Heather Dubrow is clapping back at claims that she shared her son Ace’s transition to “remain relevant.”
The “Real Housewives of Orange County” star became “very emotional” defending her March 4 Instagram post debuting the 12-year-old’s new name and transgender identity on her “Let’s Talk With Heather Dubrow” podcast Thursday.
“I saw [people commenting that] talking about my son was [a way] to remain relevant or to create a storyline on a show,” Dubrow, 54, told listeners.
“Neither of these things are true. They are the farthest thing from the truth,” she said, noting that she would never “leverage” her children for “content.”
The Bravolebrity — who also shares twins Max and Nick, 18, and daughter Kat, 16, with her husband, Terry Dubrow — went on to explain why she spoke about her youngest child’s gender identity when she did.
“It’s really all about protecting my kids … physically and emotionally,” she said.
“It became apparent we needed to say something. What our goal was is to acknowledge who our incredible son is and show how much we love and support our child.”
Heather denied “hiding” her son, clarifying, “There are other people who want to tell your children’s stories’ for them so … something had to be said by us before someone else made a statement.”
Later in the episode, the “That’s Life” alum teared up telling listeners that she will continue to “protect” her kids and “fight for their safety and their rights and their freedom.”
When Heather introduced Ace via Instagram last week, Gretchen Rossi, Meghan King and more “RHOC” cast members praised their co-star.
As for “Real Housewives of New York City” alum Bethenny Frankel, she posted adorable footage of her daughter, Bryn, doing a TikTok dance with Heather’s “extra happy” son.
Frankel, 52, also clapped back at trolls who called Ace “too young to decide” to transition, writing, “It’s not you so you don’t know.”
Heather left a comment of her own, thanking the Skinnygirl founder for her “love and support.”
Heather and Terry, 64, were previously vocal in their support of their daughters when Max and Kat came out as bisexual and lesbian, respectively, in recent years.
The doctor told Page Six in August 2020 that he is “proud” of his children for living as their “real” selves.
