Andy Cohen defends himself after backlash over asking ‘Real Housewives’ stars about plastic surgery

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Bravo’s 'Real Housewives' franchise has never shied away from the topic of plastic surgery, and now American TV host, Andy Cohen has raised questions on the same.

In fact, as per Aceshowbiz, it has become an intrinsic part of the show’s "DNA," with cast members openly discussing their aesthetic transformations.

Andy Cohen says plastic surgery is 'big part of the series DNA'

Recently, Andy Cohen, the executive producer and host of the 'Real Housewives', found himself at the center of a heated debate about the relevance and propriety of probing reality stars about their cosmetic enhancements.

His reply comes after one X account wrote tagging the host, "@andy, the millions of women who watch these franchises are tired of you asking women “what work they had done.” This isn’t 2009 anymore and women can do whatever they want to their face/bodies. It’s time to retire this question. It’s rude and does 0 for the viewers #RHONY."

Addressing critics on X (formerly Twitter), Cohen made his stance clear: "‘What work have you done’ remains at the top of the list of viewer questions every season, every franchise. The HW [Housewives] have unabashedly let us into their beauty regimes since day one; it’s a big part of the series DNA."

While some fans appreciate the transparency, others argue that the question feels outdated, if not outright intrusive.

One fan chimed in, "Thank you for doing the lords work."

"Agreed and many of us do want to know! Women lying about what work they’ve had done further stigmatizes it and further warps the beauty standard. Being honest about it is refreshing and viewers have eyes so we know when they’ve had work done lol," a user wrote.

Another one added, "Then let them ask them. It’s not a good look for you."

Someone else noted, "We fans want to know. Ty Andy."

A follower remarked, "It wasn’t that you asked. It was how you didn’t stop and kept badgering her and asking her over and over and implying that she wasn’t being forthcoming and lying. at some point, let it go. Read the room! Plus Brynn accusing her of not paying at It was a lot and you did too much."

One comment declared, "We’ve grown beyond asking those questions year after year and tbh sometimes I feel that we’ve outgrown you as a host. Sorry not sorry."

Another observed, "The question is tired and old, just like Andy."

As one person explained, "Yet it’s none of anyone’s business."

Andy Cohen defends his stance on 'Real Housewives' plastic surgery

Despite the mixed reaction, Andy Cohen, however, stands firm in his belief that these discussions are not about judgment but rather about reflecting an ongoing theme within the show.

"I think since the ‘Housewives’ has begun, one of the tropes that is common among every city and every franchise is women chasing the fountain of youth and trying to look better and look great," he elaborated.

The stars themselves have mixed reactions to such inquiries.

During a recent 'Real Housewives of New York City' reunion, Jessel Taank opted for full transparency, addressing speculation about her appearance on Page Six's 'Virtual Reali-tea'.

"I get Botox, and I get filler... And I take care of my skin, lots of water, and I lost some weight." She later added that she had also gotten veneers after further prompting from Cohen.

However, not every cast member appreciates this level of scrutiny.

Back in 2019, 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Erika Jayne expressed discomfort with such questions, calling them "kind of rude" and suggesting that certain boundaries should be respected.

"“I hate it when people say ‘What work have you had done?’ What work have had done? I think she should answer it, but at the same time it’s kind of rude," she remarked when Cohen inquired about Dorit Kemsley’s cosmetic enhancements, Page Six reported.