Real Housewives of New York viewers were shocked and saddened by the news of Tinsley Mortimer's split from Scott Kluth, especially since she left the hit Bravo series to be with him. When they got engaged, fans hoped Tinsley would finally get the happiness she dreamed of. But Scott called the wedding off, and now the socialite's friends are speaking out against him.
Tinsley, who was previously married to Topper Mortimer from 2002-2010, began dating Scott in 2017. They were set up by former co-star Carole Radziwell. The pair broke up and got back together multiple times, with Scott's contempt for fame and the press a constant issue. Eventually, the Coupon Cabin founder gave her an ultimatum. If she stepped down as a reality tv star, they could get married. Tinsley chose love over fame, leaving RHONY midseason. The bubbly blonde was a fan favorite, so viewers were sad to see her go, but hoped for the best. She didn't just leave Bravo, but also New York, moving to Chicago for him. He proposed in November 2019, though the pandemic delayed the nuptials. Unfortunately, despite everything Tinsley gave up for him, he didn't keep his promise.
A source close to Tinsley spoke to Page Six, revealing she was "blindsided" when Scott dumped her after a fight last Friday. “He tortured her. For years he would break up with her and get back together with her and break up with her again,” claimed a friend of the socialite. “But when he proposed, she believed he meant it. She left her career, she left her livelihood, she left her home, and suddenly he’s back to his old tricks again and he called off the engagement.” Scott gave a very different story to People, claiming they were over for months and already living separately. The unidentified friend pushed back on that, and said the couple was apart because of traveling.
Tinsley's friend went on to accuse Scott of being a hypocrite who took advantage of his significant other's fame despite complaining about it. The source claimed, “He has a fear of commitment. He never had it in him to follow through with his promise to marry her. And he used her celebrity to promote his coupon company.” In response, an anonymous source from Scott's side insisted the split did happen months ago, and accused Tinsley of "mischaracterizing" things. The individual told Page Six, "As Scott has already said, he wishes nothing but the best for Tinsley and is seeking to recover emotionally and move on.”
While her ex-fiancé is sticking to his story, Tinsley's fans are likely as angry as her friends, especially since they already watched Scott toy with her for years. As for Tinsley's future, it seems she's still too raw to make any major decisions. According to Page Six, the 45-year-old's "head is spinning," and she hasn't decided about moving back to New York yet.
If the TV personality does move back to New York, it's safe to say viewers would welcome her back to Real Housewives of New York with open arms. She wouldn't have to deal with since-fired nemesis Dorinda Medley anymore. Plus, her longtime friend Leah McSweeney was season 12's breakout. Fans would surely love to see more of their antics together on screen.