UPDATE (9/11 8:30PM EST): Sonja and Dorinda released the following joint statement to HollywoodLife.com that reads: “We have a history as long-standing supporters of the LGBTQ community in many ways and apologize for our offensive comments at the fashion show.”
Sonja Morgan, 55, and Dorinda Medley, 54, have claimed to be LGBTQ advocates, and Sonja even rode aboard a Bravo float for the NYC World Pride Day parade in June. But the Real Housewives of New York stars might need some sensitivity training when it comes to how they view the transgender community. The ladies attended the Garo Sparo show during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 10 where they made crass comments about transgender model Yasmine Petty. In a now deleted Instagram story, Yasmine is seen in a very low-cut dress strutting down the runway and Dorinda can he heard saying “Well with a body like that it’s a guy. That’s a guy,” as Sonja agrees, telling her “With a body like that it’s a guy, you’re absolutely right. Oh lord.”
The ladies were there in the front row along with fellow co-stars Ramona Singer, 62, and Luanne de Lesseps, 54, to watch cast mate Tinsley Mortimer, 44, walk in the show. Sonja has since deleted the damning IG story but not before it enough people saw it, heard their comments and were infuriated at how insensitive they were. One person who heard it first hand was Yasmine herself as she walked past them on the runway and it broke her heart.
“As a transgender woman, I’ve never thought of myself as a model. But I have always tried to fully embrace who I am in whatever I do. Sometimes that requires being vulnerable and brave. I was excited to model in a runway show for Garo Sparo at New York Fashion Week, an artist who celebrates diversity and authenticity. During that show, as I walked down the catwalk with my head held high in who I am, a few women in the front row (who we’ve all seen on television) spoke hurtful, damaging comments, saying, “With a body like that, it’s a guy,'” Yasmine said in a statement to HollywoodLife.com.
“In fact, that very moment was captured on social media and shared with the world. People don’t get to choose their sexual orientation or gender identity. What people do get to choose though is projecting rude and cruel behavior toward other people over for things they have no control over. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. But we as a society, must do better. People in positions of influence and power must do better. And to any trans woman out there feeling inadequate as a woman, keep strutting honey,” she added.
Fans were absolutely appalled by the ladies’ cruel comments. In a photo Sonja posted to Instagram of the four sitting in the front row, people began to leave irate comments once news of what they said about Yasmine broke. A man named Stephen wrote, “Sonja what the f**k with the transphobic comments at the show!! You should be embarrassed to be posting this!!” A user named Bradley commented, “@sonjatmorgan @dorindamedley should be ashamed of your comments against trans models. Especially claiming you’re an advocate for LGBT rights. Disgusting.” We’ve reached out to Sonja and Dorinda’s reps about their comments towards Yasmine, as well as RHONY‘s network Bravo.