Jill Zarin Says She’s ‘Blindsided’ After Being Fired From E!’s ‘The Golden Life’ Following Super Bowl Post

Jill Zarin is struggling to process her sudden exit from E!’s upcoming reunion series The Golden Life — and sources say she feels completely blindsided.

The former Real Housewives of New York City star was let go by Blink49 Studios on Tuesday after she posted — and quickly deleted — an Instagram video criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance.

Although the video was taken down shortly after it went live, it was reposted on X, where it sparked backlash. Soon after, the production company cut ties with Zarin.

Jill Feels She Was Punished for an Opinion

Sources close to Zarin say she believes she was unfairly punished for expressing her opinion. According to insiders, she feels other Housewives have said or done far worse without facing similar consequences.

People in her inner circle strongly dispute claims that her comments were insensitive. They insist that anyone who knows her personally would not characterize her that way.

Zarin reportedly feels the decision to fire her was premature — and especially painful given her role in getting the show off the ground.

She Helped Reunite the ‘RHONY’ OGs

Sources say Zarin was instrumental in reuniting the original RHONY cast and helping get The Golden Life greenlit at E!. That’s why the fallout feels particularly hurtful to her.

“She was the driving force behind bringing the OG women back together,” one source shared, adding that Zarin now feels pushed aside once controversy hit.

The Real Housewives of New York City made Zarin a household name during its early seasons, and the new series was meant to celebrate that original era.

‘Cancel Culture’ and Regret

Those who’ve spoken to Zarin since her firing say she’s confused by what she sees as “cancel culture.” According to sources, she deleted the video quickly after realizing she may have misspoken.

After rewatching the halftime performance, Zarin reportedly came to better understand its cultural significance and felt terrible — which is why she removed the post so quickly.

She’s said to be upset that people interpreted her remarks as targeting a broader group, something sources describe as a misunderstanding.

A Missed ‘Teachable Moment’?

Another source close to Zarin says she’s disappointed producers didn’t use the situation as a learning opportunity on the show itself.

Instead of cutting her, the insider suggests the cast could have addressed the controversy on camera, turning it into an honest conversation.

Sources also emphasize that Zarin didn’t need the show financially and signed on simply to have fun and reconnect with her former castmates.

For now, Zarin is said to be taking time to process what happened — still shocked at how quickly a deleted post turned into a career setback.