S3 Ep 1 — Getting The Real Tea with Olivia J. Blake & Marcie Maples
The crowd applauds Draya Parks as she enters and takes a seat in the “Getting Real Tea” studio as the cameras pan over to her
Draya: Hey, my good judies! It’s the one and only, the icon, the IT girl, Draya Parks, coming to you live from Downtown Twitter! Get ready to sip some serious tea because we’ve got the juiciest new show on the block: Getting The Real Tea — the reboot you’ve all been waiting for!
The live audience’s applause is captured by the cameras before returning to Draya
Draya: I am THE blogger who isn’t afraid to get real. On this show, we’re diving deep into the shows that AIR, dishing out all the secrets behind their shows, spilling the tea, and stirring the pot. Expect laughs, tea, and maybe even a lot of shade — all in good fun, of course! *winks playfully*. Each episode, we’ll be chatting with your favorite stars, getting the inside tea on their sides, storylines, and behind-the-scenes drama. We’ll be serving up the hottest pipping tea! Yes hunni!
The audience cheers with excitement
Draya: So, grab your teacups, get comfy, and join me as we brew up the best tea in town. This is Getting The Real Tea with Draya Parks, where the tea is always hot, the conversations are always real, and the shade is just the right amount of hot tea. Let’s get spilling! *Draya holds up a teacup, taking a playful sip*
The camera pans to Draya
Draya: Today, we have two fabulous guests from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Beach,” Marcie Maples and Olivia Blake.
The camera shows Marcie Maples & Olivia Blake walking in & taking a seat
Draya: How are you, ladies? Thank you so much for being the first guests on the reboot and newest season of Getting The Real Tea with Draya Parks.
Camera pans to Marcie Maples & then to Olivia J. Blake
Marcie: I’m doing okay! This is such a marvelous set. Thank you so much for having us on the premiere today. Oh my goodness!
Olivia: Hey girlfriend! Thanks for welcoming us to your season premiere! Marcie and I are both so excited to be your first official guests as the host!
Draya: Before diving into the new season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Beach, we need to address the past. We’ve seen the departure of Imani, Jac, Sheridan, and Heidi due to their toxicity. How does this season differ from the last one? *glances at Marcie* And the seasons you were part of years ago? *turns to Olivia*
Marcie: I think there’s a way bigger connection between all the women. We have so much more of a sisterhood where we really do genuinely care about one another, but that doesn’t mean we all just love. I think because we care so much, tensions are definitely there, just not in a disrespectful way like how everyone was acting last year.
Olivia: From my perspective, it’s more in line with the Beverly Beach I knew. Petra wanted a return to form, and she made the call to me to kind of get the show back to its roots. It was a tough task, especially with one of the women in particular who likes to act out; however, I think it’s a great season and reminiscent of the show’s roots.
Draya: I must say that when this season was announced *looks at Olivia* I was concerned as to how you would fit in, considering the show has moved on from the era you were part of. Petra and Yvonne did an excellent job by reuniting all the OGs, except sloppy Ren, who didn’t show up. Was it weird returning to the show, and would you like to see another fellow OG join you and Yvonne in the future?
Marcie chuckles at Draya, mentioning Ren
Olivia: *laughs* It wasn’t weird for me because I am a confident woman who knows what I bring to the table. I left on my own terms to move to Los Angeles to be closer to my sons, and I also purchased the home we live in now due to my husband’s business on the beach, so when Petra reached out with this idea, I said absolutely. I entered day one with zero fear, thinking I’d be joining as a friend of the show, and then it was just so effortless that we began talks for me to be full-time because of the chemistry. *laughs* I always welcome the OG women, although we don’t all get along. You saw in episode one, Lauren threw her little digs at me and then disappeared back to whatever shack she comes out of to appear on the show as a guest every blue moon.
Draya: How do you balance your professional life at The Blake Agency with the drama among your friends?
Olivia: *laughs* Whew…There is a lot to come with that. I think the women who are my true friends are respectful of my craft, understand what I do, and recognize my talent. There are some who put down my fashion lines and the fashion empire I have built, and that’ll continue to play out as the season progresses. It’s unfortunate that some women are like that.
Draya looks at Marcie and reads the question
Draya: Marcie, do you trust Olivia’s judgment when it comes to fashion, or do you think she’s lost her touch after being away for so long?
Marcie: I trust it. She actually picked this dress for me today! I called her, panicking, honestly worried I’d look fat. *laughs*
Draya: Honestly, I would definitely let you style me, Olivia! *laughs* Moving on, last year, we saw Serena and Valentina get into a physical altercation…This year, we see them carpooling. *laughs and rolls eyes* How do we feel about Valentia and Serena driving together and trying to build a new friendship after their altercation? Is it to clean their image and have a “sisterhood”?
Marcie: Valentina does a lot of crazy things this season. I think that she needs some friends, and in me and her finding a friendship, she’s also found a friendship with Serena. I don’t really know how genuine it is.
Olivia: *laughs* I personally do think that Serena is one who moves on quickly from a mess and in a genuine way. The other woman, I think, moves strategically for the cameras. I don’t trust that she has a genuine bone in her body.
Draya: Talking about new friends…Olivia, you introduced Violette, an “attorney”, I personally don’t think she fits in with you ladies. 5 episodes in, and so far she feels like the odd one out. How do we feel about her?
Marcie: I actually really like her. I definitely think she has a little bit of a detachment from us, but she’s also still finding her way. Don’t count her out just yet. *smiles*
Olivia: *nods* Watching the episodes, I do see what you mean, but Violette is a girl boss. There’s been many women on Housewives who had a slow start fitting in with the group of ladies who turn out to be great additions, so I would say keep watching.
Draya: Olivia, you hosted a dinner at Beverly Beach Chateau, where you introduced Violette, but we noticed that the attention got shifted from her when Valentina and Serena were acting like fools at your dinner. Do you ladies think this was for attention?
Olivia: *nods* Yes. I think Serena meant no harm, and she apologized quickly, but for Valentina, I think she wanted attention for sure. She carries a significant amount of baggage and trauma from her personal life, which she has channeled into alcohol and her actions. I really hope she seeks treatment or at least finds a different way to cope besides drinking and tearing down her friends in a moment of rage or drunken cringe behavior.
Marcie looks at Draya
Marcie: I think Serena tends to drink a little bit, which causes her to act a bit more overdramatized than she normally would. Valentina just has a way of absolutely causing ruckus. I don’t know if it’s for attention. I think it just might be how she is, yeah.
Draya: Okay. I’m not one to hand out compliments; when the season was announced, I wondered why you were asked back, Marcie, but as the season progresses, especially episode 3, it seems like you are becoming the MVP of the season. I think it’s fascinating to see how open you’re being with your life…But with that comes the hard questions.
Draya glances at Marcie during this segment
Draya: Olivia during episode 4…Your confessional about Marcie’s home life was quite revealing. What prompted you to bring up such a personal topic, and how do you approach these sensitive discussions?
Marcie glances over at Olivia
Olivia: Well, in my defense at this time, I didn’t know what was going on — just that Yvonne put on my radar that something was off. Instead of gossiping like some of the women do, I went straight to my friend here and asked her about it.
Draya: Marcie, Yvonne made a comment about your home life that seemed to catch you off guard. How did you feel about Yvonne bringing up your personal issues in a public setting? Especially after you said episodes prior, you don't feel enough support from her.
Marcie: And I was grateful for that, Olivia. Thank you. So when I initially asked Yvonne for support, I was talking about dealing within this group of women when we have problems with one another. I had no idea she’d start bringing up my personal marital problems with anyone, including myself, on the show. I didn’t want anyone but me explaining my story this way. I owed it to my family to bring it up and explain it in a respectful manner. Not how everyone brought it up.
Draya: Marcie, Yvonne contemplated inviting you to her wedding due to your marital issues. Once again, do you think she’s trying to make your issues the group’s issues?
Marcie: I think Yvonne realized that the only storyline she had going on was her marriage to a man that she’s already married to. You know the wedding we went to, like, what was it 30 years ago, Olivia? I don’t know. Anyway, she didn’t have a lot of shit going on, and blowing up my life gave her a lot to talk about.
The camera pans to Olivia giggling
Draya: During your therapy session with Dr. Ayara, you opened up about your ongoing marital problems with Jon. What prompted you to seek therapy, and how has this experience impacted your perspective on your relationship?
Marcie: I thought..By seeking out multiple therapists and finally settling on one Jon actually agreed he liked and would go to, we could do couples therapy. Not that I thought it would save our marriage, but that it would help us communicate how we were feeling and understand what to decide to do next that would be best for our family.
Draya turns to Olivia
Draya: Olivia, it seems like you and Marcie hit it off right away. How did you feel watching that scene? By the way, Marcie. I am proud of you for being so vulnerable, especially after many, including myself, mocked you for being a hairdresser last season, but you are putting it all out there.
Marcie is seen smiling back to Draya
Marcie: Thank you, genuinely.
Draya: Marcie, in episode 4, we saw a tense conversation between you and Valentina about your marital issues. You seemed quite defensive during that discussion. Can you share more about what was going through your mind at that moment and how you feel about Valentina expressing concern for your well-being? Do you feel like this was for camera time?
Olivia: Marcie and I have been friends for many years — they even had a flashback of Marcie at my fashion show in season 3 before she was contemplating joining the show. *laughs* You know, my heart breaks for Marcie. I’m the friend who has stuck by Marcie and has been there for her 100% of the time. I’m not into gossiping about Marcie’s marriage like Yvonne and Valentina both have. I’m a true friend.
Olivia continues saying
Olivia: Which also brings me to say that I thought it was bullshit when Valentina said in episode 5 that she, Yvonne, and Serena were closest to Marcie. Valentina and Marcie met last year. *laughs* You can tell in the scene in episode 5 that I was her best friend in that group. Sorry ladies, it just pisses me off. *laughs and grabs Marcie’s hand*
Marcie: Olivia has truly been like a sister to me during this time. I couldn’t ask for any more support than she’s giving me. It’s just showing me that there are genuine people who really care and will help in bad situations. With Valentina, I don’t think she was doing it for camera time. I was defensive because I was worried the other women might hear her talking, and I didn’t want to open up about how bad things were for them yet. Just due to how things can be spun on the show.
Draya: Olivia, you and Violette had an honest conversation to address the issues between you two, particularly about your assumptions regarding her relationship. How did it feel to finally clear the air and spill the tea? Do you think she was overdramatic?
Olivia: No, I don’t think she was overdramatic. My husband caused an issue in their relationship by running his mouth about something I confided in him about. The thing with Violette and me is that we met through our husbands, so I should have known my husband would go back to his friend and tell him what I said. My mistake was mine; I owned it, and we moved forward. We are good.
Draya: Episode 5 is titled “Saving Marcie Maples.” Marcie, it seems like your friends kept gossiping about your issues when you needed them the most. We saw Valentina talk about it with Serena and Yvonne once again, bringing it up to Serena. Do you think these three wanted you to come forward about your problems because they cared or because of the show?
Marcie: *chuckles* I think it was a bit of both. I think that they genuinely are my friends, and they wanted the best for me, but they didn’t really know what was going on. Not to mention, they all got together to literally discuss my life without me. That part is totally out of whack. If I had an issue with Valentina’s marriage, if I had an issue with Serena’s marriage, if I had an issue with Yvonne remarrying Horace, I would at least have enough respect for them to go to them directly and not talk about it in groups behind their backs. This is why I said I didn’t want to bring it up on the show.
Draya: Valentina opened up about her concern for you, recounting an incident where Jon was drunk and aggressive, making her fear for both her and your safety. How do you feel about Valentina sharing this with the group, and what steps are you taking to address the situation with Jon?
Olivia: I think it was foul the way she went about it with the screaming and alleging that Marcie’s husband harmed her and she had to go home with bruises because of him. *shakes head* It disgusted me. Marcie knows how I feel, and I do not think that woman is her true friend. She’s distracting from her own marital issues with Brandon Armani that Mona Quinn brought up last year.
Marcie: I thought that Valentina’s bringing it up at that dinner was messy. I think the entire dinner being planned to talk about my marriage without informing me of that prior was really messed up. To put me in a scenario and a situation I didn’t really want to be in or deal with at the time was ill-intentioned. So my friends should think about that a little harder next time.
Marcie continues by saying
Marcie: Jonathan and I had a long conversation about his physicalities in therapy after the episode aired, and honestly, we’re just not on speaking terms right now, so he hasn’t really threatened me physically because he hasn’t spoken to me at all.
Draya: Valentina Armani said the following… *reads from cards as I shake my head* “Valentina Armani: “My kids had to see their mother come home in bruises at the expense of your husband, and you are going to sit up here and act like everything is honky dory, ITS NOT!!!” I don’t have questions; I have thoughts, but I want you two to tell me how you felt watching this.
Olivia looks at Marcie
Olivia: I will let Marcie speak on this because I kind of just said my piece on it.
Marcie: This was unbelievably overexaggerated. You guys saw what happened in my house. The producers pulled us out before he got physical with us. Maybe she got those bruises from Brandon. I don’t know; what I do know is that Jonathan was physically threatening. He didn’t touch us. He didn’t make contact.
Olivia: *nods* I agree; if he touched that woman, producers would have ceased filming and there would have been a lawsuit. We all know Valentina would have cried to the police quickly.
Draya: Yvonne, once again, involved herself in your marital problems by throwing a dinner party for your friends to address the situation. The atmosphere was tense, and you arrived last. Did you feel bombarded by Yvonne throwing that dinner and Valentina revealing those allegations?
Marcie: I absolutely felt bombarded. *looks in the camera* Yvonne, I want you to look in the mirror. I want you to understand that while you are choosing to stay with the same old rotting meat in misery, I am moving on to happier times. Valentina I wish you nothing more than to come to terms with how insecure you are and potentially see the wall you constantly build against yourself. I truly believe we can all be friends, but you all have to be as honest as you’ve made me be. Like Yvonne says “ it’s the principle”.
The live audience claps as Marcie responds Draya’s question
Olivia: Yes, Marcie, you tell them! *smiles big*
Marcie: I’m so tired of being the punching bag girl, dang.
Draya: *Claps* Marcie, you are really gagging them, girl! Furthermore, at the end of this episode, you opened up about your love for Jon despite acknowledging the abuse of your relationship. You mentioned your fear and confusion about leaving him, especially because of your son, Mikey. How are you navigating these emotions, and what support systems do you have in place to help you through this difficult time?
Marcie: Mikey has understanded now that he’s seen what has gone on between Jon and I. Currently Jonathan has his own apartment, he let Mike and I keep the house but ultimately we’re going to sell that. Sorry to reveal this now, but I have legally filed for divorce…So all of Jonathan and my accounts have been frozen till we find an equal split of the assets but I have money coming in from the salon to a personal account and obviously from the show and interviews like this so I have money not access to what was made in the marriage. Sorry for not telling you before now Olivia I wasn’t sure I’d be asked.
Olivia: *nods* It’s okay; I support you 100%, and what you feel is best.
Draya: Wow. *nods agreeing with Olivia* I appreciate you for coming forward with your story on The Real Housewives of Beverly Beach and on Getting The Real Tea. You are sharing your experiences with this abuse so openly and honestly and providing a platform for women who are going through similar struggles.
Marcie: If I can help even one woman escape or leave, that’s enough. *smiles* Thank you.
Draya: Getting The Real Tea will be right back after this short break.
The camera pans back in the studio on Draya and her guests, Marcie Maples and Olivia J. Blake
Draya: Now, I think it’s time to lighten the mood a bit and have some fun! We’re going to play a little game called ‘Sip or Spill”. Each of you will be asked a shady question. If they choose to answer, you “spill” the tea. If you don’t want to answer, you will take a sip of their drink.
The camera shows the live audience in the studio, excited for the game to begin
Marcie: Oooo, this sounds fun.
Draya: KASEY BRING THE HENNESSY!
Big Booty Kasey is seen handing the ladies two teacups and a bottle of Hennessy to Draya while she twerks to Saweetie’s “My Type”
Draya: Sip or Spill: Monse hosted group scenes this season, she played the fence, and pushed the sisterhood agenda….Rumor has it she was demoted as a friend due to her lackluster performance all of her season; do you ladies think she was friendly with all of you to save her job?
Olivia: *laughs* Now, I wouldn’t say Monse was friendly with everyone. She was mixing it up and definitely didn’t get along with all the girls. Her and I definitely were able to build a friendship through the season, and I do like her. Let’s see how the rest of the season plays out!
Marcie: Monse got herself involved in a lot of messes. I think she just took a while to warm up, kind of like a pizza oven heating up. *chuckles*
Draya: I’m sorry. I hate her. She’s stupid; one minute she’s pretending to be busy, then the next she’s laying by her pool with her goldfish of a sister! Chop!
Draya reads the next one from her cards
Draya: Sip or Spill: Do we think that Yvonne marrying Horace *makes face* again is to have a personal storyline and not look as messy to the audience this season?
Olivia: *laughs* I think you should stay tuned to see what I feel about their marriage. More to come! *raises glass and sips the Hennessy*
Marcie: I think Yvonne needs to do whatever she needs to do to feel happy, and as long as it’s not drinking copiously, then that’s great.
The live audience ‘Oooh’ in the studio
Draya: Sip or Spill: Former Pat Fireson is back on the scene! If she were to come back to the show, who do you think she would have issues with?
Marcie: *sips*
Olivia: *giggles and sips* Messy, messy!
Draya: Wait, who’s messy? *laughs* Sip or Spill: RHOBB has a group message; who do you think causes the most drama in the chat?
Olivia: Valentina *laughs*
Draya: Why? What happened?
Olivia: Oh, *laughs* I thought you meant if we did have a chat, who would cause the most drama? *laughs* We don’t have a chat!
Marcie: Let’s go down the list. Serena doesn’t respond. Violette checks to see if her name is mentioned. I text when I have salon events. Valentina texts the most. Yvonne only texts back to tell us that she doesn’t have time when we’re not filming. Olivia, we do too have a chat. It’s with Petra.
Draya: I heard Violette is ghosting Olivia. What happened?
Olivia: *giggles* Not Marcie exposing me. Okay, okay we do!
Marcie is seen sipping her drink
Olivia: The situation with Violette and me — she’s a bit of a sensitive girl. She was blowing us up by texting her thoughts, and I told her to live tweet like everyone else. She went on a downward spiral and hasn’t been active in the chat in 24 hours. I’m sure she’s fine.
Draya: Sip or Spill: Lorelei had a show named “Sip or Spill” that was canceled after two episodes. What do we think about that?
Marcie: I wasn’t asked to be on her show, so I don’t know, honestly. *laughs*
Olivia: Unfortunately, but I didn’t think that was the Lorelei that I knew. She seemed to put on for the cameras and didn’t really show her true self. The audience fell in love with messy, slightly promiscuous Lorelei — not cosplay Sherri Shepard.
Draya: Sip or Spill: Olivia and Marcie. This is the real tea. Olivia, you are friends with Heidi Weltroth, and Marcie is no longer cool with her. Would you like to see her come back to the show?.
Marcie: Honestly, she can stay wherever she is. She was tweeting about my marriage before the show even started airing. It was disgusting; it was disparaging. I don’t really need to be around that person.
Olivia: Oh, lord — look, Heidi and I have definitely been in the same social circles in the past. She’s not someone I speak to daily or hang out with much, but she has supported some of the same charities I do. I do not like how she’s treated my friend Marcie, but I do think she was putting on for the cameras and didn’t really show the true Heidi, and it backfired on her — similarly to Ashanti in season 3!
Darya: Well, just like that, our time is up! Thank you, Marcie and Olivia, for joining me on the first episode of the new season of Getting The Real Tea! I’ll see you all next week!
The cameras zoom out of the Getting The Real Tea studio as the episode comes to a close
