Dolores Catania’s Boyfriend Reveals Where ‘RHONJ’ Cast and Luis Ruelas Stand After Explosive Reunion
Teresa Giudice’s husband, Luis Ruelas, still isn’t in a good place with the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast members after a combative season 13 reunion.
“The energy is a little different right now,” Dolores Catania’s boyfriend Paul Connell told Page Six exclusively at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday night .
However, the optimistic Irishman added: “I think it will sort itself out,” noting that he is personally a “fan” of everyone.
Although Connell doesn’t have a problem with Ruelas, other “Housewives'” husbands may feel differently.
Several actors accused the father of two of hiring private detective Bo Dietl to investigate them – although the retired police detective later denied the claims.
Giudice’s own brother, Joe Giudice, also blasted Ruelas during the explosive ‘RHONJ’ Season 13 reunion, calling him an “abuser of women” and saying that’s why he doesn’t “respect” him .
During a previous episode, the two almost came to blows because Ruelas didn’t invite Gorga’s mother-in-law to his August 2022 wedding to Giudice.
They also had growing tensions over a business deal gone wrong with a family pizza oven concept.
Connell admitted that while he likes to stay low-key, when filming a reality show it can be difficult to stay above the fray.
“It’s a little hard not to be involved in the drama because there’s a lot of drama, but I think I’m doing pretty good staying away from that,” the owner told us. ‘Eco Electrical Services.
These days, however, Connell is more focused on the next steps in his relationship with Catania.
The Jersey-based businessman confirmed he still has to “wait for the divorce”. [from his ex-wife]must be finalized before they can get married, but he noted, “I think we have a plan in place that we think will meet our timeline.” She’s happy about it, and so am I, so I think everyone will be.
When it comes to whether Connell and Catania, 52, will get married on TV like Giudice, 51, and Ruelas, 48, did, the former said his girlfriend can decide .
“It all depends on her,” he said. “I’m kind of new to this whole thing, so whatever she wants is allowed.”
For more updates on Page Six reality TV
Connell and Catania have been dating since late 2021, and it’s been a smooth road so far — except with the Bravolebrity’s ex-husband, Frank Catania, who wasn’t so keen on a blended family at first.
The former lawyer took digs at the Dublin native, calling him names like Buzz Lightyear.
However, Connell clarified to Page Six that the men were simply “finding ground” with the new family dynamic.
“I love Frank. Frank likes me. I think we are good. I think it’s a good mix right now, so I hope it stays that way,” he said before joking that when he and Dolores get married, he wouldn’t be surprised if his ex played one last joke on him.
“He’ll probably be the guy who stands up [at the wedding] and said, “Does anyone have a problem?” “Yes, I have one,” Connell joked. “But yeah, he’ll probably be at the wedding, that’s for sure.”