Liz McGraw of RHORI Addresses Exit Rumors Head-On

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island star Liz McGraw is putting an end to rumors concerning her departure from the show after just one season.

“It’s interesting to me how everyone jumps to conclusions about my reasons for leaving being related to ‘skeletons’ or ‘jail,’ etc.,” Liz, 56, wrote on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, July 1, shortly after announcing her exit from the Bravo reality series.

Her announcement comes during the ongoing legal struggles of close friend Dino Guilmette. Dino, 47, who appeared on RHORI and was frequently mentioned by Liz and her husband Gerry McGraw, was arrested in March 2022 and charged with drug trafficking, conspiracy, and financial fraud. He is alleged to have supplied Lorazepam, a prescription sedative, to a friend’s girlfriend and to have defrauded a pandemic state program out of $7,000 in rent-relief funds.

According to multiple reports, a 2021 search warrant affidavit from Rhode Island State Police Detective Matthew Lynch claimed that Guilmette was involved in a cocaine operation linked to the Patriarca crime family in New England. Guilmette has not been formally indicted for Mafia-related racketeering, and his attorney has denied any ties to organized crime.

Facing up to 88 years in prison if convicted, Guilmette turned down a plea deal to avoid jail time last month, with his lawyer emphasizing that he maintains his innocence. The case is set to return to court on July 17.

In 2021, Liz and Gerry were implicated in the legal proceedings after being named as Guilmette’s associates in the affidavit, though they have not been accused of any criminal acts. Speculations abound that Liz chose to leave RHORI in light of Guilmette’s upcoming trial.

“This is not new gossip … it has been local slander for YEARS,” Liz stated in her post on Wednesday, seemingly addressing rumors that Guilmette’s trial would expose her own alleged wrongful actions. “If there were even a shred of truth to it, I would have never agreed to be on a show! I understand that some people find it satisfying to speculate, spread hate, and defame my character, but I have never been investigated or involved in ANY criminal case. It’s utterly ridiculous, and people should know how absurd it sounds.”

She concluded, “I’m sorry to disappoint. It’s astonishing how freely people express such outrageous claims as if they are facts. Now that I have some free time, I plan to start the process of holding those who spread such fiction accountable.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Liz revealed her departure from RHORI.

“I’m very grateful for the incredible opportunity to be on this show,” she posted on Instagram. “As Season 2 filming begins, I have decided to take a step back to focus on my family, my career, and my passions.”

The Bravolebrity added, “The RHORI cast is a wonderful group of women who have created something extraordinary. I’ll be tuning in next season, cheering for the ongoing success of this franchise. For now, I look forward to enjoying this little corner of the world from the other side of the camera.”