Heather Thomson Responds to Jill Zarin’s Comments About Her Joining RHONY

When Heather Thomson appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday (September 10), she was quick to clear up some recent comments made by fellow The Real Housewives of New York City alum Jill Zarin.

When Andy Cohen shared one fan's question about those comments Jill made on a podcast about Heather, Ms. Thomson was more than happy to give her take on it. "Heather, what's your response to Jill Zarin saying that fans got the short end of the stick when you replaced her on RHONY?" Andy asked, via a fan question.

Heather said on WWHL: "I'm actually so glad this question came up because you're here [Andy] and we can set the record straight. We don't replace Housewives. We introduce new Housewives."

(A quick refresher: Jill joined in Season 1 and exited as a full-time RHONY Housewife after Season 4. Heather joined the RHONY cast in Season 5 and stayed on for three seasons full-time, before exiting in Season 7. Both women have made cameos in the seasons since their respective departures.)

Andy mirrored that sentiment: "Right, you didn't replace Jill Zarin."

Heather went on to add, "I didn’t replace Jill Zarin. Whether she likes me or not, or whether she felt like I filled the role as a Housewife, that’s her opinion. But I was not put on the show to replace you, Jill. So, back her down!”

To hear more from Heather, press play on the WWHL clip above and below.