Russell Armstrong's Funeral: Friends & Family Are Distraught Over His Portrayal On 'Real Housewives.'
Guests were distraught that Russell will be featured on the new season, which airs tonight — his sister speaks out.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Russell Armstrong’s suicide devastated his family, and at a private ceremony held in his hometown, attendees spoke out about their grief and his full life.
HollywoodLife.com spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Russell’s sister Laurie Kelsoe at the funeral, held Sept. 2 at DeBerry Funeral Chapel in Russell’s hometown of Denton, Texas.
“Close to two hundred of Russell’s family and friends came from all over to celebrate his life,” she said. “I was very touched by all of the people that flew in from all over. There were lots of my brother’s friends there from his high school. Russell’s ex-wife Barbara Fredrickson was there with her son Aiden. Although they were divorced, my brother and Barbara were still really close. His other son Griffin, from his former fiancée Milette Fields, was also there. The services and reception lasted for about three hours.”
Laurie said the entire family was devastated about the day.
“My mom and dad were both, and still are, very distraught,” she said. “After the services, everybody talked about how Russell’s image was so distorted on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. But Taylor [Armstrong, Russell’s wife and Real Housewives costar] was not there, which was no surprise.”
When asked if she was planning on watching the season premiere, Laurie said she was hurt it was airing but was going to tune in for one element.
“I am going to watch the special they supposedly taped about my brother,” she said. “But that’s all I am watching. I just want to see how my brother is portrayed in the special.”
What do you think, HollywoodLifers — is Bravo using poor judgement by airing Real Housewives so soon after Russell’s suicide?
— William Earl, reporting by Sandra Clark
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