Real Housewives of New York City alum Sonja Morgan is setting the record straight after a string of recent headlines raised questions about her well-being. The 61-year-old television personality, known for her wit, warmth, and enduring popularity, recently made headlines after being seen leaving a Florida restaurant on a stretcher — but according to Morgan, the situation has been wildly misrepresented.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Morgan explained what really happened at Echo, a Palm Beach restaurant, where she was dining when another guest appeared to be in distress. “An elderly patron at the restaurant I was dining at appeared to be in distress, and I called for medical assistance,” she said. “While assisting during the commotion, I sustained some minor injuries and, out of an abundance of caution, accompanied the EMTs to be checked out. I’m incredibly grateful to the first responders for their swift care and professionalism.”
Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Sonja Morgan says her focus was on helping someone in need — not causing a scene. “I didn’t want to leave. I insisted on making sure she was cared for,” she added.
However, Palm Beach authorities later issued Morgan a trespass warning at the request of the Breakers Hotel, which owns the restaurant — a decision that sparked confusion, particularly given Morgan’s version of events. Police noted no other patron was listed in the report, and Morgan reportedly refused to sign the written warning. Still, her statement reflects a calm and responsible reaction to what she describes as an emergency situation.
The Florida incident comes on the heels of another misinterpreted event earlier this month in New York, when Morgan was accused of skipping out on a $1,000 restaurant bill. The full story, however, reveals a very different picture. According to reports and those close to the situation, Morgan had been invited to the restaurant with the understanding that her appearance and social media promotion would be compensated with a complimentary meal — a common arrangement for high-profile personalities. The confusion appears to have stemmed from a breakdown in communication, not any attempt to avoid payment. In the end, Morgan paid the bill and even left a generous tip, reinforcing her professionalism and generosity.
As she was being escorted from the Florida restaurant, Morgan was reportedly overheard saying, “It’s another setup … this is another setup. I just had a restaurant in New York do that to me. They invited me and then they outed me saying I didn’t pay. It’s not true. I paid and I tipped.”
For longtime fans of Sonja Morgan, these recent events seem out of step with the star’s well-known character. Those who’ve followed her career know her as someone who has always led with heart — whether supporting friends, speaking candidly, or giving back. While the headlines may be loud, Morgan is clearly determined to stay composed, compassionate, and in control of her own narrative.
