After a string of high-profile public incidents involving former Real Housewives of New York City star Sonja Morgan, her longtime friend and co-star Ramona Singer is stepping up to set the record straight. From a disputed restaurant bill in Manhattan to an ambulance appearance in Palm Beach, Morgan has found herself at the center of media scrutiny. But Singer insists the reports have exaggerated the reality star’s behavior — and that Morgan is doing just fine.
A friendship that withstands the spotlight
Ramona Singer, 68, and Sonja Morgan, 61, have long shared an on-again, off-again friendship rooted in years of filming Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York City. And while their televised relationship had its ups and downs, Singer is showing her loyalty off-camera. During the May 19 premiere of Fountain of Youth, Singer offered a calm update about her friend’s well-being. In a red carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight, she confirmed she had been in touch with Morgan and dismissed the dramatic headlines swirling online.
“They don’t like to write good things, they like to write negative things,” Singer said, referencing tabloid coverage. “They kind of embellish sometimes. Sonja’s fine — she’s great. She’s doing well. She’s in great health.”
Trouble at Tucci: A dinner dispute turns public
The latest string of controversies began on May 10 when Morgan reportedly left Tucci, an upscale restaurant in Manhattan’s Noho district, without settling a $1,000 bill. Eyewitnesses claimed that Morgan called restaurant owner Max Tucci during the meal, seeking to have the check comped.
Tucci later spoke to PEOPLE, firmly stating that no such arrangement had been made and criticized what he described as Morgan’s pattern of failing to tip service staff. “Her assumption otherwise shows poor judgment,” he said, adding, “We stand in solidarity with our hardworking staff.”
For her part, Morgan told PEOPLE that the incident was simply a “miscommunication” and that she ultimately paid the bill and included a tip when contacted the following Monday. “I, of course, offered to pay and tip,” she said. Despite the resolution, Tucci confirmed that Morgan has been banned from the establishment. “Respect us, and we’ll respect you,” he said. “Sonja is no longer welcome at Tucci.” The restaurateur even referenced breaking his grandfather Oscar Tucci’s rule of “welcoming everyone to our table.”
Florida friction: An ambulance and a trespass warning
Just days later, on May 15, Morgan was again in the headlines — this time photographed being wheeled into an ambulance outside Echo, a trendy restaurant in Palm Beach, Florida. While initial reports raised concern over her condition, Morgan quickly clarified what happened. According to a statement provided to PEOPLE, she explained that the medical call was actually for another guest and that she sustained “minor injuries” while trying to assist during the incident.
“An elderly patron at the restaurant I was dining at appeared to be in distress, and I called for medical assistance,” she said. “While assisting during the commotion, I sustained some minor injuries and, out of an abundance of caution, accompanied the EMTs to be checked out.”
The Palm Beach Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched for a medical situation but added that Morgan received a written trespass warning from the Breakers Hotel, which owns Echo. TMZ claimed she initially refused to sign the document, but Morgan later defended her actions, saying she stayed to ensure the other patron was properly cared for. “I didn’t want to leave. I insisted on making sure she was cared for,” she said.
Public persona vs. private reality
Though Morgan’s public image has long included moments of unpredictability — some humorous, others concerning — Ramona Singer emphasizes that the Sonja she knows personally is being misrepresented by the press. “People take things the wrong way, and I only wish the best for her,” Singer said, emphasizing that tabloid narratives often exaggerate or distort the truth for entertainment value.
Over the years, Morgan has been candid about her struggles, including financial troubles, relationship woes, and navigating life after RHONY fame. Yet she’s also continued to maintain a devoted fanbase that admires her unfiltered charm and resilience.
What comes next for Sonja?
While it remains to be seen whether Morgan will address the incidents further or take a break from the spotlight, those close to her — like Singer — are pushing back against what they see as unfair coverage.
Despite her ongoing challenges, Morgan has not been charged with any crimes related to the recent restaurant incidents. Both situations seem to stem more from misunderstandings than malicious intent, according to her statements.
With the future of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip still uncertain and Bravo moving forward with a new cast of RHONY, Morgan’s next chapter may look different. But for now, she’s got the support of her longtime friend — and perhaps, a reminder that public stumbles don’t define private strength.
