Katie Ginella is a current main cast member on The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Casting[]
Ginella joined The Real Housewives of Orange County for its eighteenth season as a 'Housewife'. She is filming for the show’s nineteenth season too; despite rumours swirling that she had been fired from the show after featuring in one season.
Storylines[]
The Real Housewives of Orange County[]
Season 18[]
Synopsis: Katie Ginella is a friend of Gina’s, who instantly wedges herself into the group along with her opinions. Born in South Korea and adopted into a Catholic family in Georgia, Katie is a busy mother-of-four with children aged six to nineteen. She has recently moved from San Diego to Orange County with her Husband and Professional Golf Journalist, Matt Ginella, she’s looking to expand her circle of friends while working to launch her own cocktail line. Now ready to learn more about her Korean heritage and connect to her roots, Katie decides to explore her adoption further and meet her Birth Mother. After meeting the ladies, Katie immediately finds herself smack dab in the middle of the drama and gets a quick lesson in how loyalty works in the OC.
Birth Mother[]
In You Are Cordially Not Invited, Katie, Matt, Kaili, and Bandon go out to a Korean restsurant for dinner. Katie admits, during the dinner, that she wishes that she had attempted to connect with her biological roots earlier in her life. After having conversations with Jenn about how she, as an adoptive mother, has with her adoptive son, Dominic, the Ginellas are heading to Korea to meet Katie's Birth Mother for her fortieth birthday. Katie's Mother is from a farming town Southwest of Seoul.
Katie relates as Heather is concerned about breast cancer due to her family history in High Tea and High Tension, but Katie has no knowledge of hers due to her being adopted. Katie announces her family is going with her to Korea for her fortieth birthday to meet her Birth Mother. Katie is emotional as she reveals her Mother had her when she was fifteen while working in a factory, but now she is married and has a family. Katie wants her Birth Mother to know she's happy with her life and she didn't do anything wrong. Katie reveals she was supposed to go see her Birth Mother in Korea in May in Reunion Part 1, but they had to postpone as her Father-In-Law was hospitalised and unfortunately passed away in July.
TeeShots[]
Katie was named in a $5 million lawsuit over stolen ideas of her business, Tee Shots, in Reunion Part 1. Katie states she has been dismissed from the case, she was sued by her business partner and her Husband’s friend. Allegedly he had a conversation with her business partner's Husband on a golf course about the idea.
Relationships[]
Heather Dubrow[]
Dislikes[]
Season 18 (RHOC)[]
In Red Flags and Flag Footballs, Katie thinks Heather is being dismissive toward her at Sutton Stracke’s Christmas party, where they did not talk but Heather tagged her in a picture that she is not in after Katie followed her on Instagram.
In Not My Cup of Tee, Katie revealed that her friend who has close connections with paparazzi confirmed Tamra and Emily's suspicions, last season, of Heather hiring paparazzi at Disneyland. Katie brings up Heather tagging her in a picture that she is not in, which she had confronted Heather with at a nail spa. But Heather explained that her social media manager must have accidentally tagged her as she was wearing a Givenchy dress and Katie's last name is Ginella. Katie and Heather talk later at Katie's golf event, and Heather swears "on the lives of my (her) children", she had never called paparazzi when Katie said Heather lied. The ladies joined the conversation. Heather refuted gathering information on Katie and said that Katie is the one that is gathering information on her.
Alexis encourages Katie to apologize to Heather for the sake of the friend group in The Gloves Are Off. Katie states she had sent Heather a text over a week ago but hasn't heard back while doing yoga with Jenn in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor. Later at Tamra's Traitor party, Heather pulls Katie aside to extend an invitation to her upcoming Sonoma trip. Heather clarifies that she does not want to be friends with Katie but does not want Katie to feel left out. Katie attempts to apologize but gets shut down by Heather. Heather tells the ladies she invited Katie "in the spirit of inclusion" in A Picture Worth A Thousand Words, and fails to see the gravity of the words. Tamra encourages Heather to get to know Katie and thinks Gina is behind the paparrazzi situation.
Katie tells Jenn that she wants to apologize again to Heather after being shut down by her at Tamra's Traitors Party in Catwalks and Catfights. Katie thinks Gina has been stirring the pot between her and Heather, Jenn thinks Katie should just let it go. Katie tries to bring up her issue with Heather at the sound bath, who shuts it down straight away. Katie feels not being able to speak her mind while Heather thinks Katie should just own her mistakes. At Heather's fashion show, Heather tells Tamra about Katie attempting to talk to her. Tamra plants the seed of Gina is manipulating Katie in Heather's head. Katie told Tamra that Gina told her she wants to stay on Heather's good side for her real estate connections, therefore letting Katie confront Heather regarding the paparazzi situation. Heather believes Tamra and puts a pin in it due to the fashion show starting. After the show, Jenn tells Gina Katie tried to talk to Heather at the sound bath and insinuated Gina is the instigator. Gina tries to talk to Katie and Katie doesn't want to talk right away. Heather tells Katie she didn't let her say her mind, but they will talk tomorrow.
The next day, Katie tells her husband Matt she's not looking forward to the talk with Heather and is upset with Gina. Gina addresses the elephant in the room as they sit down for lunch. Katie states she has heard from people (Tamra) that Gina is calling her a liar. Gina explodes on Katie, and subsequently Heather. Emily defends Gina due to the rough patch she's going through. Heather brings up that Katie said Gina is only using Heather for her real estate connections, Gina is flabbergasted and denies. Emily affirms what Gina said. Katie and Gina argue. Katie reveals what Gina said was that Heather is a good friend that helps with her career. Emily tries to defuse the situation, Tamra tells Gina she's being defensive, Heather believes in Gina and Katie has not taken accountability.
Heather tells Terry about wanting to speak to Gina about the Katie situation in The Elephant in the Room. Later on, Katie gets ready for her Couples Dinner Party she's hosting at her place with Matt. Everyone along with their spouses is invited, Heather is not invited as well due to their ongoing conflict. Heather tells Terry about wanting to speak to Gina about the Katie situation in The Elephant in the Room. Later on, Katie gets ready for her Couples Dinner Party she's hosting at her place with Matt. Everyone along with their spouses is invited, Heather is not invited as well due to their ongoing conflict. Heather, Shannon, and Katie go shopping for an outdoor patio sofa for Shannon in You Are Cordially Not Invited. Heather tells Shannon and Katie about her dilemma with Gina leaving with Emily at Jenn's Fiesta Party and asks for Katie's opinion, Katie see both sides. Katie and Heather arrive at the airport first for Shannon's London Trip in High Tea & High Tension, sharing an awkward moment. At dinner, Katie relates as Heather is concerned about breast cancer due to her family history, but Katie has no knowledge of hers due to her being adopted. Katie announces her family is going with her to Korea for her 40th birthday to meet her birth mother. Katie is emotional as she reveals her mother had her when she was 15 while working in a factory, but now she is married and has a family. Katie wants her birth mother to know she's happy with her life and she didn't do anything wrong. The ladies, including Heather console Katie, to everyone's surprise. Katie thinks Heather and her can now co-exist while Heather states she only conversed with Katie because she thought her situation is interesting.
Heather and Tamra refresh Gina on Jenn’s visit over caviar in Sunday Roasted. Gina expresses worries to Tamra, afraid that if she’s doing this to her so called friend, Gina might be at the receiving end of such behavior one day. Tamra told Heather that Kaili, who babysat Emily’s sons Keller and Luke, told her the boys said Heather is “mean” and “bossy” during candle making class. Gina does not believe in Kaili and thinks Katie made up the lie, stating Emily would not talk about the ladies around her children. Tamra continues with when she met up with Emily and Gina for breakfast, Emily contradicted Kaili’s story by saying her boys said Kaili was the one who said Heather is “mean”. Heather is outraged and became teary eyed, while Tamra and Gina egg her on. Tamra calls Katie a “f*cking c*nt”. Later on in their suite, Heather is infuriated at Katie still, Tamra echoes her sentiments. The next day at the countryside, Emily states Gina refreshed her on the Kaili situation, and in her confessional she knew about it but was going to let it go. Emily says she would “never” talk about “adult material” in front of her children nor talk bad about Heather. Emily is angry that supposedly her children are involved and her relationship with Heather is in jeopardy. Heather is not mad at Emily but Katie.
At Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, Heather doesn't remember Matt's name, and thinks it's ironic that he didn't say hi to her. Matt thinks Heather's cold for ignoring him and Katie. Heather and Emily had met up the day before and talked about wanting to confront Katie, to which they gleefully revisit. At Jenn's engagement party, Emily confronts Katie about the babysitting fiasco. They start arguing, Emily's not happy that Katie told Tamra about the alleged "Heather is mean" comment from her sons. Katie corrects Emily it was Kaili who told Tamra. Heather confronts Katie about thinking that she's mean, to which Katie affirms. Heather and Katie argue, they accuse each other of lying from the babysitting to the paparazzi. Katie apologizes to Emily about making her seem like a bad parent and jeopardizing her relationship with Heather. No resolve for Katie and Heather. Katie doesn't think Kaili is lying but still needs to talk to her.
Katie wants to resolve some issues in Reunion Part 1, Heather states she "hopes to walk out of here with almost everyone as friends." Katie was named in a $5 million lawsuit over stolen ideas of her business Tee Shots. Katie states she has been dismissed from the case, she was sued by her business partner and her husband's friend. Allegedly he had a conversation with her business partner's husband on a golf course about the idea. Heather jumps in and brings up a text from Sutton that states Katie used her for an event, didn't fulfill her promise of bringing in high level golfers and didn't pay for the photographers. Katie refutes with she did offer to pay for the photographers, and the caterers as well. Heather snubbing Katie at Sutton's Christmas Party is brought up. Heather is excited to expose Katie's three variations of the stories. The first being her snubbing Katie at her drive way. Katie defends herself and Heather shuts her down. The second story is that it happened at the bar, which Katie interjects as the real version with Denise Richards and Camille Grammer also present. Heather states that is a lie as she never saw Camille that night. The last story being Heather was with a group of people and with Katie's name brought up and she did not have a reaction. Heather thinks if she did knew who Katie was, she'd've said hi to her. Andy moves the segments along.
The legitimacy of Katie's "proof" of Heather calling the paparazzi at Disneyland is called into question. Katie tries to clarify that she had a phone call with her source after the text. Katie states she saw a TikTok about Heather and the paparazzi, she screenshot it and sent it to her source out of curiosity. Emily jumps in and states that's not how she heard about the situation. Heather is furious at Katie, telling her to "let it go" when the topic has not been discussed in months. Heather thinks Katie has an agenda against her and "has absolutely no credibility". Katie apologizes to Gina for thinking that she set her up, also bringing up that Tamra planted the idea in her head. Katie states she wanted to talk to Heather one on one at the Golf Event instead of making it a group thing. Gina reminds her that she talked about it with the group at the bar. Heather goes off on Katie and Katie states she didn't think it'd become a huge thing. Heather states "falsely accusing people is kinda your thing". Alluding to the time where Katie falsely accused someone and they got arrested because of it.
Katie wants to clarify, Heather and Emily don't want to hear it because Katie is inconsistent. Andy lets Katie have the floor. About 10 years ago, Katie was driving her 3 little kids on a 4 lane road in Marietta, Georgia. A man swerved into her lane and shouted "f*ck you b*tch". Katie pulled over to a side road, where the man followed and goes to the front of her and screamed at her. Katie called the police in fear of her and her kids. Katie tried to back up and leave, the man went to the back of her car to prevent her from doing so and started filming. Heather interrupts with that's not what the police statement indicates. Katie continues with the police arriving and attempting to calm the man down. They tase him after warnings and he was taken to jail. Heather states the police said Katie followed the man to his home, per police report from an in Touch article. Katie retorts with the police statement is the man's point of view and she has her own police statement.
Heather continues with what she read from the article: Katie was texting and driving with her kids in the car. The man saw, he was triggered as his family member passed away from a texting driving incident, therefore he told Katie to stop. Katie road raged and followed him home. Katie doesn't understand the rationale of her following a stranger to their house with her kids in the car. He started filming her as she got out of her and yelled at him. Katie called the police, and when they arrived she told them the man won't let her leave. The police took Katie's side, threw the man to the ground, in the process injuring him, and took him to jail. He was released when the police realized Katie was the "aggressor'.
Katie states she could not tell her version of the story because she did not show up in court. She was automatically guilty due to her absence. The court order was served at Katie's ex-husband's as that's her address on file. At the time Katie was homeless with her kids. Gina expressed incredulity and the court order has to go to her and not just to an address on file. Emily thinks there's an excuse every time Katie's accused. Shannon is oblivious to the incident while everyone else knows. Andy points out the irony of Heather stating earlier that she doesn't like the "digging stuff on people". Emily defends Heather because the article is on the "public domain".
Heather expressing her sympathy to Katie during break
Emily brings up an article about Katie's divorce, where Katie lost both physical and legal custody of her kids. Katie explains that she was living at a "facility" 20 minutes away from her parents, who didn't want to help her as she didn't agree with her divorce. She lost custody because she was not able to provide for her kids. Emily exercises her lawyer knowledge and questions that legal custody should not be lost. Katie doesn't have an answer for Emily, but thinks at the time she was okay with relinquishing it since she couldn't provide for her kids. Katie had to rebuild her life in order to go to back to court multiple times to restore custody. The kids were in her ex-husband's custody for 18 months. Katie is emotional and states she had never missed an appointment with her kids through the 18 months. Katie cries and states "I hate talking about my ex-husband". Heather expresses sympathy to Katie directly during break.
It's revealed in Reunion Part 2 that on the flight to London the turbulence was so bad Heather and Katie were holding hands. Jenn also clarifies Ryan bought her her tea party dress. Heather defends herself by bringing up that Jenn had called her prior to the season starting asking for financial advice, but did not follow any of it. Katie calls Heather out for her behavior or checking the price of Jenn's dress at Neiman Marcus as "mean girl behavior". Heather thinks it's just "gossiping" with the support of Tamra, Emily, and Gina.
Katie apologizes to Emily, who does not accept her apology. Gina, Emily, and Heather mention Katie saying she only talks about Housewives stuff with Kaili since she's an adult. But footage shows Bandon asking Katie if Heather is mean. Katie explains that Bandon overheard her coming home crying after her Golf Event. Andy is incredulous as everyone talk in front of their kids. Gina, Emily, and Heather refute. Katie apologizes multiple times, Emily is still mad that she brought her kids into it, but seems more mad that her friendship with Heather is potentially jeopardized. Heather is furious that Kaili is making TikToks shading her. Specifically "fake a*s b*tches who suck dick", however, Kaili did not say that, she was doing a lip sync. The ladies are disgusted, even though Kaili is 20 years old and Katie is not responsible for her actions. Katie states she did ask Kaili to take the video down. The ladies are incredulous on why Kaili posted the video, seemingly amnesiac of them coming for Katie and calling Kaili a liar. Andy moves on and doesn't want to keep beating a dead horse.
Gina Kirschenheiter[]
Season 18[]
In Exes and OCs, Gina brings along her friend Katie, Katie is new to the area and her friend, Sutton Stracke, recommended Gina as a realtor. In Not My Cup of Tee, Katie revealed that her friend who has close connections with paparazzi confirmed Tamra and Emily's suspicions, last season, of Heather hiring paparazzi at Disneyland. Gina is surprised Katie told the ladies as one of them will relay it to Heather. Later on, Katie visits Gina. Gina refreshed Katie on the paparazzi drama last year and expresses concerns as she knows Heather will be mad based on past experiences.
In Dinner Party Disaster, Katie and Gina have coffee. Katie feels betrayed as Gina took Heather's side. Gina doubles down on her position which made Katie cry and doubting their friendship. In All Up In Gina’s Grill, Katie is wary of Gina as she picked Heather's side in their conflict. Later on, Tamra insinuated Gina set Katie up and maybe doesn't like Heather as the instigator of the drama. Jenn says Gina feels Katie puts her in a bad situation, Tamra continues the insinuation. The timeline of when Gina calls Katie after the Golf Event is also disputed. Both Katie and Gina accuse each other of lying in their confessionals, with Gina saying it's ten minutes and Katie stating months. Heather and Gina get emotional and agree to move on. Katie expresses distrust in Gina in The Gloves Are Off.
Katie tells Jenn that she wants to apologize again to Heather after being shut down by her at Tamra's Traitors Party in Catwalks and Catfights. Katie thinks Gina has been stirring the pot between her and Heather. At Heather's fashion show, Heather tells Tamra about Katie attempting to talk to her. Tamra plants the seed of Gina is manipulating Katie in Heather's head. Katie told Tamra that Gina told her she wants to stay on Heather's good side for her real estate connections, therefore letting Katie confront Heather regarding the paparazzi situation. Heather believes Tamra and puts a pin in it due to the fashion show starting. After the show, Jenn tells Gina Katie tried to talk to Heather at the sound bath and insinuated Gina is the instigator. Gina tries to talk to Katie and Katie doesn't want to talk right away.
The next day, Katie tells her husband Matt she's not looking forward to the talk with Heather and is upset with Gina. Gina addresses the elephant in the room as they sit down for lunch. Katie states she has heard from people (Tamra) that Gina is calling her a liar. Gina explodes on Katie, and subsequently Heather. Emily defends Gina due to the rough patch she's going through. Heather brings up that Katie said Gina is only using Heather for her real estate connections, Gina is flabbergasted and denies. Emily affirms what Gina said. Katie and Gina argue. Katie reveals what Gina said was that Heather is a good friend that helps with her career. Emily tries to defuse the situation, Tamra tells Gina she's being defensive, Heather believes in Gina and Katie has not taken accountability. Gina feels betrayed by Katie, they make up regardless.
Gina visits Shannon in Singled Out and refreshes Shannon on her argument with Katie previous episode. Gina is incredulous and adamant Heather has not helped her with her real estate business, and hopes she and Katie can "clear it out." Emily inquires Katie during lunch with Jenn on if she had talked to Gina since the Sonoma trip, they haven't. Heather tells Terry about wanting to speak to Gina about the Katie situation in The Elephant in the Room. Later on, Katie gets ready for her Couples Dinner Party she's hosting at her place with Matt. Everyone along with their spouses is invited, Gina is busy and couldn't make it. Heather, Shannon, and Katie go shopping for an outdoor patio sofa for Shannon in You Are Cordially Not Invited. Heather tells Shannon and Katie about her dilemma with Gina leaving with Emily at Jenn's Fiesta Party and asks for Katie's opinion, Katie see both sides.
Heather and Tamra refresh Gina on Jenn’s visit over caviar in Sunday Roasted. Gina expresses worries to Tamra, afraid that if she’s doing this to her so called friend, Gina might be at the receiving end of such behavior one day. Tamra told Heather that Kaili, who babysat Emily’s sons Keller and Luke, told her the boys said Heather is “mean” and “bossy” during candle making class. Gina does not believe in Kaili and thinks Katie made up the lie, stating Emily would not talk about the ladies around her children. Tamra continues with when she met up with Emily and Gina for breakfast, Emily contradicted Kaili’s story by saying her boys said Kaili was the one who said Heather is “mean”. Heather is outraged and became teary eyed, while Tamra and Gina egg her on. Tamra calls Katie a “f*cking c*nt”. The next day at the countryside, Emily states Gina refreshed her on the Kaili situation, and in her confessional she knew about it but was going to let it go. Emily says she would “never” talk about “adult material” in front of her children nor talk bad about Heather. Emily is angry that supposedly her children are involved and her relationship with Heather is in jeopardy. Heather is not mad at Emily but Katie.
Three Weeks after Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, the news breaks of Ryan being connected to a money laundering gambling scheme. Jenn breaks down while Ryan attempts to console her. Jenn states that it will be a "bloodbath" now with the ladies coming for her. Gina and Katie comfort Jenn. Jenn is still confused on "what part" of Ryan is not good for her. Gina thinks Jenn should focus on herself and her kids instead of getting caught in the crossfire. Jenn doesn't know what to do.
Jennifer Pedranti[]
Season 18[]
Jenn and Katie connect on their similar divorce experiences and Jenn hopes her kids will get through this difficult time as well in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor. Jenn calls Katie and informs her that she will be arriving separately in A Picture Worth A Thousand Words, as Jenn is attending court for temporary child support and alimony, which has taken 4 years to process. Jenn breaks down due to the uncertainty and being overwhelmed. Katie relates from her own experience and consoles Jenn.
Katie tell Jenn that Gina told Shannon about the video and how upset Shannon is in Catwalks and Catfights. The next day, Katie tells Jenn that she wants to apologize again to Heather after being shut down by her at Tamra's Traitors Party. Katie thinks Gina has been stirring the pot between her and Heather, Jenn thinks Katie should just let it go. After the Heather's fashion show, Jenn tells Gina Katie tried to talk to Heather at the sound bath and insinuated Gina is the instigator. Gina tries to talk to Katie and Katie doesn't want to talk right away.
Katie calls Jenn while getting ready for Shannon's 60th Birthday Tea Party in You Are Cordially Not Invited, who tells her that her dress did not ship and has to head to the mall. Katie inquires on how Jenn feels about seeing Tamra, Jenn states she's there for Shannon and does not care about Tamra. A floral arrangement is delivered to the Shannon's 60th Birthday Tea Party for Shannon, from Alexis, with a note attached. After reading the note, Shannon appreciates the gesture but states it's "9 months too late". Shannon does want anything to do with Alexis. Emily asks if Shannon is going to send Alexis a thank you note. Shannon reveals she "pre-wrote" a text to Alexis (transcript below) that clarifies she is not invited, to the ladies' surprise and glee. Although the ladies do think it's a bit too harsh, Katie and Jenn offer to relay the information to Alexis in person. Emily thinks Shannon should just send the text. On another day, Katie and Jenn arrive at Alexis' to deliver the bad news. Alexis is flabbergasted that Shannon did not take on the olive branch she offered after 8 months of her tormenting Shannon. Katie and Jenn inform Alexis about the text Shannon sent her, wishing Shannon had "soften" the language (she did not). Alexis is confused about what Shannon is holding on against her, Katie and Jenn remind her of the ongoing lawsuit. John and Alexis appear in the confessional together, John states he brought the suit in action due to the approaching expiration of statue of limitation, and refutes the claim that the money was a gift. Both Katie and Jenn think Alexis is the one that leaked the lawsuit to People. Alexis kicks them out after they attempt to console her.
Katie tells Jenn Tamra told her she does not want to "go backwards" with Jenn in High Tea & High Tension. Jenn is mad at Tamra for her FBI comments, thinking Tamra just hates Ryan. Katie hopes Jenn and Tamra and work it out but casting doubt on Ryan due to the FBI accusation. Tamra and Katie visit the spa and they talk about dinner in Double Decker Drama. Tamra tells Katie about Jenn's Dolce and Gabbana dress (see next paragraph). Katie states Jenn thought the dress is too expensive and she should return it, however, Ryan talked her into keeping it. Katie thinks Ryan paid for the dress, Tamra is worried for Jenn as a single mom depending on Ryan, and Ryan might have entanglement in shady business. Tamra explains Ryan has a friend that is a professional bookie, Ryan and Jenn have frequented the Bahamas and Vegas on casino sponsored private jets. Katie also expresses concerns based on her similar experience post divorce.
Jenn goes to Katie after leaving her argument with Tamra in Sunday Roasted. Later on, Jenn tells Katie and Emily about her and Tamra’s polite conversation over breakfast at a pub. Emily thinks Ryan is admirable for respecting and helping Jenn and her children. After Jenn's argument with Tamra at dinner, Jenn vents to Katie about Tamra in their suite. Katie commends Jenn for speaking up for herself. Katie thinks Tamra is only royal to Heather at the moment. Jenn had gone out with Katie and Alexis for dinner in Unfinished Business, and they decided to throw a tacky bridesmaids dress themed engagement party for Jenn.
Three Weeks after Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, the news breaks of Ryan being connected to a money laundering gambling scheme. Jenn breaks down while Ryan attempts to console her. Jenn states that it will be a "bloodbath" now with the ladies coming for her. Gina and Katie comfort Jenn. Jenn is still confused on "what part" of Ryan is not good for her. Gina thinks Jenn should focus on herself and her kids instead of getting caught in the crossfire. Jenn doesn't know what to do. Katie doesn't think Ryan is implicit when prompted by Andy in Reunion Part 2, Jenn urges Katie to answer honestly.
Jenn also clarifies Ryan bought her her tea party dress in Reunion Part 2. Heather defends herself by bringing up that Jenn had called her prior to the season starting asking for financial advice, but did not follow any of it. Katie calls Heather out for her behavior or checking the price of Jenn's dress at Neiman Marcus as "mean girl behavior". Heather thinks it's just "gossiping" with the support of Tamra, Emily, and Gina. During lunch, Katie checks in with Jenn about whether her calling out Heather's mean girl behavior on checking the price of the dress is okay. Jenn doesn't mind.
Emily Simpson[]
Season 18[]
Emily and Katie discuss Shannon's breakdown in A Picture Worth A Thousand Words, Emily clarifies she knows Alexis for years but they are not within each other's close knit circle of friends. Katie wonders if Emily can talk to Alexis for Shannon's sake. Emily, Katie, and Jenn have lunch in Singled Out. Emily inquires Katie on if she had talked to Gina since the Sonoma trip, they haven't. Emily brings up that she has the same dress as Alexis at Heather's fashion show, but hers is a size 12 and Alexis as has size 2. Emily doesn't think Heather has malicious intent but is just unaware of her insecurities. Jenn and Katie agree with Emily's sentiments and think Heather and her should have a conversation.
Heather and Tamra refresh Gina on Jenn’s visit over caviar in Sunday Roasted. Gina expresses worries to Tamra, afraid that if she’s doing this to her so called friend, Gina might be at the receiving end of such behavior one day. Tamra told Heather that Kaili, who babysat Emily’s sons Keller and Luke, told her the boys said Heather is “mean” and “bossy” during candle making class. Gina does not believe in Kaili and thinks Katie made up the lie, stating Emily would not talk about the ladies around her children. Tamra continues with when she met up with Emily and Gina for breakfast, Emily contradicted Kaili’s story by saying her boys said Kaili was the one who said Heather is “mean”. Heather is outraged and became teary eyed, while Tamra and Gina egg her on. Tamra calls Katie a “f*cking c*nt”.
Jenn goes to Katie after leaving her argument with Tamra in. Later on, Jenn tells Katie and Emily about her and Tamra’s polite conversation over breakfast at a pub. Emily thinks Ryan is admirable for respecting and helping Jenn and her children. The next day at the countryside, Emily states Gina refreshed her on the Kaili situation, and in her confessional she knew about it but was going to let it go. Emily says she would “never” talk about “adult material” in front of her children nor talk bad about Heather. Emily is angry that supposedly her children are involved and her relationship with Heather is in jeopardy. Heather is not mad at Emily but Katie.
At Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, Emily confronts Katie about the babysitting fiasco. They start arguing, Emily's not happy that Katie told Tamra about the alleged "Heather is mean" comment from her sons. Katie corrects Emily it was Kaili who told Tamra. Heather confronts Katie about thinking that she's mean, to which Katie affirms. Heather and Katie argue, they accuse each other of lying from the babysitting to the paparazzi. Katie apologizes to Emily about making her seem like a bad parent and jeopardizing her relationship with Heather. No resolve for Katie and Heather. Katie doesn't think Kaili is lying but still needs to talk to her.
Gina confronts Katie for lying about home ownership in San Diego in Reunion Part 1. Katie clarifies they were doing lease to own. Emily jumps in and is angered by an Katie Instagram story in response to Emily saying she moved out of Orange County on Jeff Lewis. Katie states she thought Emily said she moved to San Diego, to which she did for 2 months when her father in law was sick. Emily goes off on Katie and they argue. Gina thinks there's "inconsistencies" in Katie's stories. Gina brings Jenn in stating she thinks there's stuff that doesn't add up either. Jenn defends Katie with there are questions but they just need to ask Katie.
Emily brings up an article about Katie's divorce, where Katie lost both physical and legal custody of her kids. Katie explains that she was living at a "facility" 20 minutes away from her parents, who didn't want to help her as she didn't agree with her divorce. She lost custody because she was not able to provide for her kids. Emily exercises her lawyer knowledge and questions that legal custody should not be lost. Katie doesn't have an answer for Emily, but thinks at the time she was okay with relinquishing it since she couldn't provide for her kids. Katie had to rebuild her life in order to go to back to court multiple times to restore custody. The kids were in her ex-husband's custody for 18 months. Katie is emotional and states she had never missed an appointment with her kids through the 18 months. Katie cries and states "I hate talking about my ex-husband". Heather expresses sympathy to Katie directly during break.
Katie apologizes to Emily in Reunion Part 2, who does not accept her apology. Gina, Emily, and Heather mention Katie saying she only talks about Housewives stuff with Kaili since she's an adult. But footage shows Bandon asking Katie if Heather is mean. Katie explains that Bandon overheard her coming home crying after her Golf Event. Andy is incredulous as everyone talk in front of their kids. Gina, Emily, and Heather refute. Katie apologizes multiple times, Emily is still mad that she brought her kids into it, but seems more mad that her friendship with Heather is potentially jeopardized. Heather is furious that Kaili is making TikToks shading her. Specifically "fake a*s b*tches who suck dick", however, Kaili did not say that, she was doing a lip sync. The ladies are disgusted, even though Kaili is 20 years old and Katie is not responsible for her actions. Katie states she did ask Kaili to take the video down. The ladies are incredulous on why Kaili posted the video, seemingly amnesiac of them coming for Katie and calling Kaili a liar. Andy moves on and doesn't want to keep beating a dead horse.
Tamra Judge[]
Season 18[]
Katie, Tamra, and their daughters Kaili and Sophia meet for candle making in Singled Out. Kaili and Sophia have already connected. Both Kaili and Sophia have their worldview shaped from the experience of their parents' divorces, with Kaili more critical of male companions and Sophia not wanting marriage in the future. Katie reveals her youngest son only visits her 4 times a year, and she is saddened every time seeing him leave but must do what makes her son happy. They all connect on their similar experiences. Katie follows Tamra in You Are Cordially Not Invited, who stormed out of Katie's Couples dinner party and reiterates Ryan's FBI entanglement and brings up the Instagram video by Georgio Says that breaks down the situation. Katie rejoins the group and informs Eddie Tamra's ready to leave. Katie tells Jenn Tamra told her she does not want to "go backwards" with Jenn in High Tea & High Tension. Jenn is mad at Tamra for her FBI comments, thinking Tamra just hates Ryan. Katie hopes Jenn and Tamra and work it out but casting doubt on Ryan due to the FBI accusation.
Tamra and Katie visit the spa and they talk about dinner in Double Decker Drama. Katie doesn't understand why Shannon was being emotional when the lawsuit (brought on by Shannon's ex-boyfriend and has been tormenting her for months) is brought up. Tamra thinks Shannon can't take "accountability" of her actions. Katie wonders why Shannon undergoes plastic surgery procedures when she's struggling financially, Tamra states Shannon is living "beyond her means". Katie relates to Shannon on the financial situation post divorce, Tamra tells Katie she's not 60 like Shannon. Tamra reiterates her belief of Shannon playing the victim, stating she warned Heather Shannon will twist the truth. Tamra tells Katie about Jenn's Dolce and Gabbana dress (see next paragraph). Katie states Jenn thought the dress is too expensive and she should return it, however, Ryan talked her into keeping it. Katie thinks Ryan paid for the dress, Tamra is worried for Jenn as a single mom depending on Ryan, and Ryan might have entanglement in shady business. Tamra explains Ryan has a friend that is a professional bookie, Ryan and Jenn have frequented the Bahamas and Vegas on casino sponsored private jets. Katie also expresses concerns based on her similar experience post divorce.
Heather and Tamra refresh Gina on Jenn’s visit over caviar in Sunday Roasted. Gina expresses worries to Tamra, afraid that if she’s doing this to her so called friend, Gina might be at the receiving end of such behavior one day. Tamra told Heather that Kaili, who babysat Emily’s sons Keller and Luke, told her the boys said Heather is “mean” and “bossy” during candle making class. Gina does not believe in Kaili and thinks Katie made up the lie, stating Emily would not talk about the ladies around her children. Tamra continues with when she met up with Emily and Gina for breakfast, Emily contradicted Kaili’s story by saying her boys said Kaili was the one who said Heather is “mean”. Heather is outraged and became teary eyed, while Tamra and Gina egg her on. Tamra calls Katie a “f*cking c*nt”. Later on in their suite, Heather is infuriated at Katie still, Tamra echoes her sentiments.
At Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, Emily confronts Katie about the babysitting fiasco. They start arguing, Emily's not happy that Katie told Tamra about the alleged "Heather is mean" comment from her sons. Katie corrects Emily it was Kaili who told Tamra. Heather confronts Katie about thinking that she's mean, to which Katie affirms. Heather and Katie argue, they accuse each other of lying from the babysitting to the paparazzi. Katie apologizes to Emily about making her seem like a bad parent and jeopardizing her relationship with Heather. No resolve for Katie and Heather. Katie doesn't think Kaili is lying but still needs to talk to her. In Reunion Part 2, Kaili and Sophia unfortunately didn't maintain their friendship, according to Sophia Kaili doesn't respond to her texts. Katie confirms Kaili not being good at texting and apologizes to Tamra. Tamra also thought Kaili's babysitting situation about Heather is a funny side comment as she told Emily.
Shannon Beador[]
Season 18[]
Tamra brings up Shannon's butt dial at Katie's Couples Dinner Party in The Elephant in the Room and she thinks Alexis is behind the People article, Katie agrees with Shannon and Tamra defends Alexis. A floral arrangement is delivered to the Shannon's 60th Birthday Tea Party for Shannon, from Alexis, with a note attached in You Are Cordially Not Invited. After reading the note, Shannon appreciates the gesture but states it's "9 months too late". Shannon does want anything to do with Alexis. Emily asks if Shannon is going to send Alexis a thank you note. Shannon reveals she "pre-wrote" a text to Alexis (transcript below) that clarifies she is not invited, to the ladies' surprise and glee. Although the ladies do think it's a bit too harsh, Katie and Jenn offer to relay the information to Alexis in person. Emily thinks Shannon should just send the text.
Alexis Bellino[]
Season 18[]
Tamra brings up Shannon's butt dial at Katie's Couples Dinner Party in The Elephant in the Room and she thinks Alexis is behind the People article, Katie agrees with Shannon and Tamra defends Alexis. A floral arrangement is delivered to the Shannon's 60th Birthday Tea Party for Shannon, from Alexis, with a note attached in You Are Cordially Not Invited. After reading the note, Shannon appreciates the gesture but states it's "9 months too late". Shannon does want anything to do with Alexis. Emily asks if Shannon is going to send Alexis a thank you note. Shannon reveals she "pre-wrote" a text to Alexis (transcript below) that clarifies she is not invited, to the ladies' surprise and glee. Although the ladies do think it's a bit too harsh, Katie and Jenn offer to relay the information to Alexis in person. Emily thinks Shannon should just send the text. On another day, Katie and Jenn arrive at Alexis' to deliver the bad news. Alexis is flabbergasted that Shannon did not take on the olive branch she offered after 8 months of her tormenting Shannon. Katie and Jenn inform Alexis about the text Shannon sent her, wishing Shannon had "soften" the language (she did not). Alexis is confused about what Shannon is holding on against her, Katie and Jenn remind her of the ongoing lawsuit. John and Alexis appear in the confessional together, John states he brought the suit in action due to the approaching expiration of statue of limitation, and refutes the claim that the money was a gift. Both Katie and Jenn think Alexis is the one that leaked the lawsuit to People. Alexis kicks them out after they attempt to console her.
Heather inquires Katie and Jenn's insights as they are closer to Alexis in Reunion Part 3. Katie and Jenn see both sides but Katie states she understands more when Alexis explained the non-disparagement agreement. Emily steps in with if they both signed it, neither of them would be able to say anything. Emily and Alexis argue. Jenn said she asks John regarding the timing of their relationship, Katie agrees that it is suspicious as the season was filming at the time.
Ryan Boyajian[]
Season 18[]
Katie tells Jenn Tamra told her she does not want to "go backwards" with Jenn in High Tea & High Tension. Jenn is mad at Tamra for her FBI comments, thinking Tamra just hates Ryan. Katie hopes Jenn and Tamra and work it out but casting doubt on Ryan due to the FBI accusation.
Vicki Gunvalson[]
Season 18[]
Vicki tells Katie she has "no desire" to talk to Tamra at Jenn's engagement party in Unfinished Business, she thinks her "ego is bigger than the state of California".
Sutton Stracke[]
Season 18[]
Katie reveals in in Reunion Part 1 she and Sutton have not talked for a "couple weeks".
Relationships[]
Andrew Sundseth (Ex-Husband)[]
Season 18[]
Katie discusses her previous marriage in Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor and they are not on speaking terms. Katie was married at 21, when her daughter Kalli was 14 months old. Before Katie's wedding, her brother-in-law texted her saying "good luck with him". Katie was unsure if she should go through with the wedding, but her parents encouraged her to do it. The couple fought intensely after two more kids were born. Katie states she left her ex-husband multiple times, and she was left with nothing through the divorce, including her childhood belongings. Katie's two oldest, Kaili and Gavin recognizes Katie's now husband Matt as their dad, while the youngest Max chooses to stay with Katie's ex in Atlanta.
Matt Ginella (Husband)[]
Season 18[]
Katie and Matt reveal they have been married for 7 and a half years while the couple settle down for dinner in The Elephant in the Room. Matt was "single till 44" when he met Katie.
Family[]
Kaili Ginella (Daughter)[]
Season 18[]
In Once A Traitor, Always A Traitor, Kaili is in the process of changing her last name to Matt's as she recognizes Matt as her family. They discuss Kaili's name change later in the episode. When Kaili was younger, Katie's mom was diagnosed with cancer. Katie felt like her ex-husband was preventing her sons from seeing their grandma, so Kaili send a text to her biological father telling him that he's selfish and they have not talked since. Kaili is nervous about changing her name, Katie thinks filing the paper work symbolizes putting her past traumas behind her. On the way to filing paper work, Katie reveals to Kaili that Tamra and her want Kaili and Sophia to connect as they are about the same age and have similar backgrounds.
Katie, Tamra, and their daughters Kaili and Sophia meet for candle making in Singled Out. Kaili and Sophia have already connected. Both Kaili and Sophia have their worldview shaped from the experience of their parents' divorces, with Kaili more critical of male companions and Sophia not wanting marriage in the future. Katie and Kaili are confused on how trains can reach England from continental Europe in High Tea & High Tension as Katie packs for Shannon's London Trip.
Kaili receives her official name change to Ginella in Unfinished Business, the Ginellas are emotional and very happy. At Jenn's engagement party, Emily confronts Katie about the babysitting fiasco. They start arguing, Emily's not happy that Katie told Tamra about the alleged "Heather is mean" comment from her sons. Katie corrects Emily it was Kaili who told Tamra. Heather confronts Katie about thinking that she's mean, to which Katie affirms. Heather and Katie argue, they accuse each other of lying from the babysitting to the paparazzi. Katie apologizes to Emily about making her seem like a bad parent and jeopardizing her relationship with Heather. No resolve for Katie and Heather. Katie doesn't think Kaili is lying but still needs to talk to her.
Katie apologizes to Emily in Reunion Part 2, who does not accept her apology. Gina, Emily, and Heather mention Katie saying she only talks about Housewives stuff with Kaili since she's an adult. But footage shows Bandon asking Katie if Heather is mean. Katie explains that Bandon overheard her coming home crying after her Golf Event. Andy is incredulous as everyone talk in front of their kids. Gina, Emily, and Heather refute. Katie apologizes multiple times, Emily is still mad that she brought her kids into it, but seems more mad that her friendship with Heather is potentially jeopardized. Heather is furious that Kaili is making TikToks shading her. Specifically "fake a*s b*tches who suck dick", however, Kaili did not say that, she was doing a lip sync. The ladies are disgusted, even though Kaili is 20 years old and Katie is not responsible for her actions. Katie states she did ask Kaili to take the video down. The ladies are incredulous on why Kaili posted the video, seemingly amnesiac of them coming for Katie and calling Kaili a liar. Andy moves on and doesn't want to keep beating a dead horse.
Max Sundseth (Son)[]
Season 18[]
Katie reveals in Reunion Part 1 her oldest son Max stays with her ex in Atlanta because he's familiar with the surroundings there and doesn't want to leave his friends. Katie misses him dearly, Max does come see her every break including winter and summer. Katie also goes to Atlanta to see him once a month.
Gavin Sundseth (Son)[]
Season 18[]
Katie reveals in Reunion Part 1 her son Gavin did not appear this season because her ex didn't sign off on it. However, he had recently turned 18 and is able to give permission himself. Gavin was living with Katie's niece in San Diego to finish high school. Gavin had moved back with Katie full time.
Gallery[]
Promotional Photos[]
Confessionals[]
Intro Cards[]
Reunion Photos[]
Finale[]
Katie has yet to travel to South Korea
But hopes to meet her birth mother later this year
Heather will not be getting a souvenir
Family Confessionals[]
Taglines[]
| "When you live your life on the green, envy is just par for the course." | ||
Trivia[]
- In Red Flags and Flag Footballs, Katie revealed that she did figure skating for ten years and won a silver medal from ISI Worlds.
- Katie is the latest main cast member to join The Real Housewives of Orange County.