‘RHOC’: Noella Bergener Sources Are ‘Shocked She Thought It Would Be Safe to Go On TV’
Real Housewives of Orange County is currently filming season 16, which will feature new cast member Noella Bergener. After Bravo opted to cut ties with Braunwyn Windham-Burke and Kelly Dodd earlier this year, Noella got her orange. Along with Nicole James and Dr. Jen Armstrong.
The cameras just started rolling in early July, and Noella has already started making headlines before her first episode has even aired. According to insiders close to the RHOC newbie, they’re “shocked she thought it would be safe to go on TV.”
Noella Bergener’s husband just filed for divorce
Just one year after tying the knot — and not long after Bravo cameras started filming her — Noella’s husband James Bergener has filed for divorce. The couple married in June 2020 and they share a two-year-old son.
According to TMZ, Noella was “blindsided” by the divorce filing, and James is no longer living in the home they share in Orange County. James is a popular personal injury attorney in Southern California known as “Sweet James” because of his numerous ads and billboards. He reportedly filed for divorce in Puerto Rico at the beginning of August.
James allegedly owes millions in back taxes
The divorce isn’t the only drama that Noella is bringing to RHOC during season 16. The unexpected split comes on the heels of James being accused of owing almost $6 million in back taxes.
Legal documents show that James got hit with a massive federal tax lien of over $4 million for 2018 and 2019. He also has a separate lien from the state of California for another $1.85 million.
“I was just as shocked and disgusted to find out a week before filming … and not from my husband. My marriage has been a fight every day since,” Noella wrote on Instagram. “I am being very open about my journey and looking at every option to settle my husband’s debts.”
Noella Bergener sources can’t believe she thought it would be safe to star on ‘RHOC’
In response to her husband’s divorce filing, Noella has filed for legal separation in California. She has requested primary custody of their son, as well as spousal support. Noella listed the reason for the split as “irreconcilable differences,” and the date of separation as “to be determined.”
According to her Instagram, the new RHOC star has been practicing “self care” in the wake of her messy split. She recently posted videos with her son that featured the duo enjoying the pool at their Newport Beach mansion.
Noella seems to be playing it cool. But according to sources close to the RHOC newbie, they can’t believe she decided to go on TV.
The Bergeners are ‘frauds’ claims one insider
According to the Bravo and Cocktails page on Instagram — which shares gossip from Bravo insiders — one source close to Noella and James claims they can’t be trusted.
“They are frauds. I can’t tell you too much (wish I could) but I anticipate you will get lots of details on their “marriage” — how they met in particular — and their “kids,” one source wrote.
Another added, “I honestly am shocked she thought it would be safe to go on TV. There hasn’t been a couple this insane ever. They truly are out of touch with reality if they thought going on TV would be safe.”
Noella Bergener is ‘always chasing fame,” claims an insider
Two more sources close to Noella and James also spoke up, with one claiming that Noella is high-maintenance and has always wanted to be famous.
“She is trouble…always chasing fame. Her demands were wild when she “dated” someone close to me. She would only fly in a private jet. Wanted a yacht. Her mom wanted to redo wills. Too much,” the source dished.
“They’re a mess. Have mutual friends. My hubs knows him — crazy lifestyle. Waiting to see what they show. No one can believe they’re doing this,” another insider shared.
Real Housewives of Orange County will return to Bravo for season 16 in early 2022.
