Television personality Justin Sylvester revealed his close relationship with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards and how she helped him come out of the closet. RHOBH season 12 is currently airing and has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows in the franchise, thanks to the glamorous and highly entertaining women in Beverly Hills. Kyle is the only original housewife on RHOBH, having been featured since its inception. She is beloved by fans for her warmth and emotional spirit, as well as for how vulnerable she is with opening up about her family and personal struggles with viewers. Kyle is no stranger to conflict, as she has weathered many fights over the years, most notably with her ex-best friend, Lisa Vanderpump.
The current season of RHOBH has been packed with tension and drama from the outset, largely between Crystal Minkoff and Sutton Stracke. The two women got off to a rough start in RHOBH season 11 when they had a heated conversation about race. Crystal accused Sutton of being someone who "doesn't see race," which made Sutton defensive and angry. Although they were able to squash the conflict, it continued to snowball into the current season, when Crystal alleged that Sutton had said something very "dark" regarding race but failed to reveal specifics about what was said. The feud led the other ladies to take sides on who to support, with Kyle backing Sutton. Kyle even accused Crystal of gaslighting, which Crystal turned around on her.
Although Kyle has had her share of friendship fights, she has been a true friend to one person in particular off-screen. News and television personality Justin recently revealed how Kyle helped him come out. In an interview with Today with Hoda & Jenna, Justin explained that he grew up in Louisiana, where it was unacceptable to be gay. He was bullied and ostracized for being different, and, as a result, he never came out and was in denial about his sexuality. When he moved to L.A., his first job was working as an assistant for Kyle, whom he became close friends with over time. "Someone had a 'Gays and Gals' party," he revealed. "She sat me down and she said, 'I really want you to come with me, but I know you’re not out to your family. And if you do this, the schtick is up."
Justin further explained how Kyle was a true friend by giving him her unconditional support. He noted that she went on to give him her love and friendship, adding, "If you do decide to do this, I will be with you every step of the way." Bolstered and inspired by Kyle, he called his mother that night and told her he was gay. Kyle's acceptance of him made a world of difference, and he said that the phone call was extremely difficult but rewarding. "That moment changed my life forever because, for the longest time, I was hiding my real dream," he said. In the end, Kyle offering her love and acceptance was the push Justin needed to come out of the closet.
Outside of her role as a housewife on RHOBH, Kyle is a mother to four daughters: Farrah, Sophia, Alexia and Portia. Alongside being a wife and mother, Kyle is also a businesswoman and has opened several stores. Between dealing with friendship highs and lows, her family, and her career, Kyle has her hands full.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Source: Today with Hoda & Jenna/YouTube