The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador went through a messy, acrimonious divorce this year.
Her ex, David Beador, has been dating girlfriend Lesley Cook for almost one year.
(In fact, some believe that David and Lesley became engaged on their vacation to Greece)
In an appearance on part of this season’s reunion special, Shannon was clearly unhappy with David for how he had portrayed her during the divorce.
On Monday, December 10, Lesley rose to David’s defense and took to Instagram to put Shannon on blast.
She says that, when Shannon criticizes David, she does more harm than she realizes to innocent parties.
Does she have a point? Take a look:
Shannon Beador mentioned her ex at the reunion
She slammed him for portraying her as a “crazy” alcoholic during their divorce. Their split was deeply contentious.
Lesley Cook rushed to David’s defense
“Hate to go here but I am,” Lesley begins on Instagram. “My kids & I have been shown nothing but love by David for almost a year”
Lesley heaped praise on David
“The man is so crazy kind and loving,” Lesley says. “He works his ass off and does everything he can to provide and take care of everyone in his family.”
She hates to see him insulted
Lesley insists that “he doesn’t deserve to be bashed on national television over and over again.”
Lesley says Shannon should think of the children
“Children are involved and I couldn’t imagine bashing my children’s father ever,” Lesley says. “My ex and I have our differences but after all, he is and always will be their father.”
Lesley wants peace
“Time to put egos to the side and move forward for everyone,” Lesley insists. “Children need a mom & dad.”
Apparently, criticizing David puts a strain on the Beador kids
“They shouldn’t have to pick sides or be put in the middle of adult conflict,” Lesley writes.
Lesley also gave David a glowing review
When a truly mind-boggling commenter wrote “David is a saint,” Lesley replied: “I could say one bad thing about him and it’s been about a year!”
A follower complimented Lesley’s attitude
“Thanks!” Lesley replied. “Not perfect and sometimes I second-guess myself.”
Lesley has simple advice
“But all I know is: leave kids out of a divorce,” Lesley affirms.
She ends with an inclusive message
“It’s a breakup between parents not a breakup from kids,” Lesley concludes, adding: “Happy Holidays!”
Lesley also shared some shade on her Instagram Story
“It’s always easy to blame others,” the message Lesley shared reads. “You can spend your entire life blaming the world but your success and failures are entirely your own responsibility.”
So … was Lesley right?
She’s right that children shouldn’t be the victims of divorce. Ideally, their lives should get batter, since they’re no longer around feuding parents. But is Shannon the one who put the kids front and center?
Shannon simply criticized David at the reunion
That’s not the same thing as badmouthing him in front of her girls, any more than what Lesley wrote is the same as badmouthing Shannon in front of the three Beador daughters. Lesley is the one who made this about the kids, right?