Jill Zarin has been fired from E!’s new Real Housewives of New York City docuseries, The Golden Life.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, producers behind The Golden Life, Blink49 Studios, released a statement to PEOPLE confirming that Zarin will no longer appear in the project alongside RHONY originals Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon and Sonja Morgan. The announcement came two days after Zarin faced backlash for comments about Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show performance.
“In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life,” the company said. “We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”
In a video Zarin posted to Instagram on Super Bowl Sunday that has since been deleted, she called Bad Bunny’s performance “the worst halftime show ever.”
“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,” she said.
Zarin also criticized Bad Bunny for “grabbing himself every five seconds,” questioned whether he was “so insecure,” and described the performance as looking like a “political statement.” She added that it was “very sad” and a “shame” that the NFL had “sold out.”
On Monday, Feb. 9, Zarin Fabrics — the New York City fabric store once owned by Zarin’s late husband, Bobby — posted a message on Instagram distancing the business from her remarks.
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“Zarin Fabrics stands firmly against racism, discrimination, and rhetoric that seeks to exclude or diminish people based on identity, culture, or background,” the company wrote, adding that Zarin has not owned or been associated with the store for several years. The business said any statements attributed to her were made personally and do not reflect the company’s values or operations.
The post concluded by condemning “language or viewpoints” that undermine those principles and reaffirming the company’s commitment to an inclusive environment.
The Golden Life is set to begin filming in the spring and will follow de Lesseps, Singer, Bensimon and Morgan as they navigate life in Palm Beach, Florida.
“Bound by decades of shared history, fallouts and friendship, this fan-favorite group of New Yorkers are starting fresh together in the Sunshine State,” a press release for the show states. “In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene.”
The release adds that the series will track the group through dating, family, and career milestones — while lingering conflicts resurface as they reconnect after years of ups and downs.
The new show arrives four years after Bravo rebooted RHONY in 2022 for its 14th season, introducing an entirely new cast following a controversial and low-rated season 13.
