“Selling the Sunset” star Marie Bonnet must adjust to a new normal after exiting the reality series.
Bonnet pulled back the curtain on the rules she must now follow since she is no longer part of the cast. Adhering to the restrictions, which feel very unnatural to her due to her long-standing relationship with former co-stars, has been a tough pill to swallow.
The producers of “Selling Sunset” recently removed some of the familiar faces from the series just before its tenth season aired. The move has sparked reactions and questions about what the future of the Netflix reality series will look like.
‘Selling Sunset’ Reportedly Has Strict Rules for Former Cast Members
Bonnet revealed that not everything has been fun and roses since her exit from the “Selling Sunset” cast. She revealed that at this time she is not “allowed” to be near the Oppenheim Group, around the office during production, or go anywhere else with the actors.
She remembers the heavy feeling she felt when the restrictions were brought to her mind, describing the feeling felt at that moment as being similar to being in an alternate universe. The changes would change different aspects of her life, including the activities she did with her friends from the show just for fun.
“Even for Rose Day – this Jason [Oppenheim] and I go every year together — I had the tickets and I wasn’t allowed to go,” Bonnet told US Weekly in an exclusive interview. “They said, ‘No, Mary can’t come because they were going to film part of it.’ They don’t want anyone [past] the cast dominates or overshadows the new cast,” she added.
Mary Bonnet said the whole situation was sad and frustrating
While the reality show’s production team would insist that they don’t want people to distract from their storylines, Bonnet sees things differently. Limiting his interaction with the Oppenheim group when the cameras are rolling means distancing him from his friends.
“So for that part, I was very frustrated and I’m sad about it. I have to be separated from my friends,” the reality star explained later in the interview. She then revealed that whenever they film, members of the old cast are not allowed into the office. Even though these new rules hurt, Bonnet has learned to see the positive side of the situation.
“They’re not allowing us into the office. It’s my office, and it’s weird, but it’s okay because I have to work from home anyway,” she noted before opening up about adjusting to her new normal. The reality star says it’s been a “grieving process,” but she’s grateful for the experience she had on the show.
The Netflix real estate show brought back more familiar faces
Just before season 10, “Selling Sunset” removed Bonnet, who had been with the series since its premiere in 2019. Other cast members removed from the series include Alanna Gold, Sandra Vergara, Chelsea Lazkani and Emma Hernan. The assumption that clean house would be about bringing new faces on set wasn’t entirely the game plan.
The Blast reported that the series brought back older, more recognizable faces. Christine Quinn, who left the show in 2022 after explosive drama erupted following scathing accusations, was set to return for the tenth season.
Bre Tiesi, Amanza Smith and Heather Rae El Moussa were also set to return to the reality show. Bonnet said at the time that Quinn’s return was a good turn of events despite his messy exit. In his words, “Christine still is, she’s good for the show. She wasn’t happy with the way she left, I mean the things before, but everyone grows up, and I hope she did.”
Fans were excited for Heather Rae El Moussa’s return to ‘Selling Sunset’
El Moussa left the series in 2023, near the end of the 7th season, and was not called back after her maternity leave. It appeared that fans were craving his return because the excitement when the media personality announced his return was at its peak.
To announce her return to the real estate reality series, El Moussa posted an iconic clip where she appeared to call Jason Oppenheim on his phone and informed him that she was back to put on a show for fans amid smiles. “See you at sunset,” the caption read, and the reactions quickly poured in.
The Blast shared that the reality star had friends and fans in the comments declaring their excitement to see her back on the big screen. “So iconic!! The OG is back!” one fan wrote, while another noted that they are ready to fully entertain themselves with the new season with El Moussa in the cast.
Mary Bonnet Had to Choose Sides in Previous Drama ‘Selling Sunset’
Nearly two years ago, screens were buzzing after a cheating scandal made waves involving Hernan. The matter escalated after it was discovered that Nicole Young was spreading rumors about her co-star, as noted in The Blast’s previous statement.
Bonnet found himself in the middle of the drama, having to take sides between Young and Hernan. Even though she was part of the group that Young spoke directly about in the rumor mill, Bonnet made it clear that she was on Hernan’s side. She stressed that she did not want to participate in spreading whispers and that she was strongly opposed to Young’s actions and his decision to put the rumor on air.
“I don’t want to be a part of this. Emma is a very nice girl and I feel bad that she’s being portrayed like this,” Bonnet said at the time, adding that Hernan didn’t deserve to be called out like this on television. She explained that the story was twisted and portrayed her co-star in a negative light, which she felt was completely unfair.
Will the producers of “Selling Sunset” let their guard down over time?