Kelsey Swanson, a new star of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, has responded to allegations of her past involvement in sex work.
Swanson addressed the rumors in the comments of an Instagram post on Saturday, April 4, stating, “Had to comment on this one — never have been an escort.” The post in question claimed the reality TV newcomer had charged $2,900 for “dinner and dessert.”
She further clarified, “Pages were completely made up 10 years ago. State police were involved. Thanks for sharing tho.”
The debunked claims were circulated by the fan page @mrhousewives, which included supposed “screenshots” of Swanson allegedly “promoting herself as an escort.”
According to the caption, “The screenshots are dated 2016 — so exactly 10 years ago — and Kelsey was going by the name Alexia Lins. In the posts, she describes herself as ‘sexy, classy, and elegant,’ offering to fulfill fantasies and even mentioning she was open to try new things.”
The post elaborated on pricing details, stating, “Now let’s talk about the pricing… the maximum listed was $2,900 for five hours (plus ‘dessert’), and the minimum was $500 for a one-hour ‘introduction.’ So yes.. She was making MONEY. Allegedly. The website has since been taken down — but screenshots? They live forever.”
Despite the post’s intent to shame Swanson, many fans praised her in the comments, regardless of the allegations’ truthfulness.
One fan expressed support, saying, “Honestly good for her!!! She’s hot and she better get [t]hose coins! Haters gonna hate while she’s busy staying fabulous. Absolutely love her.”
Another remarked, “In this economy, $20 is $20,” while another added, “S** work is real work, it’s only illegal because they can’t tax it.”
During BravoCon last November, Andy Cohen announced that the upcoming season of the Bravo reality series will follow Swanson, alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi, as they navigate the vibrant social scene of Rhode Island.
A network press release highlighted, “They may live in the smallest state in the country, but their drama? Extra large. As The Real Housewives hits its milestone 20th anniversary next year, Bravo is expanding the distinguished franchise with The Real Housewives of Rhode Island, spotlighting a fresh, charismatic group of women whose lives intertwine across the storied coastline of New England luxury.”
In addition to her reality TV venture, Swanson is a former Miss Rhode Island and is recognized as one of the leading makeup artists in the state, according to a press release.
The release further detailed, “Kelsey has been in a 10-year relationship with one of Rhode Island’s most notable figures, enjoying the lap of luxury while keeping her social calendar full.”
The first season of the show will introduce mostly new faces, but it will also feature The Real Housewives of New Jersey‘s Dolores Catania as a friend of the cast.
