Behind the Scenes: When Celebrity Encounters Turn Sour
A Host's Perplexing Memory: Jillian Michaels' Explosive Exit
Andy Cohen, the familiar face of Bravo and the mastermind behind "Watch What Happens Live," has faced numerous challenging guest interactions throughout his career. However, one specific encounter continues to stand out in his memory. During a recent conversation with Entertainment Weekly, where Cohen discussed his partnership with Nerds for an upcoming Super Bowl advertisement, he revisited some of the most surprising moments from his show. The discussion brought up the contentious 2013 appearance of Jillian Michaels, the renowned fitness guru who has since transitioned into conservative commentary. Despite the passage of 13 years, the details of Michaels' behavior following her interview remain vividly etched in Cohen's mind.
The Episode Unfolds: A Seemingly Amiable Appearance
The episode in question, which aired on February 13, 2013, featured Michaels alongside "Big Bang Theory" actress Melissa Rauch. By all outward appearances during the broadcast, Michaels seemed to be in good spirits. She offered advice on common workout blunders, humorously acknowledged a caller's suggestive comment about her sexuality, and even participated in Cohen's signature "shotski" tradition. The on-screen interaction gave no hint of the brewing storm.
Post-Show Outburst: A Line Crossed
The calm facade shattered the moment the cameras stopped rolling. Cohen distinctly remembers Michaels' furious reaction. "She was furious. I should watch it back, if I cared," Cohen quipped, before seriously adding, "I don't see what she was upset about." More critically, Cohen revealed the true reason for his lingering disapproval: "She left and she was screaming at my staff. And if you scream at my staff, that's kind of it for me." For Cohen, disrespect towards his team is an unforgivable offense.
Michaels' Public Retorts: Fueling the Fire
Michaels' subsequent public statements only intensified the discord. In 2018, she expressed her disdain for the "Real Housewives" franchise in an interview with Life & Style, declaring, "I hate that s---... I hate watching women tear each other apart." She further implied that the show's creator harbored misogynistic views, leading many to believe she was indirectly criticizing Cohen. Although the franchise was actually conceived by Scott Dunlop, Michaels' remarks were widely perceived as a direct jab at Cohen, who serves as an executive producer and reunion host.
Cohen's Defense and Michaels' Persistence
Cohen promptly addressed Michaels' comments in The Hollywood Reporter, defending "Housewives" as a program primarily for women and expressing his admiration for women. However, Michaels remained unswayed. The following year, she reiterated her strong dislike for Cohen, telling US Weekly that their previous interaction on his show was "a truly hideous experience." She described Cohen as "extremely rude, condescending and unprofessional," specifically citing his manner during the explanation of the "shotski" as a point of contention. Michaels confessed that she had hoped for a friendly connection, given their shared LGBTQ+ identity, but was met with disappointment.
A Future Apart: No Reconciliation in Sight
The bitter exchange has had lasting consequences. Michaels has not returned to "Watch What Happens Live" since the incident, and it's clear that neither party anticipates a reconciliation. Cohen's recollection, juxtaposed with Michaels' past remarks, illustrates a deep-seated professional and personal rift. The article also touches upon a related incident involving Michaels' former "Biggest Loser" co-host, Bob Harper, who noted that Michaels failed to reach out after he suffered a heart attack, further highlighting her perceived insensitivity. For now, the chapter on Jillian Michaels' appearances on "Watch What Happens Live" appears definitively closed.