Who Is Potential ‘RHONY’ Newbie, Bershan Shaw?
RHONY producers are looking to shake things up for season 13. With the exit of Dorinda Medley, producers are attempting to diversify the cast and bring on its first full-time Black housewife. The top contender for the spot is Bershan Shaw.
Who is Bershan Shaw?
Shaw describes herself as a business coach, actress, and motivational speaker. The Washington D.C. native is a graduate of Syracuse University, receiving her broadcast Journalism degree – as well as an M.A in Journalism from New York University.
While making a life for herself in New York, Shaw transitioned from waitressing and hosting at various New York City restaurants to becoming an entrepreneur and opening her own bar and restaurant, Haven Lounge.
But at 33-years-old, Shaw was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent radiation and her cancer went into remission. Two weeks before her wedding, her cancer returned with a grim life expectancy of six to nine months to live. Shaw refused to give in and began living a holistic lifestyle.
After becoming cancer-free for the second time, she started her own social support site URAWarrior. She chronicled her journey in the OWN reality series Love In the City. The series followed Shaw and her three friends living and working in New York City, balancing love, friendship, and career. The show lasted one season.
Currently, Shaw speaks throughout the county, as well as internationally, giving encouragement to women all over the world. She also hosts her own podcast, Buckle Up with Bershan.
Bershan Shaw is in the running to become the first Black full time ‘RHONY’ cast member
Sources close to production tell TMZ RHONY producers are hoping to bring Shaw into the fold. Filming for season 13 is underway and Shaw is reportedly filming scenes with cast members throughout Manhattan.
It’s unclear what her connection is to any of the cast members, but it is clear that she’ll be on the show in some capacity, whether as a friend to the show or a full-time housewife.
The addition of Shaw is strategic on the show’s part. Bravo executives believe a change in the cast is necessary, starting with diversifying its cast as there have been no Black cast members throughout the show’s history.
TMZ exclusively reveals the decision came easy following Medley and Tinsley Mortimer’s exits. There were rumors that Ali Wentworth, wife of George Stephanopoulos, would be joining but the outlet says it’s not true. From the start, a Black cast member was always in the cards.
The goal for this upcoming season, per TMZ, is to “feature more than just rich, white women.” Shaw fits the mold. She has an impressive resume and an even more compelling personal story of tragedy and survival.
During her time on Love In the City, Shaw was married. It’s unclear if she is still with her husband or if the two have gone their separate ways.
From the looks of Shaw’s Instagram account, she spends her time traveling and hanging out with her family and friends. She appears to be currently single.
