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Simon van Kempen

The High(and Low)Lights

The Real husband shares his final thoughts on the dramatic second season.

June 1, 2009

So Bravo manages to squeeze some more out of our season as well as another little dose of the 7-hour Reunion Special. I failed to blog the finale as well as the first 2 Reunion Specials, so while I intend to keep this short, I will touch on the high(low)lights of those episodes too.

So let’s go in reverse chronological order and start with Gloria’s review of the catfight, which kicked the season off. Funnily enough, Gloria’s retort about me being from Australia was exactly what I had said when we filmed that scene when Alex and I were reading the NY Post column. Honestly the “and it shows” was not meant to come across as badly as it did, but lesson learned and we’ve all moved on. What was very funny though was Gloria’s surprise that Alex and I have separate last names. I’ve always found it amusing that while we are continually lambasted as co-dependent that this is the first time that someone has referenced the fact that Alex kept her last name when we married back in May 2000. When I met Alex in May 1999 we fell in love very rapidly and when 5 months later we decided to get married, I wasn’t the least concerned that she wished to remain a McCord. Let’s face it that’s who she is and I never felt that by her not taking my last name she loved me any less or was showing less commitment to our union. She’s certainly not my possession but is an equal partner in our marriage and I think it’s right that she kept the name with which she’d come to be identified.

Alex and I were both so glad that the scene we filmed with her college buddy Rod, his husband Lindel and their adorable son Hugh finally made it to air. When we film for four months or so, so much is taped it really is a crapshoot over what will make the final cut. Equal marriage rights is much in the news lately and so in a way it was great timing that we were able to address this and that my interview statements about men marrying men and women marrying women were included too. As someone who grew up in a single parent home I can say it would have great to have had two loving parents (but am very thankful that I had one) and it annoys me that this equal rights issue gets pulled off on tangents to be equated with bigamy and other silly comparisons. Anyway off my soap box now and Rod no you can’t have my shoes! ;-)

Next:
Under Pressure
Under Pressure Simon shares details on the big renovation reveal. June 1, 2009264 Comments The Real Housewives of New York City Season 2 / Episode 11 / Simon van Kempen

Comments

91 Comments

i loved your singing..could tell you were soooo nervous, don't worry, you did great. you didn't lip sync like the countass, and for that you should be commended.

Love you and Alex, Great parents and true honest, respectful people. Love your song, and just love everything about you. You and Alex are the greatest couple, and are so meant to be together. Please do more songs, absolutely LOVED IT! Can't wait to see Jill, Luann, tear it apart and make fun and insult, and all the evilness they will create out of it. Keep up the GREAT JOB, in all your so many jobs. Cindy needs lessons how to really do it with out an enormous staff doing it,. Are you & Alex done making babies, you make them so well, Have a little girl, if you can,LOL! Luv ya, Marcia

Simon, you and are wife are very unique and all meant in a positive manner. You do provide BALANCe to the chaos and jibberish drama. I understood clearly your speech at your home and am disheartened that Sonja didnt get it. I believe being a so called personality or celebrity has gone to her head. Alexis is a very level headed fair woman......but let her know that the shots they have of her chugging down her drink....is a no-no-.......she is cool and she should just take a few breaths when frustrated with the crowd nonsense and walk away. Continued success to you both and blessings to your family.

Simon and Alex are the only two on the show with class. Not petty, mean and jealous. I admire you both for loving each other and your children and having fun in the process. Thanks for not being boring and predictable.
Thanks for keepin it real

Hands down Simon...love you and Alex! Snap! I will say what so many others are saying as well.. If you guys aren't back for season 4 then neither am I. Golly gee, did the bad rumor about that whole subject, that was planted by Jill, backfire perhaps? Turdburd alert bigtime....guuuurgle..hahaha! Survey saaaaayyyyyssss.....yes! Day - gunnet, Jill just don't seem to have no "luck" with her plans for the season...awwww shucks Jillousy..try some honesty next time hun! How's that ho'sn working for ya? (I calls em like I sees em!)

Simon - luv ya babes!!! Ur d bestesest cupcake!

Simon, I must admit I was slow warming up to you but now find you and Alex to be a breath of fresh air. You really seem to love each other and have shown class where little has been shown by the others. You both stay above the massive cattiness, and truly know how to be loyal to your friends. Best to You both.

Mr man.. watched the show and your peception is spot on as usual and gives me more to understand.. you da best

Simon and Alex -

You're the main reason people watch the show. Keep your great outlook on things. Think about promoting NY Housewife Tour and make part of package to stay at Hotel Chandler. You'd have to do several different times. Then get a van or bus and take everyone around to filming sites. Big Hit and lucrative too. Think about it. I'd do it for sure and I know others would too.

I

I <3 Alex and Simon!
Continue being who you are! I enjoy watching you both on the show, holding your own with the crazy housewives while raising your children in a loving home.
The ladies are just jealous because they have to be fake to be accepted.

Well Simon.. Ramona has got problems as most people do in life. She just tends to be in denial with hers. I think she is intimidated by you and Alex and your young family as she really has not shown much interest in her own family. It is always just about herself.. from what ever planet she is from.. Maybe she needs to return to her planet until the next season.. I really hope there is a next season.. You did great.. and you got the most coverage out of all the men on the show too.. Good for you. Ramona needs to buy that book the Countess wrote on manners! Good luck.. Peace to you and family..

Simon, I certainly have had a better view of you the second season. Ramona is great and the problem is when you showed up at the girls evening out last season. My best advice is try to learn when you are wanted and when you are not.

Angel from Seattle

Hi Simon-
I have to say, that last season I was not to crazy of you and Alex, but the second season, I saw you both in a different light, I have to say I really, really like you guys. You are absolutely spot on, and how Alex handled herself at the reunion show was elegant, she was polite, she was not snarky, her comments were real, she did not get involved in all that screaming and drama, she was a real lady and communicated very well. Well done by both of you. I hope to see you next season.

Take care of you and your family

Simon,

I cannot say I am convinced you are Australian....You ponce around like some quasi Pommy prat....You do make the show interesting, but my God do you make us all cringe......Can we see your passport?

Hi Simon, I haven't heard anything as to who has or has not signed on for a new season.Can you tell us when you blog again? I hope everyone comes back even Kelly because she does know how to push Bethenys' buttons.I hope you and your family had a good summer.I know mine left a lot to be desired because of the economy and health problems.I'm looking forward to the new season!

Simon if they do not have you and the rest of the cast come back, there is a future for you teaching men to redo themselves. I love my husband dearly, and don't get me wrong. He has no sense of fashion or style. I bought two lovely masculine Perry Ellis paisley shirts and he has yet to take the tags off. I am hoping this fall we can change things. While we were dating I was allowed to do his hair so I went ash blonde with highlights and he looked hot hot hot. His blue eyes and pale skin were stiking and everyone said so. Would've looked great with the Perry Ellis shirts also. However purple is his favorite color so he will wear lavender and any other shade I can find in a shirt. I think you would be perfect to help. Forget the haters, you bother no one and I find you and your lovely wife very charming.

I've finally warmed up to Simon and now he makes me laugh. Next to Kelly, Simon is a breath of fresh air.

Kelly brings nothing at all to the table. She's boring as hell.

I love the NYC wives show best of all of the Bravo shows. You are the only cast that has kept some class. The rest have turned into soap opera/Jerry Springer type shows with too young/not wives/not mothers/not career women/not classy women..period...We can watch those soap opera shows on any channel any day.. We are disappointed that the "real housewife" shows have turned into these cat fights about nothing but gossip and high school antics. These shows were initially for women who wanted to watch wives/mothers/families/career women and their issues.. It has turned into a fiasco of crazy people who are either too young/ not married/not parents/ have no career, etc. and their crazy, too much money self-centered lives... BORING and on every other channel.. MTV/the Entertainment channel of the rich and famous, etc... It it far from the "REAL" housewives that was the initial premise.. the more drama, the more initial viewers are gone. I think Bravo wants it that way. Seems like they just want another show for very young viewers.. Well, it's the older/family viewers that pay their cable bills!!!!!!

Simon! First of all, I love the show. If there weren't drama, there wouldn't be a show! I appreciate your relaxed attitude and open mindedness in life. I think you are the only man on the show that treats his wife the way a husband should. The rest of them have NO clue how to treat a woman. What happened to the "gentleman" ?? I also appreciate your love of opera. I am an opera singer myself and seeing you bring it attention on the show is fantastic! Please keep it up! We need that right now in the arts.....thanks to our economy. So, screw what other people say and keep being yourself. It makes the show much more enjoyable!

So are you signing on. I sure hope so.

Wendy Williams mentioned that only Kelly has signed up. And that they are interviewing for other people. Is it true?

Some people take TV waaaayyy too seriously as evidenced by the poster who bashes you but is unafraid to post his/her real name.

You're hysterically funny, Alex is smart as hell, you two love eachother and i hope you get more air time next season.

After 2 seasons of your tired face, large ego, silly style and faux manners; my opinion of you and Alex McCord has not changed one iota. You both are pretentious posers who indulge in conspicuous consumption and add absolutely nothing (other than your vacuous presence) to any event you attend. It is clear that you demanded Bravo to display only more favorable scenes of you two and omit the more glaring social climbing aspects (as what was showcased in S-1) of your meaningless lives. Unfortunately for you, some of the slithery comments slipped by you and ended up in the final cut. For example, when you declared that you "one upped Jill AGAIN" regarding your renovation vs her redecoration. There was no need for that catty remark since she exclaimed that she was happy for you with your desired results. That assinine comment from you spoke volumes of you character. That demonstrated that you do not belong in polite society (as much as you yearn to be...).

I noticed that Alex never said much but when she did talk she made is simple and to the point. I do think when you all come back next season that Kelly will be gone. She is a rude person. I don't feel she adds anything to the mix. Ramone is childish and I don't like the way she speaks to you and your wife. Stay true to yourselves. It does come through. But please don't act above everyone else. Be nice to the little people.

I love you and Alex because, as much as you may seek out being in the spotlight and fame (and you know you do!), I believe that you are the only ones who genuinely don't care what others think (unlike your social climbing co-stars). You create your own happiness, are in love and march to the beat of your own drum. I, for one, applaud that. You're a lot of fun to watch and I hope you return! XOXO

Not changing your last name when getting married is no big deal. In fact, in certain parts of Canada you actually have to keep your birth name. Don't let anyone's comments bother you. Not worth it.

Simon,
You are a genuine sweetie pie and a whole lot of fun!
I wish you and Alex and your boys nothing but the very best.

BTW Ramonas' daughter is much more mature than she is, next time have a conversation with her. You won't feel as though a shrew has attacked you from behind (sorry had to say it!)

Simon as I sit here recapping the worst flipping reunion show ever in the history of the house wives with the NJ women, it made me think back to why I liked the NY show so much. The episode that stands out the most, is the one with the way you and your wife handled that crazy Ramona and her husband at that party... as they were giving Jill the beat so bad earlier that night at the party about that tennis thing, neither her bodyguard or husband stuck up for her, which I thought was weird.... however you and your wife weren't trying to hear that- that night and you two called them out on a lot of things that was true and boy did it have them going.....then you walked away. Classic!!!!! I don't care what anyone says, you are truly a standup guy.

from; cookie in b-more. hi, simon just wanted to say, i like you, you have no inhibitions. real men usually do not. never change and shake off the haters.

Simian,

Your rehashing of the masculinity question is contradicted with your phrase, "No, Rod. You can't have my shoes!" That line makes it seem like you play for Rod's team.

To Inoki: Simon is more of a housewife than Alex. That said, his "package" was over exposed to the viewing audience too many times. Enough Bravo - Simon is not attractive enough to view in various stages of undress. Charles Atlas, he's not.

Love your blogs - you and Alex are far and away the most "real" and well spoken. You are who you are and make no bones of it. Well done!!

The Countess on the otherhand could use a few lessons on fakeness....she is trying soooo hard to not be thrown under the bus.....her insecurity shows tenfold.

Hi Simon==Alex,
Met both of u at Hilton: not disappointed with both your
personalities. My thoughts of u Alex in comparison to all
house wives nj ny oc atlantic, etc. you are the most realistic, intelligent, and impressive person of the crew.
One time or another, all others have made fools of themselves; where you have always stayed true to life.
Simon; very down to earth and was very comfortable meeting u. Bethany was one of my favorites, but would not
give me time of day. Realize that lots of people want to
indulge; but u and Alex made time for everyone. Thank you
for apportunity to met both of u and keep up the genuine
personalities u both exibit in show and real life.

The Rose Between Two Thorns (Simon said while taking pics)
Agi

Simon, Keep on blogging...you are so unique and never boring.Even though I don't always agree with you I do admire you and some of your clothing choices.I was not crazy about the red pants but if you like them more power to you.Enjoy you and your family ,faults and all. It shows such a human side.See you soon.

Come out already! If you do, we can expect your new partner/boyfriend/husband to be one of the housewives as well. It would be rad. Plus, there will be shopping with you and your beau. Plus, you guys can attend all kinds of fab galas. Alex can support your decision and you can all live in the sex dungeon. That is something I'd love to see. Oh, but you need to become friends with Danielle from New Jersey too. Help her get a fashion sense and help her with her Internet dating, since you and Alex had such success.

As a straight person who also supports gay rights and gay marriage, I appreciate your point of view, Simon.

Hi Simon, I enjoyed this season and got to appreciate you and Alex.That doesn't mean that I always agree with everything you say and do.I do like the fact that you have a style of your own. You're a unique person and I admire that. After all is said and done we only go around once in life, why not do what you want. You're not hurting anyone and you seem to enjoy yourself and your family.Enjoy your summer and come back soon. Keep blogging!

Ramona has issued with Simon because it is a trigger to her past. It sounds like her father was controlling with her mother. I believe that she thinks Simon is always with Alex because he is controlling. It really brings up unpleasant feelings in Ramona when she is around him. It really has nothing to do with Simon or what Simon has done. But it has everything to do with how Ramona see's her father in Simon.

Simon, I love you and your wife. I see people coming to your defense this year. BRAVO for them. You are odd at times, easy for me to say that. But you two are trying to make a marriage work. You are a team. Alex does not need a girls night out, when she can be home with your boys. They are a bit rowdy. But you seem to be loving parents. I miss all you guys. My favorite out of all the HOussewive shows is New York.

I am a marriage commisioner in California. I married some very long term realtionships on the first day of legal gay marriages. You should see some of the straight couples I have married. I am a straight women who lives withmy boyfriend. Many years ago I would have been condisered a tramp, had stones thrown at me, and opther callous ugly things. And to use the dictionary as your arguement is a very pedestrian way to back up your thoughts. Websters and the other dictinarys change and add words all the time according to fads and the vernacular that is being spoken at the time. Many words change their meanings. Some words become outdated, or arenot used correctley by many of us. Kleenex-a brand.

If we are a union that is seperated by church and state than why is the word marriaged "own" by us straqight people. Marriage is the unilonbetween two things or people. Many bartenders will know that. When they marry two bottles together. And to say thhat marriage between the same sex takes the beauty out of marriage should read the divorce rate atats between man and women. I would love to check my spelling but unfortunelty my eyesight is not thatgreat. I know that should give some of you a great chance to tell the one joke you know.

I used to think Alex and Somin were freaks. However they are the only one's on the show with any class way to rise above. And yes Alex was the only one that acted like a lady on the reunion.

I liked Simon. He was the only husband that seemed like he was crazy about his wife and kids.

You know what? You have grown on me. When the series started, I thought you were too tense, worried about 'social climbing' and appearances (opening night at the Met, the private school stuff, over-explaining your neighborhood, as examples), and I found that annoying. But, I think you have evolved into more of a comfort zone in the plot of the show. And I love the way you dress, be yourself, it makes it all much more interesting and fun.

they are my fav on the show and i think ramona has a crush on simon. i love this show

I love the attempt at a British accent. Because we all know how classy Australians are...

HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA

PATHETIC

I truly wish that the producers would do a fruit basket turnover and rid the show of Luann, Ramona, Jill, and OMG get rid of that foul mouthed Beth---does she eat out of that mouth too?

You, Alex and Kelly have the class- get rid of the rest who simply are using the show to sell their wares.

You are joking of course. Where did they get you from. You are a first rate phoney! Please society man! What a joke you are!

I love you Simon and Alex! You guys make the show! SO above it all! I'm going to go find yer website! hehe

Simon:
I love reading the blogs. I am addicted to the show and can't wait for next season. I am a little dissappointed though to read that you are supportive of gay marriages. I believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. As you beleive you have right to your opinion, I hope you will also support my right to have one also.
Husbands should be as you are. When Alex said on her wedding night to guard her heart and that you have, I thought wow she is so lucky. Stay classy and stick up for yourself.

yes! i love your blogging. It's so smart and direct. You and Alex are both so fluid with your blogging.

I enjoy the metrosexuality you put off. So what you like shopping with your wife! My husband does the same for me, sit oustside the fitting room and comment. It doesn't happen all the time but when we do take time to shop together I love it.

I want to see more of you next season!!!

Dear Simon,

I missed very much on the reunion. I am at least happy that you post your comments.

You are a great human being. Don't let anybody tell otherwise. The few mean spirit
posted negative things about you are bitter and jealous. You Rock.

I am very happy that you and Alex found each other. God Bless you.

I most certainly enjoy the show and will continue watching, as long as they keep inviting you folks back for another season. Just when I think I'll change the channel because the "shrieking" is annoying me, they'll give you a bit of time: yes, let's listen to the calm gentle man tell it like it is.

I like you.

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