Reality Star Loses TV Role Following Controversial Super Bowl Comments
Former Real Housewives of New York City personality Jill Zarin has been terminated from an upcoming reality television series after making controversial remarks about Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. The veteran reality star was scheduled to begin filming The Golden Life, an E! network series set in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside fellow reality alumni including Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, and Sonja Morgan.
Social Media Tirade Sparks Immediate Backlash
Zarin's dismissal came on Tuesday following a now-deleted Instagram video in which she criticized Bad Bunny's performance as "the worst halftime show ever." In the controversial clip, Zarin questioned the appropriateness of a Spanish-language performance during what she described as America's 250th anniversary celebrations, stating, "It's 250 years that we're celebrating right now in the United States, and I just don't think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish."
The reality television personality, who acknowledged she doesn't speak Spanish, further criticized the performance's choreography and speculated about political motivations, noting the absence of white performers. She also made personal comments about one performer's appearance. Although Zarin quickly removed the video, it had already been captured and shared by social media users, including X user @gibsonoma, ensuring its continued circulation.
Production Company and Family Distance Themselves
Blink49 Studios, the production company behind The Golden Life, responded swiftly to the controversy, cutting ties with Zarin on Tuesday and citing her "recent public comments" as the reason for her removal from the series. The company's decision followed significant public backlash, including criticism on daytime talk show The View.
Even Zarin's own family members expressed disagreement with her remarks. Her daughter, Ally Shapiro, reportedly posted an Instagram Story praising the halftime show as "the best halftime show in years" and complimenting its production quality, according to US Weekly.
Zarin Fabrics, the company once owned by Zarin's late husband Bobby, also publicly distanced itself from the reality star. In an Instagram post featuring Zarin's face with an "X" over it, the company stated: "Zarin Fabrics stands firmly against racism, discrimination, and rhetoric that seeks to exclude or diminish people based on identity, culture, or background." The post clarified that Zarin has not been associated with the business for several years and emphasized that her personal statements do not reflect company values.
Zarin's Response and Industry Fallout
In response to her dismissal, Zarin told In Touch magazine, "They didn't even give me a chance. I took it down right away. People make mistakes. I'm human." The reality television veteran expressed disappointment at not being afforded an opportunity to explain or apologize before being removed from the production.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny reality television personalities face regarding their public statements, particularly on social media platforms. The swift response from production companies and associated businesses demonstrates growing awareness of cultural sensitivity in the entertainment industry.
Zarin did not immediately respond to requests for comment from various media outlets following her termination from The Golden Life. The series will proceed with its remaining cast members, though production timelines may be adjusted following this casting change.
