Longtime Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards is unsure whether she will return for Season 15 of the hit Bravo reality series. The 56-year-old actress and television personality opened up about her uncertain future with the franchise during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s “An Unforgettable Evening” gala in Beverly Hills on April 28.
Richards, who has been a core cast member since RHOBH premiered in 2010, acknowledged that she is still weighing her decision as the deadline to commit to the next season approaches.
“I need to make that decision soon — the clock is ticking,” Richards said. “It’s something I’ve really been thinking about, and I don’t take it lightly.”
When asked whether she typically contemplates her involvement after each season wraps, Richards admitted that she often begins having doubts long before filming ends.
“Yes, and sometimes mid-season,” she said with a laugh, before acknowledging the emotional toll the show can take. “Of course, it’s very difficult having your life out there and having the world analyze and judge things when they don’t know the full story. People make assumptions without knowing the truth, and you’re not always in a position to explain yourself.”
Richards, who has appeared in every season of RHOBH since its debut, said her decision to continue each year depends heavily on what is happening in her personal life at the time.
“It depends on the year and what I’m going through,” she explained. “Some seasons are easier than others, and some are just overwhelming. I’ve always tried to be honest and open on the show, but that also comes with a price.”
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Season 14 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which aired earlier this year, was particularly difficult for Richards. The season followed her through an emotional period that included her public separation from her husband of nearly three decades, Mauricio Umansky. The couple, who married in 1996, share three daughters — Alexia, 28, Sophia, 24, and Portia, 17. Richards also has an older daughter, Farrah, 36, from a previous relationship.
“This last season was very challenging,” she said. “I actually didn’t even watch most of it, which I usually do. Even if it’s tough, I like to watch at least once, to see how everything came together. But this time, it was too painful. I just couldn’t do it.”
Despite skipping the full reunion episode, Richards acknowledged that she has seen clips on social media, which made her reconsider watching the season in full.
“I’ve seen so many moments on Instagram, I feel like I’ve already seen the show,” she said. “But now that I’m starting to feel a little better emotionally, I think I might go back and watch the whole thing.”
One of the more controversial topics during Season 14 involved Richards’ close friendship with country music artist Morgan Wade. Speculation about a romantic relationship between the two intensified after Richards appeared in Wade’s music video for “Fall in Love with Me,” where the pair portrayed lovers. The video featured intimate scenes, including a bubble bath and near kiss, further fueling rumors.
During the season reunion, Bravo host Andy Cohen confronted Richards about the mixed messages surrounding her relationship with Wade.
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“I do just want to point out, putting out a music video where the two of you are lovers, that added a lot to the conversation — and that was totally in your hands,” Cohen said. “At some point, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
Richards responded by acknowledging that the spotlight on Wade had become overwhelming. “She didn’t sign up for this kind of attention,” Richards said. “I feel guilty because all of this has caused her anxiety, and that’s something I don’t want to add to.”
Despite the public scrutiny, Richards and Wade remain close. The two first connected on social media and have since spent significant time together, including vacations with other Housewives cast members. In a Season 13 episode, Richards got a tattoo of her initial on Wade as a symbol of their bond.
While Richards continues to deal with the emotional aftermath of her marital split and intense media focus, she emphasized that she is taking time to prioritize her mental health before making any decisions about returning to the franchise.
“I’ve been through a lot this past year,” she said. “Right now, I’m focused on healing and spending time with my family. Whether I come back or not, I’ll always be grateful for everything the show has brought into my life.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is available to stream on Peacock. Bravo has not yet confirmed the cast for Season 15.
