The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may soon be showcasing another showdown between Kyle Richards and her sister, but this time it's Kathy. Kyle, who is one of the franchise's original cast members, has expressed jealousy over the Hilton family matriarch's special treatment by producers, who meet Kathy's every need.
During the course of her time on RHOBH, Kyle Richards has appeared on the show with both of her siblings. For the first five seasons, her sister, former child actress Kim, was her co-star, and last season Kathy joined the cast in a limited capacity. During Kim's run on the show, her personal problems became apparent and ultimately she and Kyle engaged in one of the ugliest on-camera arguments that viewers have witnessed. This caused a multi-year rift that was followed shortly by troubles with Kathy (not yet a cast member) and Kim, who were angry that Kyle had produced a fictionalized version of their childhood in her show American Woman. Extremely displeased with Kyle taking creative liberties regarding their mother's life, Kathy and Kyle had their own long-term fall-out.
Fresh off of mending both relationships, Kyle welcomed Kathy onto the show last season and viewers finally got a glimpse of the third sister. She and Kyle reveled in the re-birth of their relationship and Kathy's quirky personality was enthusiastically embraced by the audience. What happened on-camera, however, may not be the whole truth, as OK! reports that Kyle is now the sister who's got beef. The site reports that Kathy held out for a big paycheck in order to appear next season and Kyle's infuriated that producers continue to go the extra mile to accommodate her. Kyle, who has a decade invested in the show, reportedly "feels it's unfair" that Kathy is being granted such favor given her limited contribution.
When Kathy showed up, she instantly became a fan favorite because of her harmless rich-lady shenanigans and endearing naiveté. Her antics were over the top - even for the other women in the cast - which is saying a lot. She was affectionately portrayed and beloved among her fellow castmates, even as she called Kyle to request that she return from her outing (with their co-stars) bearing chia seeds and a straw for her smoothie. Possibly her defining moment on the show, however, occurred during Sutton's meltdown when, in all seriousness, Kathy asked, "Who is hunky-dory?"
There is no doubt that Kathy's debut on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was a smashing success. When such magic happens, the viewers demand more and it's no surprise that Bravo is willing to pay the price. Kyle, while a likable and fairly down-to-earth cast member has been consistent over the years, Kathy's charm is undeniable. It remains to be seen if Kyle's displeasure over her sister's newfound popularity will end up in the storyline.
Source: OK!