'Real Housewives of Orange County:' Alexis Bellino Wasn't Asked Back, Source Confirms Tamra Barney's Remarks [UPDATE]
Looks like Alexis Bellino, who has been on "The Real Housewives of Orange County" for three seasons, will not be returning to the successful Bravo franchise.
"She wasn't invited back," a source told E! News. "The crew was tired of her complaining and diva ways. They were also tired of her fame-seeking husband."
This confirms fellow "Real Housewive's" star Tamra Barney's suspicions that Bellino did not quit the show, but was fired from it.
"Let's just say the story I read and what I was told does not match," Barney posted on her Twitter on Sept. 18, according to RadarOnline. "In my opinion her story is never straight!"
"Not the same story I was told ...let's keep it at that," Barney wrote in reaction to Bellino leaving the show. "Who leaves a successful show?"
Sources claim Barney is one of the main reasons Bellino is leaving the series. She is also sick of the cocktail induced cat fights, especially since on last season's "Real Housewives of Orange County," she was ganged up on in nearly every argument thanks largely to Barney.
In July, Bellino and husband Jim spoke out about the verbal bullying and attacks their family suffered from their fellow castmate.
" 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' is a reality show that is meant to entertain and engage audiences with the lives of its cast members," the couple told Us Weekly, adding that they were considering taking legal action against Barney. "This vicious and malicious attack on our family will no longer be tolerated. We have continually tried to take the high road, however, if necessary, we are prepared to defend ourselves against these unfounded, slanderous and defamatory remarks to the fullest extent of the law."
Sources close to Bellino claim she does not want to deal with the drama that the show brings.
"Alexis doesn't want to be a part of the show," a source told RadarOnline of her decision to quit. "She wants to have a normal life with her family, and that doesn't include all of the drama that comes with being on the show. Alexis knows that her children are the most important thing in her life, not being famous or being on television, so she made the decision to not be on the show and to return to her regular life."
An Us Weekly insider confirmed similiar sentiments: "Alexis was really tired of being bullied and chose home and family life over celebrity."
Though she is said to have begun contract negotiations with Bravo, Us Weekly reported that Bellino "wanted to go back to her simple life in Orange County."
A Bravo network rep, however, said, "We have not yet made any announcements about a season 8 pick up or casting."
In August, Bellino told Star magazine, "Initially, I was leaning toward not returning after such a difficult season. But they asked me to come back. I'm soul-searching to make the best decision for me and my family."
As for her relationships with the "Housewives" cast members, all of them seem to be beyond repair except for her friendship with Vicki Gunvalson, which still remains strong.
"I feel sad that it reached the point it has with some of them. Vicki [Gunvalson] and I are still good friends. We speak every week and hang out when we get the chance," she said.
What do you think, was Bellino fired or did she quit?
