Liz McGraw exits Real Housewives of Rhode Island

Liz McGraw, a star of the hit Bravo reality series "The Real Housewives of Rhode Island," announced on Wednesday, July 1, that she will not return for the show's upcoming second season. The 56-year-old businesswoman, known on the show as the "Cannabis Queen," stated she is stepping back to focus on her family, work, and personal passions.

McGraw confirmed her departure in a social media post, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. She described the cast as an amazing group and said she would be rooting for the franchise's continued success from the sidelines. Bravo executive Andy Cohen responded to her announcement by stating that the door is always open for a potential return.

Her exit comes as filming for the show's second season begins, following a successful debut. The series premiered in April and quickly became a fan favorite, drawing 2.7 million viewers across platforms in its first week, which Bravo reported was its largest multiplatform audience in two years.

Shortly after McGraw's initial announcement, she addressed rampant online speculation about her reasons for leaving. In a follow-up post on Instagram Stories, she forcefully denied rumors that her departure was...