Although Jackie Goldschneider appeared as part of the main cast of The Real Housewives of New Jersey in seasons 9-12, she will appear as a "friend of" the housewives in season 13. The demotion to “friend of” might surprise some viewers. Jackie has been relatively open with various media outlets about why she is taking a step down for RHONJ season 13.
After being such an integral part of four seasons, including an emotional season finale where she shared her battle with an eating disorder, viewers were surprised to learn she would be a friend of the show rather than a leading cast member on RHONJ since Jackie is one of the most popular housewives. She was such a central cast member for four seasons; it’s hard to imagine the show without her at this point. However, Jackie will make a perfect friend of the show, and the lessened screen time will make fans appreciate her more.
Jackie Demoted To "Friend Of" For Eating Disorder Recovery
According to People Magazine, Jackie, who was rumored to be demoted, purposely reduced her role alongside Bravo on RHONJ season 13 to focus on her recovery from an eating disorder. This wasn't a complete surprise, as at the end of the previous season of RHONJ, Jackie candidly shared with her fellow housewives that she was beginning recovery from an 18-year-long battle with an eating disorder. She commented to People Magazine that she was actively putting her health first, which meant taking a step back from the grueling filming schedule.
Fans Commend Jackie For Prioritizing Her Health
Since opening up about her eating disorder, Jackie has been candid about what it takes to recover and calling out celebrities for using the diabetes drug Ozempic as a weight loss method. Her outspoken nature is unsurprising, given her background as a lawyer and journalist. Jackie is a rare celebrity using her platform to raise awareness about an issue that is rampant in Hollywood and difficult for people, especially women whose entire being is wrapped up in their appearance, to talk about. On a reality show that often glorifies gossip and petty arguments, discussing something serious is a welcome shift and humanizes the housewives.
RHONJ fans took to Reddit to share their displeasure with the news. The information came alongside the confirmation that newcomer Rachel Fuda would take Jackie's spot on the show. On a Reddit thread started by u/HamptonsRob comments came in saying, “I hope she comes back full time soon! She adds class and intelligence to the show!” Another user commended Jackie for opening up about her eating disorder by saying, “We need more open and honest housewives with real-life struggles instead of fighting over sprinkle Cookies.” It’s clear that although Jackie will be missed, fans of RHONJ are supportive of her recovery journey.
Jackie will make the perfect “friend of” because fans already know she is a compelling, logical, and relatable housewife. Her intelligence, coupled with emotional availability, is an admirable trait. Jackie is showing viewers that it’s okay to have a health issue that forces a step back from work and that even people who seem to be perfect have problems they need to deal with. Jackie will be missed as a full season cast member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Still, the moments in which she does appear will be memorable, and remaining a “friend of” will keep her in the loop of the main cast members.
Source: People, u/HamptonsRob/Reddit