Jill Zarin will no longer appear in E!’s upcoming Real Housewives of New York City docuseries, The Golden Life, producers confirmed this week.
Blink49 Studios, the company behind the series, announced the decision in a statement, saying the show would move forward without Zarin following recent controversy surrounding her public remarks.
“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 studio said. “We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”
The announcement came shortly after Zarin faced criticism for comments she made about Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime performance. In a video later removed from Instagram, Zarin described the show as “the worst halftime show ever” and questioned the use of Spanish during the performance.
She also criticized elements of the performance, calling it “a political statement” and expressing disappointment with the NFL.
Amid the backlash, Zarin Fabrics — the New York City fabric retailer formerly owned by Zarin’s late husband, Bobby Zarin — publicly distanced itself from the reality TV personality.
The company shared a statement emphasizing its independence from Zarin and reaffirming its values.
“Zarin Fabrics stands firmly against racism, discrimination, and rhetoric that seeks to exclude or diminish people based on identity, culture, or background,” the statement read.
The business clarified that Zarin has not been involved with the company for several years and that her public statements do not reflect its views.
“We condemn language or viewpoints that undermine those principles, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment in everything we do,” the company added.
Despite Zarin’s departure, The Golden Life remains on track for production. The series is scheduled to begin filming this spring and will follow former RHONY cast members Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, and Sonja Morgan as they navigate life in Palm Beach, Florida.
According to the show’s description, the docuseries will focus on the group’s long-standing relationships as they reconnect in what is framed as a new chapter.
“Bound by decades of shared history, fallouts and friendship, this fan-favorite group of New Yorkers are starting fresh together in the Sunshine State,” the series synopsis states.
The show will explore themes including dating, family dynamics, and career developments, while revisiting unresolved tensions from the group’s past.
The Golden Life arrives several years after Bravo rebooted The Real Housewives of New York City in 2022. The revamp introduced an entirely new cast following a widely debated and low-rated thirteenth season.
The upcoming series signals continued interest in the franchise’s original personalities, even as the main show has evolved into a new format.
