Gretchen Rossi responds to Tamra Barney’s digs at her singing career

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Barney recently did an interview in which she claimed that none of the Real Housewives should sing — including her co-star Gretchen Rossi. “Have you heard her sing?” Tamra asked. Gretchen was obviously not thrilled with the comments and is now responding to her (former?) friend’s harsh words.

“When I asked her about it she texted me it was all BS and [AllAboutTRH] completed manipulated the story, but then [AllAboutTRH] said [they] have voice recordings of her saying this about me,” Gretchen explains in her statement to AllAboutTRH. “So as anyone would feel, sometimes it’s hard to know what the truth is. However as a friend I want to give her the benefit, so I have to believe her.”

“If she did say it, of course it is [hurtful]. How could it not be, that is why I immediately reached out to her and asked why would she say those things? All I know is that I have been nothing but supportive about her business endeavors, her personal life, and protective over people taking away from special moments in her life,” Gretchen states.

“I write and sing because it is something I love to do in my past time. I don’t need everyone’s approval, and I’m not trying to be the next big pop star. I know my capabilities and why I am doing this. I do this for the fans that continue to be touched by my lyrics and meaning behind my songs.”

Among the songs that Gretchen has released is “Unbreakable” which was inspired by Slade Smiley’s young son who has been battling brain cancer for the last 7 years. “It just really inspired me to write a song about this kid being so young, and dealing with so much, and being unbreakable despite the fact,” she told press of the tune. Another song, “Nothing Without You” was dedicated to her late fiancé Jef Bietzel who passed away in 2008 after losing his battle with leukemia. In fact, the proceeds from the song were divided up between the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the Jeff Beitzel Foundation, so it was all for a great cause.

“I’m ok with someone’s opinion and if they don’t like my singing, I am not offended, but Tamra has never voiced that to me,” Gretchen goes on to explain. “She actually said I rocked it at Pussycat Dolls and was super proud of me, and has heard all of my songs and has always said, they were good. Tamra certainly would not like anyone having a negative thing to say about her new business venture in the fitness industry, and her level of fitness to be doing something like that.”

“She also says she is not here to make friends and this is a job for her at the end of the day, which I respect, but for me I am not willing to lose my integrity or the way I treat others to keep my paycheck. I think we can all have our opinions in a very authentic and adult like manner without assassinating someone’s character or business just so we make good TV. Funny thing is Tamra actually asked me in one scene this year how I know so much about so many things and how I know how to deal with them so well. I laughed and said ‘I don’t really, I just live and learn.’ I think even though both brutally honest Tamra and I go about it differently when we deliver that information. Her way works for her and my way works for me.”

Read Gretchen’s full statement over at All About The Real Housewives!

Gretchen Rossi and Tamra Barney will be back for Season 8 of The Real Housewives of Orange County which debuts on Bravo at 8/7c on April 1. Obviously I think one of the things fans can expect is a rather dramatic falling out between Tamra and Gretchen!

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