“Selling Sunset” star Mary Bonnet has revealed she quit alcohol after wrapping up Season 9 of the dramatic Netflix reality TV series—explaining that she made the decision after realizing that drinking no longer “served” her in the way it once did.
The 45-year-old, who has been a member of the “Selling Sunset” cast since its 2019 premiere, explained to Gurus Magazine that she “didn’t have a problem” with drinking, but felt like it was still taking a negative toll on her life.
That feeling was proven after she decided to quit alcohol—replacing cocktails with mocktails—to find that she felt better both physically and mentally.
“I didn’t have a problem—nothing bad happened. But I realized it wasn’t serving me anymore. What used to help me relax started giving me anxiety. So I stopped,” she explained.
“I’m the best version of me. I have my mocktail, and I feel proud of myself. I’m grounded and centered in a way I’ve never been.”
While giving up drinking has helped her to enjoy a new chapter in her life, Bonnet noted that she has remained very much grounded throughout the six years she’s been on the Netflix show—despite the series propelling her to newfound fame.
“I’m just me. My friends and clients know I’ve been the same person from Day 1. It’s easier to get a reservation now, but other than that, nothing’s changed,” she added.
However, Bonnet said she does still face some challenges—especially when it comes to social media.
“I don’t look at comments anymore. I’m sensitive. My team shows me the good ones, and I ask them not to show me the bad. It’s just not healthy,” she added.
However, her husband, Romain, is always helping her get through the difficult moments.
“He’s always like, ‘They’re not going to talk to my wife like that.’ He’s my rock,” she said.
Bonnet’s sober confession comes just days after co-star Chrishell Stause revealed that she would not be coming back for another season of the reality TV show.
The 44-year-old actress-turned-home selling pro revealed during an interview with Bustle that she has made the decision to step away from the reality TV show, which she has been a regular on since its 2019 premiere, citing a desire to better protect her own mental well-being.
She admitted that she has seriously considered exiting the Netflix project on multiple occasions in the past, but noted that the allure of a big payday always prevented her from cutting ties with the show once and for all.
“I’ve vacillated back and forth with this decision in the past,” she said. “I have to be honest: Having come from nothing, it’s really hard to turn something like this down.”
Now, however, Stause said she can prioritize her mental health above all else because “Selling Sunset” no longer serves as her primary source of income.
“I’ve gotten to a place where I don’t need the show financially. I’m lucky to have other forms of employment, because it’s no longer good for my mental health,” she said.
Although “Selling Sunset” has yet to be renewed for a 10th season, Stause emphasized that she wishes her castmates the best if they do move forward with another installment.
“If they do continue, I wish them the best. If they do do another one, by then, I may not watch it. I don’t know. But I have no ill will toward the show. The show has given me so many opportunities, and I don’t want to be bitter about it, even though I’m leaving not in the way that I would’ve loved,” she admitted.
The real estate agent also addressed her departure from the show on Instagram, telling fans, “Although the season ended on a bit of a sour note, I will truly always be SO grateful to this show. It introduced me to you guys and l am deeply thankful for your support.
“There were lots of fun memories I am going to focus on from here on out and you will see me again so it’s not goodbye. Just goodbye for now.”
The news came after she hinted that she was leaving the series in an interview with Variety.
Stause said that she “liked this season.” However, she was “excited to move on from this chapter.”
“The reunion was so brutal. In that moment, I realized I will be done here going forward. I wish everyone the best, but this isn’t the place for me. It felt a little bit like a dog pile,” she added.