’ve ignored for too long,” he shared on his Instagram Stories. “My number one goal now is facing my struggles head-on.” However, a few days later, a source close to Ortiz-Magro alleged he “wasn’t ready for rehab.”
Watch Jersey Shore: Family Vacation every Thursday at 8 PM ET on MTV.
How to get help: In the U.S. and Canada, text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to reach a crisis counselor for support.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
