Brittany Smith Went from Harvard to Prison — Now, She’s on a Mission to Change Lives

Be the Change looks at real-life projects and inspiration to make the world better.

In 2009, Brittany Smith was two weeks away from her Harvard graduation when her plans were derailed. A run-in with law enforcement landed her in court fighting seven felony charges. In 2011, she entered prison as a first-time offender.

“It wasn’t the path that I thought my life would take,” she tells us, “but I knew I needed to do something with myself during this time.” In order to finish her education, Smith made the difficult decision to turn down the opportunity to move to a low-security facility and remain in a high-security prison where she could enroll in Boston University’s Prison Education Program.

Out of prison and armed with a college degree, Smith sees her experience as a tool for effecting change — something she’s always wanted to do.

“I’d interned with The Fortune Society” — an organization that support people who’ve just left prison in their successful reentry to society — “at Harvard, and I came back to Fortune as a teacher,” she says. “The first time I shared my experience, I cried in the classroom. It was the first time I talked about it with people who didn’t know me before I was incarcerated, and it was one of the most therapeutic experiences of my life.”

As The Fortune Society’s Director of Education, Smith now works to build a pathways for formerly incarcerated people to find stability and success as they rejoin their communities. We talked to her about her mission to change lives.

Brit + Co: You were two weeks away from graduating from Harvard when your life changed completely. Can you tell us your story?

Brittany Smith: I grew up in Harlem and I went to Frederick Douglass Academy, which at the time was one of the best high schools in the city. My time there really fostered my love of education. Leaving for Harvard was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done in my life. It was so different from everything I knew and in the beginning I constantly questioned who I was in this institution. I didn’t come from the places that these students came from, I didn’t have access to the same opportunities they did, and I didn’t travel the world like so many had.

I studied race and ethnic relations during my time there, including the criminal justice system and what communities like mine need. By senior year I had finally found my place at Harvard and had built a support system both at school and at home with my family and friends, but two weeks before getting my diploma I found myself in a situation that prevented me from graduating.

B + C: You’re currently the Director of Education with The Fortune Society. How did you get there and what’s the focus of your work?

Smith: The Director of our Alternative to Incarceration program allowed me to work closely with that program. ATI is a diversion program that reduces the prison and jail population by providing individuals with holistic supportive services. I worked closely with the counselors to facilitate social support groups, specifically working with women around issues of self-worth and empowerment. The experience really resonated with me because I shared many of the same experiences as the women [and] came from the same type of environment, but thanks to my support system my trajectory took me to college.

In my role at Fortune, I really try to focus on building a community and learning environment where our students can thrive. For some, the classroom also serves as a means to build confidence in addition to skills. For others, being in the classroom provides a sense of belonging and a community. Another goal at Fortune is to empower them to become active members of the community. We’ve attended lobby days in Albany, engaged students in rallies at City Hall, and marched to the governor’s New York City office. We work with them to identify what they’re passionate about and get involved in advocacy and civic engagement.

B + C: There’s a staggering number of problems with the US criminal justice system. Punishment far too harsh for the crime, mass incarceration (the US is home to less than five percent of the world’s population, yet jails and private prisons house close to 25 percent of the world’s prisoners), racialized sentencing, for-profit institutions, overcrowding, gang violence, underfunded mental health and drug treatment programs, a lack of support for people leaving the system… to name just a few areas that are in dire need of intervention. What inspired you to tackle the specific problem of reintegration?

Smith: [It] really stemmed from my early experience interning at The Fortune Society and my own experiences with the criminal justice system. After my release, intellectually I knew that I could work in any number of fields: I had a great education, work experience in various fields, supervisory experience, and volunteer experience. I never thought the system would touch me, as an individual.

My family and my friends were with me every step of the way but my embarrassment and shame prevented me from turning to them. The moment I got accepted to Harvard, I was put on a pedestal [as] the girl that would “make it” despite all the hardship I faced growing up. While no one ever said any different, I knew that my status changed [after being incarcerated]. I had internalized the stigma of being formerly incarcerated. I felt that if I was struggling this much knowing I had such a great support system and strong educational and professional background, the same thing was happening to those who did not.

Fortune is more than the services it provides, it’s a support system that enables people to move toward their potential and supports them to work against social and internalized stigma. One of the ways is through participants seeing themselves reflected in the staff, to understand that success isn’t limited by their criminal justice experience and to know they aren’t defined by the circumstances that brought them to Fortune.

B+C: What’s lacking in the typical kind of support that people get when they’re released from prison? What are some of the most daunting barriers that prevent them from successfully reintegrating into society on both economic and social levels?

Smith: Challenges include unstable housing, diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health disabilities, unemployment and substance use — in addition to the trauma of incarceration. Individuals are stigmatized by society and often don’t know how to navigate systems of support and service providers or don’t even know these programs exist. It seems unrealistic to expect someone to maintain employment when they have nowhere to sleep at night. Or to attend treatment programs when they don’t have steady meals.

The Fortune Society recognizes that individuals have intersecting needs and work toward achieving this through a true integration of services. For example, we provide holistic education and employment opportunities that guide participants into the re-entry process. We offer programs centered around wellness, food, and nutrition, topics that are rarely discussed in the narrative around reentry but is of the utmost importance in ensuring long term health and success. We create access to safe and affordable housing [and] we also hire staff who have personal experience in the criminal justice system. Nearly 50 percent of our staff have a history with incarceration, so they understand the most effective ways to help individuals come home to their communities.

B+C: When we talk about the judicial and prison system in America, we tend to throw around the word ‘justice’ quite a bit. Roxane Gay has pointed out that justice is never this balanced, transactional process even though we tend to think of it that way (the whole ‘scales of justice’ imagery doesn’t help). Does the way we think about justice need to change in order for the way we treat incarcerated people (and formerly incarcerated people) to change?

Smith: One of the notions that society attaches to prison is that individuals are “paying their debt to society.” If that’s the case, when the debt is paid why do formerly incarcerated people continue to pay in so many forms? [Like] housing, education and employment discrimination and disenfranchisement. When individuals try to move forward post-incarceration there are so many obstacles, yet society simultaneously demands they become productive members while preventing them access. What message do people receive when we acknowledge the system is broken yet continue to heavily penalize those directly impacted?

It’s astounding to me that it was necessary to remove the question about arrest history from college applications (which is still is not universal), or that being convicted of certain crimes makes one ineligible for federal financial aid for school. Formerly incarcerated individuals are denied their civil rights through voter disenfranchisement. They can be overqualified for a position and still denied because of incarceration 20 years ago.

I think it’s important to understand that who we are cannot be defined by a single event. How can we expect to decrease the prison population if we’re constantly reinforcing systems that create incarceration without providing systems for successful reentry? Changing the narrative around incarceration is not as simple as changing the way we think about justice or the way we treat incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, it’s the very arduous process of dismantling otherness, removing labels, attacking systems of oppression and focusing on the human factor.

Want to help? Visit The Fortune Society to find out how you can give a monetary donation or volunteer your time.

(Image via Elle Communications)

ICYMI, there's major drama surrounding Kyle Richards of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and hubby Mauricio Umansky (affectionately referred to as “Mo”), and the tea is still piping hot.

The pair, who met in 1994 and married two years later, have reportedly “separated” for the first time (that we know of) surrounding rumors of infidelity on both sides. Here's everything we know about Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's relationship as it stands.

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Morgan Wade - Fall In Love With Me (Official Music Video)

While we've heard plenty about Mo's alleged affairs in the past, what's new this time is an alleged ongoing relationship between Kyle and countrymusic singer Morgan Wade. Although Kyle adamantly denies any romantic relationship with Morgan, fans can’t help but speculate that may not be the case — especially after they were quite cozy in Morgan's latest music video.

That's right. After fans noticed that Kyle and Morgan had matching heart tattoos and matching silver rings, it was only a matter of time until Kyle and Morgan are took their highly-publicized (and highly-questioned) relationship to the next level: on set. In a music video for Morgan's song, "Fall In Love With Me," Kyle plays Morgan's love interest, and there isn't much space between them, that's for sure. Hmmm...Considering Kyle's commitment to not kissing anyone other than her husband, she certainly comes pretty close to kissing Morgan. Of course, this video has only added fuel to the rumor fire, but nevertheless it still has an important message.

Richards co-posted a social media message along with Wade promoting the new music video. “The official video for “Fall In Love With Me” is out now. It’s campy and fun — but also important and representative of all kinds of love, even in the country space, in any space.”

Their video came a few weeks after country star Tyler Childers released his music video for “In Your Love,” which also featured a gay love story. Both of these followed Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town," which has been criticized as a "modern lynching song."

Wade signed off her message with “@kylerichards18 and I trusted the process of making a piece of art that stands boldly beside this music and I’m proud of that. Thanks for the support and love. Love is love is love.”

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Apparently, Morgan purposefully cast Kyle in the music video to be provocative. “I’ve done several music videos. And every time there’s someone in it with me, [people] always assume we’re dating, or something’s going on,” she shared in the teaser clip.

She continued, “If you get on the internet, you see people who are obsessed with us being friends.” The music video was an attempt to “troll the trolls…The internet’s going to be poppin’ off about this one, I’m sure,” she added.

And to Morgan and Kyle’s credit, they were right. Commenters on Kyle’s post were immediately suspicious. “[Kyle’s] vibe seems kind of awkward,” one user wrote. “Like she’s got that ‘I’m crushing and can’t really be myself thing’ going on.” Other users defended the two, with one on Morgan’s post writing, “have these people never had friends they actually like before?”

At the time of filming, Mo didn't seemed bothered at all. On Buying Beverly Hills, we saw Kyle tell mo she was filming the music video with Morgan, to which he responded, “Of course.” Nothing seemed sus to him based on that simple reaction. When others asked him, he said flat out that he didn't think anything was going on between the two of them. It wasn't until later on in the season that Mo said he's not sure about the situation, that he'd never asked straight up, and that he does think Kyle and Morgan have “some sort of a connection together."

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Mauricio Umansky’s Latin Night Salsa – Dancing with the Stars

And though friends and fans are shocked by the Morgan Wade of it all, Mauricio has his own rumors to dodge. After a stint on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, Mauricio was spotted out and about, holding hands with his dance partner, Emma Slater. The two went on Instagram stories to say they're not dating in October, but the speculation continues.

A source told Life & Style exclusively that Kyle Richards is "still stewing" over the situation with Emma and Mauricio. The source continued by saying that "they both want to move on."

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All of this comes after a joint Instagram statement by Kyle and Mauricio regarding their marriage — a statement that has only added to the rumors.

Still, between their daughters' tagging hiatus for their mom on social media (despite tagging everyone else at the time), Morgan increasingly appearing on Kyle’s IG while Mauricio fades away, Mauricio and Kyle both forgoing their rings on occasion, Morgan and Kyle's matching heart rings (Which is very reminiscent of Tom Sandoval’s and Raquel Leviss’s matching necklaces, mind you.) and constant traveling together – the rumor of their relationship isn’t completely unfounded.

Apparently, the Richards-Umansky daughters are “holding up” well amid the separation rumors, according to a statement from Kyle. “You know they’re really strong...they know that we all love each other and they’re old enough to understand that not everything is perfect all of the time and that’s okay and no matter what they’re loved,” she added. The family even posed for a family photo recently during an outing at The Grove in L.A. Regardless of the specifics, we definitely hope this family finds their own ways back to each other at the end of the day.

Still, Kyle told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hagar on TODAY that her daughters didn't even know about the separation before filming started for RHOBH. This timeline appears true, as it seems audiences watched the girls find out in real time on the latest season of Buying Beverly Hills. Throughout the season, we watched as the only daughter who seemed to be remotely in-the-know was Farrah, and even she seemed to think there were just surface level problems. The show later depicted the Umansky family in Aspen together, discussing the bombshell news over family dinner after the People exclusive unexpectedly dropped. After that, we watched as the relationship frayed more and more, with the couple seeing each other less over time. Mauricio eventually explained to their daughters that Kyle gave them rules to see whoever they want — just to not talk about it with one another.

Kyle elaborated on the current state of the relationship saying on TODAY , "We do love each other very much and have a lot of respect for each other." While the family still lives together — and apparently even dines together at times — Kyle's uncertain about what's next. She said, “I really don’t know what my future holds right now, to be honest.”

Now, the pair has announced that they're taking a break from couples' therapy — something they still actively pursued post-separation. It doesn't seem clear exactly what that means, but Kyle did just say that she has men and women reaching out to her romantically in her DMs right now. Plus, Mo recently reunited with his own suspected love interest, Emma Slater, where the two seemed pretty happy together.

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Dorit Kemsley and Kyle Richards Discuss Their Marriages | BravoCon LIVE

When it comes to Kyle's friends, it's clear that some people are more supportive than others. Throughout The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 13, Kyle's noted her strained relationship to the group, saying that she's "struggling." While Sutton Stracke called Kyle out at dinner about what's going on in her personal life, Erika Jayne stood by her at the end of the night to console her.

Dorit Kemsley's typically been Kyle's go-to girl, being there for each other through thick and thin — especially after they both suffered from recent robberies over the years. However, Dorit told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens LiveWatch What Happens Live that she feels pushed aside since Morgan entered the picture. She, of course, said that she loves Kyle even through all that — but she felt compelled to share her truth in the matter.

Teddi Mellencamp is honestly just confused by it all, though. The former RHOBH cast mate said that she doesn't understand why the women aren't asking Kyle more questions throughout this season. She told E! News, "I'm so confused as to why some of the women — when she said in episode one 'I'm struggling' — why no one asked any questions. Why nobody said 'Is there anything I can do?' Why nobody was an actual friend in that moment."

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Despite controversy, Kyle hasn't ended her friendship with Morgan, though. In fact, her relationship with the country singer is only getting deeper as Kyle prepares to take their friendship to new, professional levels. According to TMZ, the longtime Bravolebrity is working on a documentary about Morgan after the duo were spotted filming at Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado Sunday night.

Apparently, audience members at Morgan's concert were asked to sign releases allowing the footage to be used in a production, according to the outlet. In addition to appearing on camera, Kyle is reportedly an executive producer on the project that will tell the story of Morgan's rise to fame and her struggles with sobriety, in addition to various other health issues.

In May, Morgan told Page Six that she is undergoing a double mastectomy in November after discovering she has the BRCA gene, which indicates a high risk for breast and ovarian cancers. The following month, she shared via Instagram that she had been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes sudden tics.

“Keeping this short and sweet — if you see me shaking my head a lot I have Tourette’s,” she wrote. “Some folks genuinely ask — others like to troll me, is what it is. I make weird faces and noises sometimes and my head shakes. So just think before you judge.”

Fast forward to the many, many recent rumors that Kyle and Morgan had a falling out, the two were just spotted super close and cozy at Watch What Happens Live! this week. Morgan was seen caressing Kyle's hip as they posed for photos, and it seemed a little more the friendly, TBH. On top of all that, a recent submission Deux Moi (a blind item source on social media) intimates that a "country music singer" plans to debut their new relationship with a magazine cover shoot — and a lot of people think it could be about Morgan and Kyle.

Buying Beverly Hills: Season 2 | Official Clip | Netflix

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Buying Beverly Hills: Season 2 | Official Clip | Netflix

After all that's come out, though, Kyle maintains that the separation has nothing to do with anyone else. In the RHOBH season 13 finale, she told Erika Jayne, "This is literally just about Mo and me." When Hoda and Jenna asked more about why the longtime couple finally split, Kyle explained that she'd just come to a sort of "breaking point" and that there wasn't "one big thing.”

In a preview clip for Buying Beverly Hills season 2, Mauricio confirmed to Farrah, Alexia, and Sophia that the separation was their mom's idea because she needed space. According to him, Kyle laid down "rules" that said he could do what he needed — be it date or otherwise — and that the two just shouldn't ask each other about their whereabouts during the separation. Throughout the actual season, it was more of the same, with very little information coming out. So in the case of what came first, the extramarital dating or the separation, it seems like we might never get our answers...

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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 14 is finally giving us a peak behind the controversial curtain when it comes to Kyle Richards’ sexuality. The star opened up on the Page Sixpodcast Virtual Reali-Tea, explaining what it was like to finally talk about her romantic life more vulnerably with her daughters.

After the many, many swirling rumors surrounding Kyle’s friendship with Morgan Wade, she decided to address the elephant in the room. She said,

“It was the most difficult conversation I’ve ever had with my children, and I was terrified to have that conversation.”

Kyle explained that she “wanted to be as honest as possible” with her daughters. She said, “There were stories out there about me…and this did make me wonder and question myself.”

“Suddenly” Kyle said that she was “thinking like that” — AKA considering what a relationship with a woman might actually look like, given all the rumors she already was. Luckily, she noted that her daughters were great about it all, even leaning in so far as to making jokes with her at the end of the day.

And as for her friendship with Morgan Wade? Kyle said they had to take a break from each other because the reality TV life isn’t for everyone. Throughout this season, Kyle said she was careful to speak for herself, and not Morgan. She’s happy to be an open book, but clearly wanted to be respectful of Morgan’s privacy.

Still, Kyle tells E! News she and Mauricio "haven't felt the rush" to file for divorce finally. What does it all mean for their relationship? Honestly, who knows at this point...

Here's a complete timeline of the rise and fall of their relationship, in case you wanna walk down memory lane!

1994: Kyle meets Mauricio and they get engaged

The couple met at a Los Angeles nightclub when she was 23 and he was 24 and were engaged by the end of the year. At the time, Richards was divorced from her first husband, with whom she shares a daughter, Farrah.

"I was just so happy and excited — it was a dream for me," Richards told The Knot in 2021. "The moment we started dating, I just felt like he was the one."

1996: Kyle and Mauricio get married and welcome their first child

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Although the couple planned on a spring wedding, news of Kyle’s pregnancy moved the date up to January. By June, the newly married couple welcomed their first daughter together, Alexia.

2000: The couple welcome their second daughter together

Kyle gave birth to their second daughter together (third including Farrah), Sophia.

2008: Kyle and Mauricio welcome their third daughter

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Richards and Umansky's youngest daughter, Portia, was born two years before the premiere of RHOBH, rounding out the family of six.

2010: “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” premieres on Bravo

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The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Season 1 Trailer

The Bravo gods blessed us with this one. 2010 marked the advent of one of Bravo’s greatest shows to date, featuring none other than Kyle and her family.

2011: Mauricio launches The Agency

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Mauricio co-founded The Agency, a boutique luxury real estate agency in 2011, which has since sold over $41 billion in total sales volume. They employ more than 800 agents and have more than 60 offices in eight countries and counting, with even further plans for expansion. Mauricio and his firm have represented some of the world’s most noteworthy properties, like the Playboy Mansion in 2016, boast several listings well above $100 million and have completed record-breaking transactions. The firm is the subject of Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills, and features Mauricio and daughters(-slash-real-estate-agents) Alexia and Farrah.

March 2013: Mauricio says his marriage has no secrets

"We're the same, with or without cameras. We're just super real and we know each other,” Mauricio told PEOPLE at Cirque Du Soleil's One Night For One Drop benefit show in Las Vegas in March 2013.

Apparently, he and Richards never worried about secrets in their marriage being exposed once they signed on for RHOBH. "We don't have any secrets to hide," he added. "That's one thing we talked about, the skeletons in the closet, and we can handle our worst skeletons."

2015: Kyle and Mo are BFFs

Before romance comes friendship – at least for these two. "We're a really good match," Kyle told PEOPLE in December 2015. "We get along really well, actually better than you see on television!"

"We're best friends," added Mauricio. "We actually enjoy each other. She's funny, she makes me laugh. I don't have big guys nights out; Kyle is the person I want to spend most of my time with."

2017: The Umanskys move, and get robbed

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RHOBH: Kyle Richards Isn't Sure She'll Stay in Her New House (Season 8, Episode 20 ) | Bravo

After seeing one of Mo’s listings, Kyle immediately fell in love and the family packed up their Bel Air mansion for life in the Valley.

"It's not like anything you would see in Los Angeles normally, and I just fell in love and my husband did too," Kyle shared.

Unfortunately, the couple fell victim to a major burglary later that year. Over $1 million in jewelry and handbags were stolen from the couple's new Encino home as the family vacationed in Aspen, CO over the New Year.

"Everything was taken," Richards told PEOPLE in January 2018. "Everything my mother, who passed away, had ever collected and saved to give to me — that I had always envisioned of passing on to my four daughters — was gone. Even my children's baby bracelets. Obviously those are the things that hurt the most, things that I can't replace. They're completely invaluable."

2019: The couple become philanthropists

Kyle and Mauricio were still going strong, even beginning to host annual fundraisers for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. These parties have become a staple on RHOBH, each year growing in extravagance and raising over six figures.

"When Mauricio was born, he had a blood disease called neutropenia," Kyle revealed in a RHOBH episode. "He spent a good part of his life in Children's Hospital. So when we think about where we want to put our energy and our appreciation into, it's Children's Hospital Los Angeles."

2021: Kyle and Mauricio celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary

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Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards Celebrating 25 Years of Marriage | The Knot

It takes a lot to get to 25 years of marriage — and they did it (seemingly happily)!

2022: We’re talking about MONEY, honey! (And a potential new lover.)

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2022 was a huge year for the Richards-Umansky clan. The family sells their Bel Air mansion following a few years on the market, along with listing their Aspen vacation home. Netflix announces (and premieres) Buying Beverly Hills, and Mauricio’s book, The Real Deal, is released. Despite all of this, the family welcomes their sixth dog, a puppy named Smokey, into the mix.

In February, Kyle and Morgan were first spotted together, enjoying a meal amongst mutual friends and Kyle’s daughter, Sophia. “The most unlikely of friendships some may think but kinship knows no boundaries,” Kyle wrote. Since then, the two have made several appearances together on social media and IRL. In September, Kyle and Morgan were pictured at the 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville and the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

January 2023: Kyle turns 54

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Kyle’s birthday was celebrated with plenty of love in the air — at least on Mauricio’s end. "Happy Birthday to my Queen the love of my life," he captioned a carousel of images on Insta. "You bring life, love, happiness to all our lives and to everyone around you. Thank you for all our years and all our future years. You get better and better. I Love you ❤️ I couldn't do it without you. XOXO."

April 2023: Mauricio shuts down rumors that he's divorcing Kyle

Kyle was spotted sans wedding ring, leading fans to speculate on the status of her marriage. The real estate mogul shut down those rumors on Bravolebs Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge's Two T's In a Pod podcast, sharing "we're not getting divorced…I mean it's so dumb. That one stupid story that came out there, and then the girls all, you know, decided to talk about it on the Housewives, and so now it's a storyline." Apparently, we can expect to see more of him and Kyle Umansky directly addressing the rumors in the upcoming season of RHOBH.

July 2023: News of Kyle and Mo’s separation hits the press

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After months of divorce rumors, an insider told PEOPLE that "Kyle and Mauricio have been separated for a while now but are still living under the same roof." The source added, "They remain amicable as they figure out what’s next for them and their family."

Their joint statement regarding divorce rumors was released the same day, opening insight into their marriage. "In regards to the news that came out about us today... Any claims regarding divorcing are untrue," they said. "However, yes, we have had a rough year. The most challenging one of our marriage. But we both love and respect each other tremendously."

Shortly after the news of their separation, Bravo patriarch Andy Cohen confirmed that "this will be included next season of Beverly Hills in some way, shape or form, that’s all I’ll say.”

The Kyle/Mauricio/Morgan storyline does seem very similar to that of Vanderpump Rules’s Scandoval, with Bravo cameras reportedly picking up to catch the fallout of the rumors and separation for the end of Season 13 – so it’s hard to tell the legitimacy of the scenario.

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Bravo Backstory: Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's Relationship | RHOBH | Bravo

What do you think? Are Kyle and Mauricio together for the long haul? Let us know @BritandCo!

Header image courtesy of @mumasnky / Instagram

This post has been updated.

There’s two different kinds of people in this world. The ones who deck their Christmas tree out in coquette-core bows and enough tinsel to make the best Pinterest board jealous and then there’s the chaos monsters. You know...the ones who pick out their ornaments solely for the bit and still use their kindergarten craft Christmas topper. If you’re still scrambling for the perfect white elephant gift, or you just can’t help yourself when it comes to adding to your unhinged collection of bobbles, then no fear — the ultimate guide to funny Christmas ornaments is here.

Etsy

Fry From Futurama Christmas Ornament

How many times have you seen a TikTok viral video about a new beauty product that made you shout, "Shut up and take my money?" We won't tell anyone, but we will suggest you gift yourself this funny Futurama ornament.

Walmart

Sriracha Holiday Ornament

If all you like to do is put Sriracha on your cheese eggs, you'll love this funny Christmas ornament.

Walmart

JOYIN Taco & Burrito Christmas Ornaments

"Put some hot sauce on my burrito, baby" is a line you'll love saying every time you look at these Christmas ornaments.

Ornament Shop

Extra Guac Christmans Ornament

This cute guac sign deserves a spot next to your taco and burrito ornaments because who doesn't love extra toppings?

Fun

Bob Ross Molded Christmas Ornament

Ladies, Bob Ross has entered the chat and demands a space on your Christmas tree.

Altar'd State

Diet Coke Christmas Ornament

Pop, fizz, clink! Quench your tree's thirst with this bubbly Diet Coke ornament.

World Market

Green Glass Traditional Pickle Ornaments Set of 2

Deck the halls with dill-ight! This pickle ornament adds a quirky crunch to your Christmas tree ensemble.

Altar'd State

Kait Cup Christmas Ornament

This Stanley cup inspired ornament should be mandatory for everyone on #watertok.

World Market

Glass Charcuterie Board Ornament

Elevate your tree's taste with a miniature charcuterie board ornament. It's the perfect centerpiece for a festive feast!

Altar'd State

Spicy Taco Combo Ornament

Spice up your tree with a taste of Tex-Mex joy! This Taco Bell meal ornament is a fiesta waiting to happen.

Joann

2" Christmas Acai Bowl Glass Ornament by Place & Time

This acai bowl ornament is a healthy and vibrant addition to your tree. It's the ultimate superfood for holiday cheer.

World Market

Glass United States Of America Passport Ornament

Jet-setting through the holidays? This passport ornament is your ticket to a tree that's well-traveled and full of adventure.

Joann

Christmas Crocs Ornament

Are you a part of the Crocs crew and have no shame admitting it? Proudly show your love for the most comfortable footwear on your tree.

Altar'd State

Take Out Box Christmas Ornament

Bring the joy of takeout straight to your tree with this adorable takeout box ornament. No need to cook when your tree is this tasty!

Harley Lilac

Cody Foster & Co - Anchovies Can Ornament

2023 was a big year for tin fish. Show off your love for anchovies with this super chic girlypop ornament.

Williams Sonoma

Champagne & Caviar Party Ornament Collection

Elevate your tree's taste with a touch of luxury! This caviar ornament is the epitome of opulence for your holiday decor.

Urban Outfitters

Cup Of 'Swifter' Tea Ornament

Shake it off and deck the halls with Swiftie pride! This Taylor Swift ornament is perfect for fans who want to relive every era.

Anthropologie

Croissant Glass Ornament

Become our little croissant with this cute glass ornament!

Anthropologie

Pink Tennis Bag Glass Ornament

Get physical with this pink tennis bag ornament!

Walmart

Skittles Christmas Ornament

Taste the rainbow with this nostalgic ornament!

Urban General Store

Pop Star Fan Glass Ornament

Did you really think we'd only put one Swiftie ornament on this list? You should know us better than that!

Urban General Store

Sorry I'm Booked Book Ornament

For the bookworm in your life, this "Sorry I'm Booked" ornament is the perfect way to declare your tree a nook of literary escape.

Etsy

Homer Simpson Christmas Ornament

Who can forget the many hilarious memes that include Homer Simpson disappearing into shrubbery? If you can't get enough of them, this Christmas ornament was made with you in mind.

H&M

Red Wine Christmas Ornament

Of course you love drinking red wine so why not place this cute & funny ornament on your glamorized Christmas tree?

Wayfair

Coffee To Go Ornament

We're ignoring the fact you keep walking by your espresso machine to head to Starbucks because we get it. Nothing compares to getting your coffee to go so you can feel like the accomplished queen you are.

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2024 Dumpster Fire Ornament

But is everything fine or are we lying to ourselves?

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There are a few dystopian stories that feel so relevant, they almost feel like nonfiction, and readers have always considered Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale to be one of those stories. The book was published in 1985 to rave reviews, and when Hulu adapted the novel into a TV show in 2017, it became the first streaming series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. No big deal!

Fans have been waiting for news on the show ever since the season 5 finale aired in November of 2022, and after a nearly two-year wait, The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is finally in production. Here's everything you need to know about the final installment of the hit series, including a sneak peek from the upcoming season.

Keep reading for the latest news on The Handmaid's Tale season 6.

Is there a season 6 of Handmaid's Tale release date?

Elisabeth Moss/Instagram

We don't have an exact release date for The Handmaid's Tale season 6 yet, but we do know it'll premiere in the spring of 2025, according to Disney+'s first look in their Coming In 2025 teaser video. That ideally means we could see it anywhere from March to May!

The eligibility period for the Emmys ends in May, meaning the show will be eligible for 2025 Emmys consideration! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 was scheduled to film in 2023 but was delayed due to last summer's Hollywood strikes.

On September 7, actress Elisabeth Moss posted an image from set. "Guess who's back? Production on the final season has officially started," the caption reads. In addition to starring as June, Moss will direct the first episode of season 6.

Your First Look At Season 6

Disney+/YouTube

Of the clips shown in Disney+'s sneak peek of The Handmaid's Tale in their Coming In 2025 teaser video, the first shows Serena saying: "Something big is about to happen." 👀

Disney+/YouTube

The next clip shows a wide shot of June walking with a backpack down a long dirt road.

Disney+/YouTube

The final clip from the most recent season 6 sneak peek shows June with a look of stern determination on her face, saying: "Let's bring them home." Oh, we are so pumped.

What is The Handmaid's Tale season 6 about?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The Handmaid's Tale season 6 is sure to pick up right where season 5 left off: June and Nichole board a train for Vancouver (to later transfer to a boat bound for Hawaii), while Luke stays behind at the train station and is arrested for the death of a truck driver who attempted to assassinate June. On the train, June is reunited with Serena and Noah.

Who's in the cast of The Handmaid's Tale season 6?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The Handmaid's Tale stars Elisabeth Moss, Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Ann Dowd, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, and Sam Jaeger. Sydney Sweeney, Alexis Bledel, and McKenna Grace have also had roles on the show.

Alexis Bledel won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2018!

Is The Handmaid's Tale done?

Sophie Giraud/Hulu

The show is almost done! The Handmaid's Tale season 6 will be the last installment of the series.

Is The Testaments going to be a series?

Amazon

Yes, Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel The Testamentswill be a Hulu TV show. The book revolves around Aunt Lydia from The Handmaid's Tale (played by Ann Dowd in both series), Agnes, who lives in Gilead, and Daisy, who lives in Canada. Bruce Miller, who was the showrunner for the first five seasons of The Handmaid's Tale, will be showrunner for The Testaments.

Are you excited for The Handmaid's Tale season 6? Check back here for the latest news on the series.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.

The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.

Keep reading for the latest news on Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship.

  • Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
  • The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
  • In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."

Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked

After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.

March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"

Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."

Aliah Anderson/Getty Images

July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating

News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).

After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.

August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”

Elsa/Getty Images

September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship

Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.

“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."

Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”

September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World

Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot

Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.

December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City

To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!

December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"

“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”

A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"

In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."

September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater

In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."

“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre

October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande

Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."

But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”

Instagram/arianagrande

November 3, 2024 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Go Instagram Official

These two took their relationship to the next level in the modern dating age — they put it on the grid. Well, not exactly. In Instagram posts celebrating the Australian premiere of Wicked, Ariana and Ethan both shared a picture of themselves. Is it blurry? Sure. Are their faces in it? No. But does this still count as an Instagram hard launch? Absolutely.

November 5, 2024 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Pack On the PDA During Wicked

And after taking photos for the new Wicked movie in Sydney, Australia, Ethan and Ariana were more than happy, walking with their arms around each other and big smiles on their faces! And during the LA premiere of the film, Ariana was seen fixing Ethan Slater's bow tie.

“He’s always that adorable and he’s so amazing in this film. He’s such an amazing person,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I’m so happy people are getting to know him. My heart is very happy.”

November 11, 2024 — Ethan Slater Praises Ariana Grande's Comedy Acting Chops

In an exclusive interview with Brit + Co, Ethan Slater couldn't stop hyping up Ari's humor. And if you saw her hosting SNL, then you definitely understand. "I cannot wait for like the roll out of everything that Bowen said that isn't in the movie, or Ari, honestly, said that isn't in the movie. Just take after take," he says. "The moments where somebody broke, it was always great. There's one that's seared into my memory of, in Doctor Dillamond's classroom, I don't remember what Ari said but she got Cynthia [Erivo] and it's just the two of them across the way and they're staring at each other and she got her so good. There's something really wonderful about breaking. It's delightful."

He also praised Ariana and Cynthia for how they welcomed the rest of the cast their first days on set. "[They] would hug everyone who came in," he continues. "This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."

Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).

This post has been updated.

Hosting this year's Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving? Since the big meal day can be kind of stressful between scouring the Internet for the best turkey recipe and baking one or two (or three) pumpkin pies, we’ve rounded up all the tablescape inspo you’ll need to make your home feel cozy and festive. Scroll through our fave centerpiece ideas that will make this year’s feast *that* much better.

Creative Table Runners And Tablecloths

Photo by Andrea Imre

Get Creative With Your Centerpiece

Shutterstock

Use Seasonal Tableware

DIY Ideas

Use mini pumpkins at your place cards. (via Brit + Co)

Or gourds as your serving dish and save on washing dishes! (via Brit + Co)

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez