Chanel Ayan is clearing up the RHONY voicemail drama.
The Real Housewives of Dubai star appeared on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live, where she reacted to the voicemail she left for Jessel Taank that aired on The Real Housewives of New York City and explained why she warned Jessel about Erin Lichy.
According to Chanel, the situation started while she was filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
“The thing is we were on Girls Trip finale and I literally had girls from Salt Lake City, Beverly Hills, because they saw me talking to Jessel, because I’m close to Jessel because of my cousin Ubah and Sai, so when I’m in New York, I hang out with Jessel,” Chanel explained.
Chanel said she already knew several of the RHONY women through Ubah Hassan, Sai De Silva and other mutual connections, so when other Housewives started mentioning Erin’s comments about Jessel, she felt the need to say something.
“I talked to Sai, was with Sai in Paris, so I know the girls, so it was just around over and over again,” Chanel said. “Are you hearing what Erin is saying because I see you with Jessel.”
That is when Chanel decided to call Jessel.
“So, I was like, the next day, I called Jessel and I was like, ‘Hey, be careful,’ because at one point, Erin was friendly to her. I’m like, ‘Just pay attention to the…’”
Jeff Lewis then clarified that Chanel was talking about Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Season 5, which is currently airing.
Chanel confirmed she appears at two different events during the season.
“Yes, I appear in two parties in New York and in Dorinda’s house,” Chanel said.
Jeff admitted he had not immediately connected how Chanel and Jessel knew each other through Ubah.
“You know what? It was so funny because I didn’t make the Ubah connection,” Jeff said. “I should have, because I’m like, ‘How is Chanel good friends with Jessel?’”
Crystal Kung Minkoff then explained that Chanel is very connected to Ubah and the RHONY circle.
“Chanel’s really protected,” Crystal said. “It’s like big sister to Ubah, and so she knows that whole crew and so she’s very insider.”
Chanel then explained that her connection to Jessel goes beyond just Ubah.
“Jessel’s cousin in Dubai that I’ve known for 25 years is first cousin of Jessel,” Chanel shared.
Chanel said one of her longtime friends, who is also connected to Caroline Stanbury, is Jessel’s cousin and runs major PR companies in Dubai.
“One of my very good friends, Caroline Stanbury’s friend, is actually Jessel’s cousin,” Chanel explained. “So she runs a lot of big PR companies, so I’ve known her all my life modeling there.”
Chanel said Jessel even messaged her when she first joined RHONY to point out the family connection.
“She told me — Jessel actually messaged me and said, ‘Hey, you know my cousin,’ when she first joined New York Housewives,” Chanel said. “I’m like, ‘Who’s your cousin?’ Of course I knew who her cousin is, so there’s so much connection there.”
Jeff then made it clear that he personally likes Erin Lichy and noted that Erin owned up to what she said.
Chanel agreed.
“I like Erin,” Chanel said.
She also revealed that there is no deeper issue between them.
“Yes, my husband actually at BravoCon went drinking with Erin’s husband,” Chanel said. “So Erin — it’s nothing against her, it’s just I’m protecting my friend.”
Jeff asked Chanel directly if she has any issues with Erin.
“No, no,” Chanel said.
Jeff then pointed out that Erin may still have issues with Jessel.
But Chanel made it clear she is not trying to insert herself into their feud beyond warning her friend.
“Yeah, it’s not my business,” Chanel said. “I’m just a gossiper.”