Jill Zarin Loses Reality TV Role After Controversial Comments About Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in New York

Reality TV star Jill Zarin’s much-anticipated comeback on E!’s upcoming Real Housewives of New York reunion docuseries, The Golden Life, came to an abrupt halt this week.

Just days after the announcement of her return, Zarin was removed from the cast following a viral video in which she criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show for “having no white people.”

The former RHONY cast member had been set to reunite with her old co-stars Sonja Morgan, Luann de Lesseps, Kelly Bensimon, and Ramona Singer on the project, which has not yet begun filming.

However, the backlash over her comments forced producers to act swiftly.

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Dorinda Medley Steps In as Zarin’s Replacement

According to Page Six, Real Housewives alum Dorinda Medley will take over Zarin’s role on the series.

Medley, who starred on RHONY for six seasons, had publicly condemned Zarin’s remarks and was already expected to appear on the docuseries in some capacity.

Sources suggest that E! originally planned to announce Medley’s involvement closer to the show’s premiere, but Zarin’s sudden removal accelerated the decision.

Medley’s promotion to main cast member ensures continuity for the series while aligning the show with public sentiment and social responsibility standards.

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Zarin’s Controversial Video Sparks Backlash

Zarin’s video, posted on Super Bowl Sunday and later deleted, criticized the Puerto Rican artist’s halftime show.

“We all agree—it was the worst halftime show ever,” she said.

“It’s 250 years that we’re celebrating in the United States, and I just don’t think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish.”

She added, “There were literally no white people in the entire thing. It looked like a political statement.”

The comments drew immediate criticism from fans, media outlets, and fellow Real Housewives stars.

Blink49 Studios, which is producing The Golden Life, issued a statement noting that Zarin would no longer be involved:

“In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life.

We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”

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Fellow Housewives Condemn the Remarks

Medley, along with other Housewives including Bozoma Saint John and Chanel Ayan, openly criticized Zarin’s comments.

On the Reality Checked podcast, Medley said she was “horrified” and “disagreed with absolutely everything” Zarin had said.

She praised Bad Bunny for creating hope and joy through his performance, emphasizing the cultural and emotional impact of the halftime show.

Other Housewives weighed in across social media.

Saint John mocked Zarin’s attempt at neutrality, highlighting her appreciation for Bad Bunny’s artistry, while Ayan described herself as “seriously disgusted” by Zarin’s comments.

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Medley’s Career Moves Ahead of New Series

Dorinda Medley, 61, is no stranger to reality television success.

Since leaving RHONY in 2020, she has been developing her new show centered around her opulent home, Blue Stone Manor, and continues to host her SiriusXM radio show Let’s Talk and Make It Nice.

She also released a memoir in 2021 named after her iconic catchphrase, Make It Nice, and appeared in seasons two and four of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.

Her promotion to main cast member of The Golden Life provides an opportunity for her to return to the spotlight while bringing her established fan base to the new series.

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What’s Next?

With Zarin officially out, fans are curious about how the reunion docuseries will handle the fallout and whether any other cast members will publicly address the controversy.

The Golden Life is still in pre-production, and Medley’s elevated role signals that the producers are focused on maintaining both star power and social accountability.

It remains to be seen how Zarin’s firing will affect her future TV opportunities, as public backlash may influence casting decisions across reality TV networks.

Meanwhile, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance continues to resonate culturally, making the debate around representation and inclusion a talking point long after the Super Bowl has ended.

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Summary

Jill Zarin was removed from E!’s The Golden Life reunion docuseries after posting controversial comments about Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

Dorinda Medley, who previously condemned Zarin’s remarks, will replace her as a main cast member.

The decision highlights the sensitivity of public commentary in reality TV, the influence of social media backlash, and ongoing conversations around representation in entertainment.

Medley’s involvement signals continuity for the series while aligning with cultural and ethical standards.