Lizzie Rovsek on Briana's "Girth Brooks" Story: "I Was Completely Disgusted by That"

Kentucky pagaent queen turned O.C. swimsuit designer Lizzie Rovsek has had a front row seat for all the drama on Real Housewives of Orange County this season. We've seen her advise Meghan after blow-ups with Vicki and heard her thoughts about Brooks' controversial cancer diagnosis. With Reunion Parts 1 and 2 in the books, we turned to California's voice of reason to get her take on Briana and Vicki's complicated relationship, Meghan and Jim Edmonds' rookie seasons, and the introduction of "Girth" Brooks. 

Do you think Jim Edmonds was portrayed accurately this season? Anything that we’d be surprised to learn about him or his relationship with Meghan?   

I think so. Jim was the same guy on camera and off camera as far as I could tell. I think Jim is funny. What guy wants to willingly get involved with the women’s drama on the show? Jim is a typical guy and a lot like Christian in the sense that he seems uninterested and annoyed by the drama. However, I don’t necessarily think he was portrayed as a very loving and supportive husband, but viewers see only parts of our relationships on the show, and when I have been with the Edmonds I have seen them happy and fun together.

Do you think Vicki should have repeated the story she heard about Meghan and Jim’s marriage?

I don’t necessarily agree with repeating this story, but Vicki was taking a lot of heat from Meghan. Meghan tried to expose Vicki as a con artist all season. Who wouldn’t be annoyed at being investigated behind your back by someone that barely knows you? It’s not like everyone saw Jim and Meghan in this amazing relationship. I personally didn’t find it that offensive. It seems like all season everyone can say whatever they want, no matter how hurtful or inappropriate it may seem; but as soon as Vicki opens her mouth everyone is so quick to be appalled and shocked. Come on!

Jim Edmonds Reacts to Being on RHOC

What do you think about Shannon and David’s decision to be speak openly about their marital struggles? 

I think it takes a lot of courage to get on a television show and speak openly about any marital struggles. So many people are judging you and I know Shannon and David both were suffering. Hopefully, their story will help other people. I’m very happy for them. They seem to be in a wonderful place right now. Marriage is hard for everyone; we all go through difficult times.

If you were in Shannon’s shoes, would you be that open about your own relationship struggles? 

If I were Shannon, I would do the same thing. However, David had to be willing to do that, too. Christian has a very difficult time expressing himself in difficult times. I would have liked to be more open about some hardships in my marriage, but Christian wasn’t willing to do that this year. I really held back in respect to my husband’s wishes. My number one concern will always be the welfare of my family and most importantly, my children. Shannon and David were on the same page and were ready to openly share their journey and struggle. I admire them both for that. 

Was it shocking to hear Vicki’s comments about Tamra’s custody battle at Tamra’s sex party?

Tamra was going through that custody battle last season. I have never felt comfortable remarking about that before and I still don’t now. Tamra and Vicki have a long history. I have heard Vicki defend Tamra in her custody battle many many times — I’m not sure what that was all about. I know that Vicki feels that somehow Tamra is behind the dispelling of Brooks’ cancer and perhaps that was in retaliation? 

How did you react to hearing Briana tell her stories about Brooks?

The stories that Briana told about Brooks were horrible. The sad thing is I believe her. I don’t understand why Briana would lie about that. It seems to me that Briana really loves her mom. I honestly feel bad for Vicki and have for the second half of this season. Love is the strongest emotion, drug, what have you on the planet. Love can be blind and I’ve seen women I love date men like this. From my experience, Brooks was always a very nice guy and a gentleman and seemed to make Vicki very happy. It’s really appalling to hear that he hit on Briana while she was pregnant along with the other things he was saying and doing.

Brooks blames the Housewives and Briana for his break up with Vicki. Do you think that’s the real reason why they broke up?

I know how happy Vicki was with Brooks. I have heard a lot of colorful stories about Brooks in the past. I understand Vicki loved Brooks a lot and it seemed to me that they had put the past behind them and moved forward in a positive light. I think that if Brooks’ cancer was not put under a spotlight and was not the target of the season, I think they would probably still be together. Vicki hasn’t had a break this season and I honestly don’t know what Brooks' real story is. At this point, I’m not sure I even care. Vicki and Brooks have both been put through the ringer this year by the cast and the world. My only concern is for Vicki to be surrounded by some loyal people and that she is okay. 

Do you think Brooks and Vicki will ever get back together?

I honestly don’t know. They seem to have been through a lot of ups and downs together. Vicki told me that Brooks was the love of her life. That kind of love is very, very difficult to get over. 

We’ve seen you be the voice of reason more than once. Do you think there’s a possibility that Vicki and Shannon will be able to mend their friendship?  

I definitely think Vicki and Shannon can mend their relationship if they are willing to try. Tamra did a lot of things to Shannon last year. Shannon felt the exact same way about Tamra at the end of last season as she does about Vicki now. Guess what? She forgave Tamra and they are closer than ever. Shannon has forgiven her husband. Shannon is a devout Christian and has shown the world that she can forgive. Hopefully at some point these two do make amends.

How do you think Meghan has handled her rookie season? What advice (if any) do you have for her? 

It was nice to see Meghan more reserved and a little softer at the reunion. That is the Meghan I initially met; that is the girl I became friends with. It’s not a secret that I haven’t agreed with the lengths Meghan went to this season with the investigations, etc. I think Meghan was making her mark for her first season. I have to appreciate her boldness, but it was nice to see the sweeter side to her. That’s the girl I know.

What’s been the most shocking revelation revealed at the reunion thus far?

The most shocking revelation revealed at the reunion was "Girth" Brooks.  I mean, who says that to their girlfriend’s pregnant daughter? I was completely disgusted by that.

Do you think Brooks has cancer? 

I honestly can’t say 100 percent that he doesn’t or that he does or that he did… Either way I hope he gets better.

Take a look at the RHOC ladies' stunning interview looks through the years.