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Jenna Lyons Accused of Being a “Diva in Disguise” Over Flight Issue on RHONY
Jenna Lyons said she wanted a two-day head start to work on her tan, citing a rare genetic disorder that causes abnormalities to the skin.
The ladies of The Real Housewives of New York City are setting off the drama when one of them decides they’re jetting off in business class.
Jenna Lyons opted to fly separately from the others as the group flew from New York to Anguilla for their wintertime girls' trip. Erin Lichy, Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Jessel Taank, and Brynn Whitfield were less than thrilled to learn their fashion-forward friend planned to leave for the Caribbean and stay at the Four Seasons two days before their planned departure.
Drama ensued when Erin revealed that Jenna felt above flying coach, but what actually happened?
Did Jenna Lyons not want to fly Coach?
Erin stopped to visit Jenna in RHONY Season 14, Episode 8, as Jenna recovered from dental surgery. As previously touched on, Jenna has undergone years of surgeries due to a rare genetic disorder, incontinentia pigmenti, which causes significant abnormalities to the teeth, skin, and hair.
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It was for this very reason, Jenna explained to Erin, that she wanted to get a head start on the girls’ trip and take time to work on her tan, an effort to conceal her skin-related insecurities.
“These women are beautiful; they all have incredible bodies and incredible skin,” Jenna told RHONY producers.
Jenna has opened up about her skin pigmentation this season, which she told Erin was “eight million different colors," adding it becomes more noticeable without a tan.
However, Jessel, Sai, and Brynn, thought Jenna was just being a little self-important.
“She’s a diva in disguise,” Brynn told Jessel during a video call.
Of course, Jenna said there was a bonus to taking a flight separate from the rest, though she was initially reluctant to tell Erin.
“I’ll be honest with you, and you’re gonna hate me for this,” said Jenna before changing her voice to a whisper. “I didn’t want to fly coach.”
Erin told RHONY producers it was “a level of diva” she didn’t know Jenna had.
The Housewives — sans Jenna — arrived at their luxurious accommodations in style, leaving the least desirable bedroom for Jenna. Sitting by an infinity pool overlooking the turquoise waters, Erin told the others about her visit with Jenna back in New York City, explaining Jenna’s reasoning behind leaving early.
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“And then she was like, ‘The truth is, I’m not flying down with you guys because I don’t fly coach,’” Erin told the others.
Erin had no qualms about sharing what Jenna told her (even if not verbatim), stating Jenna should learn to be more “open and honest” with the rest of the squad.
The ‘Wives were unhappy with Jenna’s choice, calling it “insanity” and “embarrassing.”
Additionally, Erin questioned if Jenna “even really wanted to tan,” while Jessel and Sai were also skeptical, noting how Jenna previously said she’d wear a burka on the beach.
“Maybe the tanning is a part of her plan,” said Jessel. “But I think the real reason is that she doesn’t want to fly coach.”
The RHONY ‘Wives Confront Jenna About Flight
Jenna caught up with the ladies later in the evening, baring beautifully tanned skin. Just as Brynn and the others were griping about Jenna’s regular gift-giving being a means to promote brands, Jenna found them sitting outside.
“For someone who’s so self-conscious about showing her skin, I see a lot of it right now,” said Erin.
But Brynn admitted, “It’s hard for me to be angry at people when they look that good.”
Sai told Jenna the group was “really annoyed” that Jenna flew on another plane. Sai revealed it was Erin who told them Jenna didn’t want to fly coach, but Jenna laughed it off, saying, “That’s not what I said.”
Jenna attempted to explain that she’d meant to get a tan for some time but that her friend getting a puppy and dental work kept delaying her plans.
This “confused” Brynn, who called it a “cop out” when Jenna next explained she wouldn’t have needed a tan if she looked like the rest of the gang.
“I was not expecting to walk into an interrogation about my decision to travel early,” Jenna later told producers. “I think it’s for their benefit. I’m now in a better mood, and I look cuter!”
The group seemed to accept Jenna’s decision in the end. However, a preview for RHONY Season 14, Episode 9, shows the subject will heat up once again.
“Actions have consequences, Jenna,” Erin smirked to producers in the recent episode. “You can’t expect them to not be mad.”
Will Jenna be able to fly above the drama?
Find out on The Real Housewives of New York City on Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo and the next day on Peacock.
