'RHOC' Alum Vicki Gunvalson's Ex-Fiancé, Steve Lodge, Is Married
Jul. 1 2022, Updated 11:53 a.m. ET
Bravo fans are slowly but surely getting more information regarding Vicki Gunvalson's split from her ex-fiancé, Steve Lodge.
Vicki, an alum of The Real Housewives of Orange County and a current star on Peacock's The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club, and Steve, a former California gubernatorial candidate, ended their engagement in September 2021.
At the time, Vicki issued a fairly vague break-up announcement that left fans wondering what exactly happened between the two.
In the months following the split, Vicki has accused Steve of infidelity, and the former police officer has gotten married to another woman. Keep on reading for the latest.
Vicki originally announced her split from Steve in September 2021 by saying, "There is no fault with either person."
On Sept. 29, Vicki told Instagram followers she and Steve had gone their separate ways. "Yes, the rumors are true. The time has come for Steve and I to move forward or move on, and we are... moving on," she wrote in a post at the time. "There is no fault with either person, we are just going in different directions. I wish him the best life has to offer and to be happy, and he has wished the same for me."
She added: "I gave it my all, but sometimes the 'all' isn't enough. We both have no further comment."
But boy, did Vicki have a "further comment" shortly thereafter.
The 'RHUGT' Season 2 star later accused her ex of infidelity.
Vicki's former RHOC co-star and her fellow castmate on the upcoming second season Real Housewives Ultimate GIrls Trip Tamra Judge gave her a morale boost on Instagram in October 2021 writing, "Get out of bed, @vickigunvalson, and let's go whoop it up. I hate to see you so sad. No one is worth it, girl. Especially after what you allegedly found out... I will be screening all guys that [sic] want to date Ms. Gunvalson in the future."
In comments on that post — captured for posterity by the Instagram account Comments by Bravo — Vicki shared her side of the story.
"He used me, he lied to me, he's been dating a 36-year-old, and [he] is not what he portrays himself to be," she wrote. "No Christian man would do what he's done."
Tamra responded, "While sleeping in your bed, running for governor, using your followers."
And Vicki went on: "While I was out of town working on a business trip, he took her to my condo in Mexico. He's been flaunting around my town in [Orange County], making out in public places. It's disgusting."
Steve said Vicki’s comments were "absolute lies." He announced his engagement in January 2022.
In a statement to People, Steve denied his ex's accusations.
"Vicki and I ended our engagement and relationship in December of 2020. I did this in person verbally and explained it to her in writing," he said. "We had not been in an intimate relationship since September of 2020. I have been living in Puerto Vallarta in my own condo, not hers since the beginning of 2021. We remained friends, but it was clear to me Vicki was still wanting more, which I told her was not possible."
The retired homicide detective went on: "I wanted to move on with my life and I could not do that with Vicki. I'm sorry that Vicki cannot accept this, but it was time. The absolute lies she is now spreading on social media is very disappointing and disingenuous, to say the least. But I cannot say I’m surprised. She should not be dragging Tamra or anyone else into her lies. With that being said, I still wish her all the best."
Just a few months after Steve shared his side of the story to People, he announced his engagement through the outlet in January 2022.
The former reality personality proposed to Janis Carlson, a 37-year-old third grade teacher, at the end of 2021.
"I did ask Janis on December 20th if she would become Mrs. Steve Chavez Lodge, and she happily agreed," he shared with People. "We will be married in April 2022. We are both very excited, incredibly happy, totally in love and look forward to our life together."
According to the outlet, Janis has never been married before, while Steve has already been down the aisle three times.
Just a few months after they announced their engagement, the couple did end up getting married. Steve and Janis became husband and wife during a ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in early April.
Steve has moved on from his relationship with Vicki, and she is also with someone new. The RHOC alum is currently dating a man named Michael.
New episodes of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club drop on Peacock on Thursdays.
