Countess Luann de Lesseps, who stars on the Real Housewives of New York City, told Life & Style that she’s received immense support from her co-stars in her sober journey.
“You know what, I take it day by day,” de Lesseps said. “I take my sobriety seriously, and day by day, and I just am learning to enjoy myself without drinking. So it’s eye-opening and it’s not easy. It’s always a struggle, but I feel a lot better.”
The reality star may have realized she had a problem with alcohol when she was charged with several crimes following a Christmas Eve arrest, including battery of an officer, disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest with violence, crimes against a person, and two corruption by threat charges for telling officers, “I am going to kill you all.”
Her hefty list of charges could have landed her five years in prison, according to TMZ. She even rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors, instead arguing that she was emotionally distraught.
“This was my first time in Palm Beach since my wedding, and being here brought up long-buried emotions,” she explained. “I want to offer my sincere apologies to anyone I might have offended with my behavior. I am committed to a transformative and hopeful 2018.”
Following the incident, she committed herself to rehab and recovery.
“After the events of last Saturday night in Palm Beach, I am truly embarrassed. I have decided to seek professional guidance and will be voluntarily checking into an alcohol treatment center,” she said. “I intend to turn this unfortunate incident into a positive life changing event. Once again, I sincerely apologize for my actions. I have the greatest respect for police officers and the job they do.”
Now, de Lesseps is doing better and back in the spotlight in a cabaret show.
“Nine months ago, I was in jail, and now I’m a cabaret star,” she said in the RHONY season 11 trailer. “Isn’t that crazy?”
Given that the cast of the Real Housewives is provided alcohol to fuel the drama, de Lesseps may find herself relying on her co-stars to stay clean—and her recovery may become a driving narrative of the show.
