How RHOBH Led to Taylor Armstrong’s Russell Split After Offscreen Abuse

The story of Taylor Armstrong’s abusive marriage to Russell Armstrong was a significant storyline on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and the aftermath of their tumultuous relationship had a lasting impact on the show.

Taylor was one of the original cast members of RHOBH when it premiered in 2010, and her troubled marriage to Russell was explored on the show. While signs of trouble in their relationship were evident from the beginning, it wasn’t until the second season that Taylor’s co-star Camille Grammer revealed on screen that there was abuse occurring behind closed doors.

In a candid interview on Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons in April 2025, Taylor revealed the moment when Camille outed the abuse on television. She shared the fear and shock she felt as her abusive relationship was exposed to the world, including threats made by Russell to kill her.

In July 2011, Taylor filed for divorce, citing physical and verbal abuse. Tragically, one month later, Russell died by suicide. This event had a profound impact on the footage that was subsequently featured on RHOBH. Taylor, who shared a daughter with Russell, later found love again with her now-husband John Bluher, whom she married in 2014. She has credited Bluher with changing her perspective on marriage.

The aftermath of Taylor and Russell’s split continued to play out offscreen, with Taylor undergoing reconstructive surgery after being physically assaulted by Russell. The incident led to her absence from filming RHOBH, as she recovered from the traumatic experience.

Despite the challenges she faced, Taylor bravely shared her story on reality television, shedding light on the realities of abusive relationships and the toll they can take. Her journey serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience it takes to break free from toxic situations and rebuild a life filled with love and happiness. After the tragic death of Russell Armstrong, the network made the decision to remove most of the scenes from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” that depicted the moments immediately following his passing. These scenes, where the cast discussed the events surrounding Russell’s death, were deemed too sensitive and were largely removed from the show.

In a statement released by production company Evolution in 2011, the producers expressed their sadness over the tragedy and extended their condolences to Taylor and Russell’s family. They emphasized that as producers, they are merely capturing real-life events, both the good and the bad, and in this case, it was an unfortunate tragedy that they had to address.

Following Russell’s death, Taylor Armstrong returned for a third season of “RHOBH” but later decided to take a step back from the show. She eventually made appearances on other Housewives franchises, including season 2 of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” and season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Taylor has openly discussed how her life has changed since finding love again and getting married.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in June 2022, Taylor opened up about her new marriage and how it has restored her faith in love. She compared her current marriage to her previous one, expressing gratitude for having found someone she can trust and rely on. Taylor admitted that after the betrayal she experienced in her first marriage, she was initially hesitant to date again. However, her current husband’s unwavering support and friendship helped her rebuild her trust and eventually led to their marriage.

Reflecting on her past struggles and the journey towards healing, Taylor emphasized the importance of trust and companionship in her current relationship. Despite the challenges she faced in her previous marriage, Taylor’s newfound love has brought her a sense of security and happiness that she never thought possible.

Overall, Taylor Armstrong’s story is one of resilience and hope, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity and find love again after a devastating loss. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who may be going through similar struggles, reminding them that healing and happiness are possible after experiencing heartbreak.