'Real Housewives' star Shannon Beador arrested for drunk driving, hit-and-run
Police arrested "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Shannon Beador this weekend in Newport Beach, California, for drunk driving and a hit-and-run.
A spokesperson for the Newport Beach Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY that officers arrested Beador early Sunday morning. She was booked for two misdemeanors ‒ an alcohol-related DUI and hit-and-run ‒ and released.
In a statement to USA TODAY Monday, Beador's attorney Michael L. Fell said Beador is "extremely apologetic and remorseful" following the event.
"We will be awaiting the official information on this case as it becomes available," Fell said. "Shannon is prepared to accept full responsibility for her actions."
Beador, 59, joined the "Real Housewives" franchise in 2014 and has appeared on the show ever since.
A representative for Bravo declined to comment.
The reality TV personality has her own brand of Real For Real holistic products and already-prepared meals, and she is currently slated to appear at the TV network's BravoCon fan convention along with other network stars in Las Vegas in November.
Beador's longtime friend Jeff Lewis, an interior designer and radio personality, revealed Beador is recovering after allegedly getting injured in the hit-and-run.
"I was shocked because I’ve never known Shannon to ever, ever, ever drink and drive. That is something that we have both discussed previously," Lewis said during SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live Monday. “I will tell you she is accepting full accountability. She is ashamed; she is embarrassed."
Lewis also said Beador will be entering counseling this week, seemingly to address her relationship with alcohol.
“I don’t think Shannon is an alcoholic," Lewis said. "As her close friend, I think she’s going through a lot of personal struggles right now, and I think that she probably has been leaning on alcohol."
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY