Why Bravo’s Joe Bradley Finally Admitted to Luann de Lesseps Kiss

Joe Bradley is done keeping secrets, especially when it comes to his rumored hookup with Luann de Lesseps.

“I think enough time has passed and I’m sick of the rumors and the lies,” Joe said exclusively Us Weekly when asked why he finally admitted to kissing Luann, 59, last year.

The Southern Hospitality star claimed she was “never self-conscious or trying to hide the fact that I kissed her, because Luann is iconic.”

Joe claimed that the reason he kept quiet for so long was because he “didn’t want to get hurt Danielle (Olivera)feelings” since they were hanging out at the time.

“We weren’t technical love and love during that time, but I knew what it looked like, and I don’t like when people’s feelings get hurt because of my actions,” Joe explained. “And that’s kind of why I was trying to hide everything.”

Us news broke in January 2024 that Joe and Luann were “over each other” in a bar in New York City after meeting during an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

When Joe was seen with Luann he was in a relationship with Danielle, 36, who he became close to during BravoCon in November 2023.

The following month, TJ Dinch accused Joe of grabbing a sleeping with Luann during the NYC outing, which he flatly denied.

“Here’s the truth, me and Luann, we had a drink and hit it off,” Joe said during the season 2 Southern Hospitality a reunionaired in February 2024. “I crossed a line in the hotel, but I didn’t kiss her.”

TJ claimed during the reunion that he was “99 percent” sure that Joe was “in love” with the Real Housewives of New York City alum. Joe told TJ to “f— off” and stick to his story.

After Danielle and Joe called it quits in February 2024she said she “also 99 percent sure” that Joe and Luann got together.

During season 3 Southern Hospitality premiere, broadcast on Thursday, January 2, TJ doubled down on his claims that Joe was unfaithful to Danielle. TJ argued that he and Joe weren’t talking because he “gave him the opportunity to tell the truth when he cheated on Danielle when Luann f—ed.”

Joe continued to play coy about the extent of his and Luann’s fling at the premiere, but told the cameras, “So what if I hook up with Luann?”

His love now, Maddie ReeseHowever, he called Joe’s hookup with Luann “iconic” during the episode, confirming that it actually happened.

Joe, for his part, said only Us that TJ made it “much worse than it needed to be” and that it was “none of his business” in the first place. He admitted that even though he and Luann used to kiss, he hasn’t spoken to her since.

“I’m glad that’s out there,” Joe said. “And I’m happy with her and me and Maddi hopefully can go to one of Luann’s cabaret shows. She is the s—.”

Maddi, who has been dating her costar since April 2024is reported only Us since their season 2 reunion last year, the cast “kind of knew” what happened between Joe and Luann.

“Maddi thinks it’s funny,” Joe explained. “We are so happy now. … It was before we dated.”

Maddi noted that she felt like “TJ was taking it a little too seriously” when Joe’s fling was “iconic” to her and “funny.”

Joe admitted that at the time he felt like his “friend” TJ was “coming after me, which hurt me.” He teased that despite the ups and downs of season 3, he and TJ are “in a better place now.”

Southern Hospitality airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 pm ET.

With reports from Christina Garibaldi