The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Taylor Armstrong's Marriage
Real Housewives fans everywhere let out a collective gasp after hearing the tragic news that reality TV star Taylor Armstrong's husband, Russell Armstrong, was found dead in 2011. When the death was later reported to be that of a suicide, viewers were stunned.
During Taylor's three seasons on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the couple's marriage was on display and the subject of much scrutiny. It wasn't until season two, however, that rumors started circulating that Taylor was suffering from physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Russell. Taylor eventually filed for divorce in July of 2011, citing irreconcilable differences as reported by TMZ. Tragically one month later, in August of 2011, Russell was found dead from an apparent suicide.
On the surface, it appeared the couple had it all. A beautiful daughter, an expensive home, and even budding fame. But how did a marriage between two that seemingly had everything end in such terrible tragedy? Keep reading to find out.
Taylor Armstrong says the physical abuse went on for five years
During the season two reunion of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Taylor Armstrong opened up for the first time about the alleged abuse she endured by her husband, Russell Armstrong. The housewife told reunion host, Andy Cohen, and the rest of the ladies that the rumors of abuse were true and the abuse actually started five years prior, when she was pregnant with their daughter, Kennedy. Taylor went on to say that the abuse continued "every six weeks or so." Taylor also alleged that Russell made numerous threats to bankrupt both her and her daughter and leave them with nothing should she ever try get the authorities involved.
To make matters worse, after the reunion, many claimed that Taylor's allegations were false and untruthful. Taylor, however, was quick to set the record straight on a podcast episode of Divorce Sucks with Laura Wasser per The Blast. "There were people in the beginning who questioned whether I could potentially be abused. I think that they think that no one gets abused by the golden gates of Beverly Hills. It only happens in socioeconomically deprived areas, which we all know is completely untrue. It happens in every race ... just across the board," Taylor maintained.
Taylor Armstrong found her husband dead
Taylor Armstrong spoke candidly on an episode of the Divorce Sucks with Laura Wasser podcast, per Bravo's Daily Dish. During the podcast, Taylor disclosed that she found her husband's lifeless body after her intuition told her something was wrong. "I went to go meet him one day, and his office was dark and he wasn't there and he was a workaholic, so it was completely unusual for that to be the case. And I just had this sinking feeling that something terrible had happened," she said. "And it had never crossed my mind in the past. He was very narcissistic and not someone you would ever think would take their life. But ultimately, I had found him hanging in the house that he had moved into."
Unfortunately, the couple's young daughter was out waiting in the car and Taylor found herself trying to maintain her composure until the nanny arrived and removed her from the scene. During that same podcast interview, Taylor admitted that she wished she had done a better job of protecting her daughter from the abuse she witnessed.
Taylor Armstrong has moved on
Even after experiencing such heartache, Taylor Armstrong went on to find new love with an attorney by the name of John Bluher. In an interview with E! News Taylor disclosed that she and Bluher met through a mutual friend and he actually helped her with legal advice during the difficult time following her estranged husband's death.
The couple went on to appear on VH1's Couples Therapy and later wed in April of 2014 during a beach-side ceremony. Taylor issued a statement to People on her wedding day that read: "I married my best friend and Kennedy's family circle became complete. I definitely believe the universe put John in my path for a reason. We were meant to be." She went on to add, "John loves me for exactly who I am."
Cheers to Taylor finally finding happiness after a long, dark road.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.