‘Selling Sunset’ Star Mary Bonnet Reveals She Quit Alcohol After Explosive Season 9 Finale
‘Selling Sunset’ star Maria Bonnet has revealed that she quit alcohol after Season 9 of the dramatic Netflix reality TV series wrapped, explaining that she made the decision after realizing that drinking no longer “served” her in the way it once did.
The 45-year-old, who has been part of the cast of ‘Selling Sunset’ since its 2019 premiere, explained Gurus magazine that she had “no problem” with drinking, but felt it was still taking a negative toll on her life.
That feeling was proven after she decided to give up alcohol – and replace cocktails with mocktails – only to discover that she felt better both physically and mentally.
“I didn’t have a problem; nothing bad happened. But I realized it wasn’t helping me anymore. What used to help me relax started giving me anxiety. So I stopped,” she explained.
“I’m the best version of myself. I have my mocktail and I’m proud of myself. I’m grounded and centered in a way I’ve never been.”
While quitting drinking has helped her enjoy a new chapter in her life, Bonnet noted that she has remained very grounded throughout the six years she has been on the Netflix show, despite the series propelling her to newfound fame.
“It’s just me. My friends and customers know I’m the same person from day 1. It’s easier to get a reservation now, but other than that nothing has changed,” she added.
However, Bonnet said she still faces some challenges, especially when it comes to social media.
“I don’t look at comments anymore. I’m sensitive. My team shows me the good ones, and I ask them not to show me the bad ones. It’s just not healthy,” she added.
However, her husband, Romainalways helps her through the difficult moments.
“He always says, ‘They’re not going to talk to my wife like that.’ He is my rock,” she said.
Bonnet’s sober admission comes just days after co-star Chrishel Stause revealed that she would not be returning for another season of the reality TV show.
The 44 year old actress turned professional home salesperson revealed this during an interview with Rush that she has made the decision to step away from the reality TV show, which she has watched regularly since its premiere in 2019, citing a desire to better protect her own mental well-being.
She admitted that she has seriously considered leaving the Netflix project several times in the past, but noted that the lure of a big payday always kept her from cutting ties with the show once and for all.
“I have gone back and forth on this decision in the past,” she said. “I have to be honest: because I came from nowhere, it’s very difficult to turn down something like this.”
Now, however, Stause says she can put her mental health above all else because “Selling Sunset” is no longer her primary source of income.
“I’m at a point where I don’t need the show financially. I’m lucky to have other forms of work because it’s no longer good for my mental health,” she said.
Although “Selling Sunset” has yet to be renewed for a tenth season, Stause emphasized that she wishes her castmates the best as they move forward with a new installment.
“If they continue, I wish them the best. If they do another one, I might not watch it again. I don’t know. But I have no ill will toward the show. The show has given me so many opportunities, and I don’t want to be bitter about it, even if I leave in a way that I would have liked,” she admitted.
The real estate agent also addressed her departure from the show on Instagram, telling fans, “Although the season ended on a bit of a sour note, I will truly always be SO grateful to this show. It introduced me to you and I am very grateful for your support.
“There were a lot of nice memories that I’m going to focus on from now on and you’ll see me again, so it’s not goodbye. Just goodbye for now.”
The news came after she hinted in an interview that she would be leaving the series Variety.
Stause said she “liked this season.” However, she was “excited to move forward with this chapter.”
“The reunion was so brutal. In that moment I realized that I will be done here in the future. I wish everyone the best, but this is not the place for me. It felt a bit like a dog pile,” she added.
