‘RHODubai’ star Lesa Milan doesn’t ‘get the hype’ for ‘gold-plated and rusting’ Caroline Stanbury
She’s no stan of Stanbury.
“Real Housewives of Dubai” star Lesa Milan was the latest guest on Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast, where she exclusively revealed to us that she doesn’t understand the adoration some people have for her castmate Caroline Stanbury.
“I don’t get it, I really don’t get the hype. I genuinely don’t,” says Milan, 35, whose ex-BFF and fellow “RHODubai” co-star Chanel Ayan has become particularly close with Stanbury over the past two years.
The Mina Roe designer — who memorably clashed with Stanbury throughout 2022’s inaugural season — asserts that 46-year-old Ayan’s decision to buddy up with the “Ladies of London” alum, 48, was a questionable one.
During her guest appearance on Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast, “Real Housewives of Dubai” star Lesa Milan admitted that she doesn’t understand the adoration some people have for her castmate Caroline Stanbury. Page Six
“I don’t get it, I really don’t get the hype. I genuinely don’t,” Milan says of the “Ladies of London” alum. carolinestanbury/Instagram
“I feel like I would want to be on this side any day,” she tells “Virtual Reali-Tea.” “And anybody that rocks with me elevates.”
Milan goes on to say that everything she touches “turns to gold.” However, the Bravolebrity — known for her quick wit, sharp tongue and world-class shade — quips that Stanbury’s glamorous presentation is a farce.
“Over there, it looks very gold-plated and rusting,” the former Miami resident says of the British expat.
Despite their fractured dynamic, Milan had nice things to say about Stanbury’s recent plastic surgery when chatting with Page Six in March.
Milan (second from left) memorably clashed with Stanbury (third from right) throughout 2022’s inaugural season. Zach Dilgard/Bravo via Getty Images
The Mina Roe designer’s ex-BFF Chanel Ayan (third from left) has become particularly close with Stanbury over the past two years. Chris Haston/Fred Jagueneau/Bravo
“You know what? I actually have to say, in person, it looks amazing,” she said of the “Uncut and Uncensored” podcast host’s facelift. “It actually looks good.”
Stanbury revealed last fall that she underwent the procedure at the hands of plastic surgeon Dr. Steve S. Kim in Los Angeles, across the world from her home in the Middle East.
Milan noted that she and her husband, Rich Hall, felt the skin-snatching surgery took years off of Stanbury’s appearance.
“You know, my husband called her ’50-year-old influencer,’” Milan said, referencing a jab made by the businessman during the reality show’s first season. “And when he saw her the other day, he was like, ’25!’”
Milan asserts that Ayan’s decision to buddy up with the “Ladies of London” alum was a questionable one. chanelayan/Instagram
The Bravolebrity — known for her quick wit, sharp tongue and world-class shade — quips that Stanbury’s glamorous presentation is a farce. carolinestanbury/Instagram
While Stanbury and Milan certainly aren’t besties today, the latter shares that she is “cordial” with the other.
“I don’t have any issues with her. You know when they say no expectations, no disappointment? I feel like I see her for who she is, you know, slithering through,” she says. “And that’s enough for me. I navigate those spaces accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Milan is mourning the once-close bond she had with Ayan.
“Over there, it looks very gold-plated and rusting,” the former Miami resident says of the British expat. Getty Images
While Stanbury and Milan certainly aren’t besties today, the latter shares that she is “cordial” with the other. Casey Durkin/Bravo
“With Ayan, it’s different,” she laments, “because [I had] a lot of expectations and so she’s the only one that could truly disappoint me.”
The details of their falling out remain unclear, but Milan is looking forward to watching her feud with Ayan unfold onscreen if only for clarity.
“It was a true friendship and I think people can identify with it. Ayan and I, we were really best friends and … I can’t wait to see how it all plays out,” she explains.
“I must have missed something because I did not see it coming. So I am just as invested as the fans.”
“I feel like I see her for who she is, you know, slithering through,” Milan says of Stanbury. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Meanwhile, she is mourning her shattered friendship with Ayan. chanelayan/Instagram
Without giving too much away, Milan hints that unspoken competitiveness on Ayan’s part contributed to their demise.
“Maybe she had some outside influences,” she says of the Ayan Beauty creator.
“I know, from my perspective, it was a lot of like secret competition that I felt was going on that I didn’t know at the time until after.”
While it remains to be seen if the ladies can patch things up — perhaps at the forthcoming Season 2 reunion — Milan emphasizes that she is not relishing in her conflict with the model-turned-cosmetics entrepreneur.
The details of their falling out remain unclear, but Milan is looking forward to watching her feud with Ayan unfold onscreen if only for clarity. Zach Dilgard/Bravo via Getty Images
Milan calls the situation “sad.” Lesa Milan/Instagram
In fact, it’s upsetting, she admits.
“I truly, genuinely loved her,” Milan says. “And, and it’s always sad when anybody breaks up, right?”
“The Real Housewives of Dubai” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
