Shannon Beador is speaking out about ex-boyfriend John Janssen‘s new relationship with Alexis Bellino.
Following reports that the two are dating, the Real Housewives of Orange County star, 59, who John blindsided with a split just over a year ago, is reacting to the news, along with two of her friends, Jeff Lewis, 53, and Vicki Gunvalson, 61, both of whom are less than impressed by John’s behavior.
“I’m not going to lie, I’ve been hurt,” Shannon told E! News at Jeff’s Hollywood Houselift season two premiere party on December 6. “I’ve been hurt a lot in the last couple of weeks because, No. 1, John said that he didn’t want to be in the public eye, and he’s thrust himself more into the public eye at this point. So, I’m quite confused about that.”
Shannon is also confused by why John would pursue Alexis, 46, knowing her ex-husband, Jim Bellino, sued her and Tamra Judge, 56, for defamation in 2018.
“John is very well aware of a lawsuit that I was involved in with Jim Bellino, and Alexis was involved in that lawsuit,” Shannon explained. “I was financially and emotionally devastated for years. And I won. But it devastated me financially. And I’m a single mom. John’s aware of that.”
Although Shannon and Alexis never appeared together on RHOC, she’s still suspicious about John dating another cast member of the show.
“I don’t know how to process it,” she admitted. “How many Orange County Housewives have there been? Is that your dating pool?”
Months ago, following her September DUI and hit-and-run arrest, Shannon and Alexis were rumored to have had words at a Newport Beach bar. However, according to Shannon, no such thing occurred.
“I don’t know her,” Shannon revealed. “She said that I screamed obscenities at her across the bar on my unfortunate night, which I didn’t, and I have witnesses to prove that. If you’re going to say things about me, let’s talk about the truth.”
As for John, Shannon confirmed they haven’t spoken in months.
“I haven’t spoken to him in quite some time,” she shared. “It’s been two months.”
Also, at the Hollywood Houselift season two premiere party, Jeff offered an update on how Shannon has been doing since the news of Alexis and John’s rumored romance was first reported.
“I think she’s doing great. And I’m privy to all the personal information, and I think she’s doing really, really well,” he told Page Six, confessing that he was initially “very concerned” that the relationship would “affect” Shannon “very deeply.”
“I mean, thank God she’s done a lot of work over the last couple months on herself,” he added. “I think she’s healthier than I’ve ever seen her. I’ve never seen her look so good, but that’s taking care of herself, sleeping, not drinking, eating well, exercising, all of that — mental health, physical health.”
According to Jeff, Shannon is “ready for another season” and “a lot stronger than everyone thinks.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to John, Jeff said that although John was “always very nice,” he doesn’t appreciate the way he’s handled his split from Shannon.
“I don’t like how he’s handled the breakup, and … I just think it’s a little classless –– him now dating another ‘Housewife.’ I was actually kind of surprised by that,” Jeff stated.
Vicki seemed to agree with his sentiments, saying the relationship between John and Alexis is “weird” and shading John’s drinking habits.
“[Shannon is] good. She’s gonna be better off. He’s not good for her. Too much drinking all night long. He needs to go where he needs to go, and she needs to go where she needs to go,” Vicki said.
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 is expected to go into production in the coming weeks, with Alexis potentially returning for the new episodes.
