22
Katie Ginella often is the latest face on The Actual Housewives of Orange County, however she’s already making waves, and never at all times the type that include welcome champagne toasts.
After a comparatively easy first season, the Bravo star discovered herself beneath fireplace on the season 18 reunion when castmate Emily Simpson introduced up her previous authorized troubles. The second, Katie admits, was deeply isolating.
“I felt very alone on an island,” Katie shared in an unique interview with Us Weekly. “I felt very outed, and it’s a really acquainted feeling for me, so it was very troublesome.”
Katie, 41, has a concept about why she appears to be a lightning rod for criticism amongst her castmates.
“I believe these ladies have been in search of something to level out that I’ve accomplished flawed,” she defined. “I believe I used to be very well acquired [in my first season]. I’m so grateful for everyone being so variety, and I believe that was like, ‘OK, properly, we’re going to level out issues she did flawed if she’s so properly acquired.’”
It’s a dynamic she is aware of all too properly. As the primary Asian American, and particularly, the primary Korean American adoptee, to ever be part of the franchise, Katie believes her id locations her in a novel and typically susceptible place.
“Being the brand new particular person, being the primary Asian American on Housewives, being the primary Korean American and adoptee, that places me in a unique class, I believe,” she mentioned. “I additionally grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood as the one Asian American, so that is only a very acquainted feeling.”
Regardless of the strain and public scrutiny, Katie’s grateful for the help she’s acquired from followers who’ve embraced her authenticity and power. “I’m so grateful for everyone being so variety,” she mentioned.
And whereas the reunion may need left her questioning her future with the present, it additionally grew to become a turning level.
“Sitting on that [season 18] reunion stage, I mentioned, ‘I don’t know if I’ll return for a second season,’” she recalled. However when Bravo got here calling, Katie decided, one based mostly not on the drama, however on self-worth. “Once they referred to as and requested me to do a second season, I believed, ‘I’m going to do that for myself to show that I’m sturdy sufficient to do that.’”
It wasn’t at all times straightforward. All through filming, Katie leaned on her husband, sports activities journalist Matt Ginella, admitting there have been moments she questioned whether or not she might proceed. “However I reminded myself that the toughest issues in life might be probably the most rewarding,” she mentioned.
Her resilience has paid off, in self-discovery if nothing else.
“I’m simply going to maintain pushing via,” Katie concluded. “I’ve realized extra about myself within the final two years of doing this than my whole 41 years of existence, so it’s been actually useful.”
