Years ago, the executive producer of this reality franchise abruptly quit a judging show because of Russia’s stance on LGTBQ rights.

Today, his franchise is filming in a country where h.o.m.o.s.e.x.u.a.l.i.t.y. is punishable by death.

Curious how he will spin his way out of this during promotion.

Andy Cohen

Miss Universe Pageant

Real Housewives of Dubai

United Arab Emirates

Andy Cohen Boycotting Miss Universe Pageant in Russia, Saying It’s ‘Unsafe’ for Gays – 2013

Andy Cohen says he isn’t returning to his spot as co-host of the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, citing safety concerns over traveling to Russia following President Vladimir Putin‘s recent implementation of harsh anti-gay laws.

The Bravo executive and host of Watch What Happens Live — who is openly gay — told E! News’ Giuliana Rancic, with whom he co-hosted the pageant the previous two years, that he turned down the job for this year’s event, which is set for Nov. 9 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. He said he made his decision because he “their discriminatory policies make it unsafe for the gays who live there and gays coming to work or visit.” – Source

Andy Cohen Reveals Which Housewife He Would Bring Back and Who He Misses Most

When ET spoke to Cohen in November, he dished on the newest addition to the Housewives franchise, The Real Housewives of Dubai. – Jan 2022

“I think that’ll be something that will be interesting to see, and I think for a lot of people, this will be their first look at life in Dubai,” he said. “Granted it will be a look inside a very wealthy part of Dubai, which is by the way a billionaire’s playground on its own, but what I hope also is we can shed some light on what’s going on there culturally and politically, and maybe we can inform people as we’re entertaining them.” – Source

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