Entertainment

Jules Wainstein Is Very Busy After 'RHONY'

by Alexis Rhiannon

Saying goodbye to a Real Housewife at the end of a season is always sad, but never more so than when we as an audience have only gotten one year to get to know her. It can take me a minute to warm up to a person, which is time I don't get with a one-season Housewife. So, with that in mind, what is Jules Wainstein doing after Real Housewives of New York ? She may have left the drama of the show behind, but, as it turns out, she still has plenty of complications in her own personal life to keep her busy. It's probably good she'll have the opportunity to focus on them.

Julianne "Jules" Wainstein joined the show for Season 8, with experience in fashion as an assistant buyer and a career as an event planner for the Women's International Zionist Organization in her past. She's also had a more recent shift to being a full-time mom and wife, since marrying husband Michael Wainstein. But, speaking of that marriage, that's sadly a lot of what Jules will likely be focusing on post-RHONY.

The Daily Mail reported that Michael filed for divorce from Jules in July 2016, after she reportedly discovered proof of his alleged infidelity, which is rumored to have been with a close friend of Jules', while New York Magazine places the filing date on Jun. 15, and Us Weekly has on May 13, with the same reason for the split. But though the specific timeline came through a bit hazy, the statement from Michael's rep, Mark Jay Heller, was crystal clear; Heller didn't mince words as he told Us Weekly, "Jules' real goal is to create some drama to increase her stock on the Real Housewives." Since the pair has two children together — an 8-year-old daughter named Rio and a 5-year-old son, Jagger — this could potentially get complicated.

Already, People reports that Jules was granted a temporary restraining order against Michael, as she claims she "genuinely did not feel safe," according to a source from the same outlet. Michael has a very different take on the acrimonious breakup. The claims in his statement, released via Heller to Page Six , are as follows:

"[Julianne's] 'reality show persona' has caused her to morph into a wannabe ‘drama queen’ who is totally out of sync with reality to the grave detriment of her long-suffering husband, who no longer chooses to be her foil and assume the role of ‘drama king.’ The marriage is over! But, not due to any fault [of Michael] who was not ‘busted’ for cheating as incorrectly alleged. Although Julianne was served with divorce papers dated May 13… she has not even answered the complaint, let alone alleged adultery. She regularly calls the police with false allegations, and the police arrive and find there was no incident. She is trying to create an incident to get him arrested so she can get an order of protection and get exclusive occupancy of the house for herself. That’s a tactic that some women use… This is a tactic she is using to enhance the drama."

In response, a rep for Jules said that the above statement "speaks for itself — it’s utterly disgusting," and has tried to keep the focus on the comfort and happiness of the couples' children, who she says are Jules' highest priority:

"Unlike her soon-to-be ex-husband and his lawyer, Jules will not use the press to discuss her divorce proceedings. She is concerned about the welfare and privacy of their children and feels that is what a courtroom is for. They're due in court very soon."

So, that answers the question of what Wainstein will be focused on in the short term. In the long term, we can expect to see her promoting her business, Modern Alkeme, which sells detoxifying "Japanese superdrinks" available at outlets like Whole Foods.

And, in case you were worried that she might be experiencing some regret about appearing on RHONY, it's actually the opposite. She insists the show has helped her build strength and resiliency, skills she'll bring with her moving forward.

Overall, it was a great experience. I learned so much about myself. I learned so much about the ladies. They're all successful in different ways. I learned different things from each and every one of them." The best part of it, especially now, [with] what's going on now, the show really made me feel capable — like I felt like if I didn't have the show and this was going on I'd kind of feel lost. I feel very strong and like I got a little chutzpah. I feel empowered; it's a show about women. Listen, I'm going through the worst time in my life, but on the other hand, life isn't over and even though I'm 35, it could be the beginning.

I couldn't agree more, and I'm delighted to see Jules Wainstein striding into her future with such confidence. I'm sure we'll see great things from her business, and I have no doubt that she'll come through her divorce even stronger, with a renewed dedication to her family.

Images: Bravo (2)