The ladies of The Real Housewives of New York are joining forces to ask for a pay raise, and Bravo is reportedly not happy. The cast wants the network to cover some of the extras that go into filming, like hair and makeup costs, because they’re currently paying out of pocket for that.
A source says Ramona Singer, Carole Radziwill, Heather Thomson, Aviva Drescher, Sonja Morgan and LuAnn de Lesseps are requesting a “reasonable” raise.
The insider told the New York Post, however, that their request might have backfired. Bravo is threatening to fire them all if they don’t sign contracts today, without the raise.
“It’s either a wrap, or it’s a tactic to get them to sign their contracts,” said a source. Production was supposed to start for the new season this week, but it’s being delayed due to the salary dispute.
“There’s a lot of expenses that go into being on the show. And they’re not frivolous. The cast asked for a modest increase — enough so they can cover the costs and make a little money,” the source said. But Bravo “had enough” when they “banded together.”
The ladies reportedly make $65,000 a season, with original cast member Ramona Singer making $500,000.
Another source told TMZ Bravo is “furious” about the delay in production and salary requests.
image: NBCUniversal