'Real Housewives of New York' Fired? Producers Furious Over Cast Salary Demands
The "Real Housewives of New York" cast members are reportedly facing the axe following reports claiming Bravo TV producers are fed up with their demands.
Ramona Singer, Carole Radziwill, Heather Thomson, Aviva Drescher, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn de Lesseps reportedly banded together and demanded individual salary raises for the upcoming season six. The cast mates are believed to have rejected their individual season six contract offers, which has infuriated producers of the hit reality TV show.
"Sources tell us the network is FURIOUS ... and has told the group they have until Friday [May 10] to sign the offers that are currently on the table, or they're all FIRED," TMZ.com reported.
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According to reports Season five of the Bravo TV show "was one of the lowest rated seasons in the show's run." Producers are now rumored to be considering canceling the show altogether.
"It's either a wrap, or it's a tactic to get them to sign their contracts," a source told The New York Post's Page Six.
The cast members are often seen jet-setting around the globe, fine dining, attending exclusive events and living in luxury in what appears to be some of the many perks of being a Bravo TV "housewife." The average salary is reportedly $65,000 per season, which they ultimately argue is simply not enough.
Singer, 53, is said to be the highest earner, with sources claiming the married mother-of-one takes home an estimated $500,000. She was reportedly demanding a 50 percent pay increase.
"There's a lot of expenses that go into being on the show and they're not frivolous. The cast asked for a modest increase— enough so they can cover the costs and make a little money," a source said.
"Another source close to the cast said they'd been negotiating individually, but then "banded together" for leverage— and that's when Bravo had enough," the source explained.
