Jill Zarin has been removed from the upcoming Real Housewives of New York spin-off The Golden Life following her public criticism of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. The decision was announced by the production studio on February 10, 2026. Zarin's comments, shared in a now-deleted Instagram video, sparked backlash over their remarks on language, performance style, and perceived political messaging.
Days after posting a video criticizing Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance, Jill Zarin was dropped from the upcoming E! series The Golden Life. The Palm Beach-set reality show, announced on February 3, 2026, was to feature Zarin alongside fellow RHONY alumnae Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensmon, and Sonja Morgan. Production had not yet begun when the studio made the announcement.
In the one-minute Instagram video posted on Sunday, Zarin described the performance as 'the worst halftime show ever.' She stated, “It’s 250 years that we’re celebrating right now in the United States, and I just don’t think it was appropriate to have it in Spanish.” Zarin also criticized Bad Bunny's onstage movements, saying, “And quite frankly, I didn’t need to see him grabbing his G-area. I think it was totally inappropriate. You’ve got all these young kids watching the Super Bowl, and he doesn’t have to be grabbing himself every five seconds.” She added that she did not understand the lyrics since she does not speak Spanish.
Zarin suggested the show carried political undertones, noting, “To me, it looked like a political statement, because there were literally no white people in the entire thing. I think it was a political statement, and I’m not taking a side one way or the other, I just do. I think it was an ICE thing.” She accused the NFL of 'selling out' by booking Bad Bunny and commented on guest performer Lady Gaga's appearance, saying, “I didn’t recognize her! I literally had to Google her face to see who it was.”
Blink49 Studios, behind the RHONY reboot, posted on Instagram: “In light of recent public comments made by Jill Zarin, Blink49 Studios has decided not to move forward with her involvement in The Golden Life. We remain committed to delivering the series in line with our company standards and values.”
Zarin was an original cast member on Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York from 2008 to 2011.
