Jessel Taank says The Real Housewives of New York City did not fully show how hurtful rumors about her husband, Pavit Randhawa, were for her. Speaking to Us, she said the show played down her reaction, though she understood why the cast chose to treat the speculation with humor rather than delve into it more seriously.
The rumors, which concerned Pavit’s sexuality and alleged infidelity, became part of the drama in season 16. Taank said the most upsetting part was the suggestion that her husband was cheating and “leading a double life,” rather than the speculation itself.
Taank said she did not learn the details until the cast’s trip to Moskito Island. She explained that when she approached Erin Lichy to apologize for comments about Lichy’s flooded Hamptons home, she also asked what Lichy had been saying about Pavit. According to Taank, Lichy said Sai De Silva had shared the rumors. Taank said that exchange was not shown on camera, and she then went back to speak with De Silva.
Although the show focused on Pavit’s humorous response to the speculation, Taank praised how he handled it, describing his reaction as “perfect.” She added that the situation might have been avoided if Lichy had told her about the rumors earlier, rather than letting the issue grow.
Taank said she believes Lichy may have kept the information as “ammunition” and used it against her. She also described a separate source of tension: after the season 16 premiere, newcomer Hailey Glassman confronted Taank about her IVF journey, having learned details from Lichy. Taank said she objected to her personal information being shared because it was not Lichy’s story to tell.
The Real Housewives of New York City airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Sources: Us Weekly.