Britani Bateman and Jared Osmond detail their rollercoaster relationship and future on RHOSLC
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Britani Bateman and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Jared Osmond, are detailing the current status of their relationship following a season filled with drama.
“There’s considerable speculation surrounding it, and there’s a great deal I can share. I do care for Britani,” Jared, 55, began on the Wednesday, December 31, episode of the “Viall Files” podcast. “My relationship with Britani has been challenging because, at 55 years old, we are both still navigating divorces. We are legally separated, but I’m six years into this process and she’s three, and [we are both still working through dividing assets]. It’s been somewhat difficult.”
When Britani joined RHOSLC in season 5 as a “friend of,” she was dating Donny Osmond’s nephew Jared. Their relationship has since experienced numerous ups and downs, culminating with Britani initiating a 30-day separation from Jared during season 6. They’ve since been seen together on several occasions after filming concluded.
“The initial season was tough [because] Britani and I didn’t fully understand the dynamics,” Jared recalled. “We appeared on the show, and then we broke up. We would essentially break up every month. It appears quite bad because it is.”
Donny Osmond Contacted Nephew Jared After ‘RHOSLC' Drama
Continue reading for Britani and Jared’s most significant relationship revelations on “The Viall Files” podcast:
Why Jared and Britani Keep Breaking Up
Jared estimated that he and Britani have parted ways “at least” 24 times over various issues that have arisen in their relationship.
“We’ve taken a pause because, ‘This isn’t working’ or ‘I dislike the show,” he said. “I simply go to the gym, drink a protein shake and try to move on. … I went through some difficult experiences in my divorce, challenging situations in the dating world, and sometimes I need to, sort of, step back. It’s not because I don’t love her and it’s not because I don’t want to be with her, it’s just I need to step back, analyze, and consider, ‘What are we doing? Why is a show involved in everything we do?’”
He added, “The reason that we separate is because of me, I accept full responsibility for that.”
Where Jared and Britani Stand Now
Viewers watched their emotionally charged breakup at the riverbed, which was filmed back in May.
“We actually got back together just before Thanksgiving, recently,” Jared revealed. “I’ve dated and gone out with truly wonderful people and that sort of thing, but it’s always that familiar feeling. … She’s my closest friend [and has been] for all these years, and there’s a closeness and kindness between us. We’re never unkind to each other. It’s just moments of hesitation, saying, ‘Okay,’ and much of it is due to me. I don’t necessarily initiate the breakup, but she becomes anxious.”
According to Jared, he and Britani are “thriving” as a couple while also progressing slowly.
“We want our children to be supportive of us, and we know we need to demonstrate some stability to them,” Jared explained. “Whether they do or not, I’m not going to assume they will. Britani has a strong relationship with her kids. I thought I did with mine, but there are a couple [who] are significantly affected by Britani and I being together. … It’s not Britani, it’s the show.”
Britani, for her part, clarified that they were not an official couple during BravoCon in November when she kissed him during a panel discussion.
Jared and Britani Have Discussed Marriage
“There is a sense of timing involved, and the timing is truly at this point in our lives, and it’s just a number,” he told podcast host Nick Viall. “We have other factors to consider, including our children.”
The pair were briefly engaged during RHOSLC season 6, which Jared ultimately called off.
“It didn’t conclude badly. It ended with a pause as I considered, ‘I’m a little hesitant about the idea of marriage,’” he recalled of the quick proposal. “Because of my past experiences, and that is what it is. … I don’t know what we’re doing, but these are important things. These are private conversations.”
How Britani and Jared First Met
Jared initially encountered the Bravo star after his ex-girlfriend began dating Britani’s former husband.
“They started a relationship, and we were unaware,” he said. “I called Britani, and said, ‘Are you aware of this?’ There are numerous details I’m going to intentionally omit, but she was shocked. I was shocked. We essentially bonded over shared trauma and that’s exactly how it began. For a month, we simply spoke on the phone [and] I had no idea what she looked like.”
Britani, meanwhile, said that they initially “fell in love as friends” while Jared was working through his feelings about his ex’s sudden new romance.
“I was prepared for a relationship … [and] was in a completely different place,” she recalled. “He was not, and so he was straddling this, ‘I want you, but I don’t want you. I’m not ready.’ Over the course of two and a half years, it shifted, like, every time he did something similar, I would feel insecure.”
Their Respective Kids Still Don’t Approve
Britani had previously been estranged from her two daughters, both of whom felt their mom consistently prioritized her romantic partner over them.
“They’re affected as well,” Britani said on Wednesday’s episode. “My older daughter, Taylor, not as much, but Olivia definitely is. … Olivia was younger when the trauma occurred, and that may have contributed.”
Britani further explained that she is “very open” to any feedback from Olivia about their dynamic.
“I’m going to have to continue demonstrating for the rest of my life,” she stated.
Jared Isn’t a Fan of ‘RHOSLC’
“I’m on a reality television show that, frankly, I don’t want to be on,” he said. “I went on reluctantly, and I’ve been on and it’s challenging. It’s a show that has portrayed me as the villain.”
Jared joined the show because of Britani herself.
“I didn’t anticipate this. So, when Britani received the call, I suppose that’s how it works [that] they reach out to several people,” Jared recalled. “When her final interview happened, I wasn’t present, and they included me in the interview. I sat there on the sofa in this room with seven Bravo executives firing questions at both of us about how we met, which is quite controversial. I had no idea that a requirement was for me to be a part of her story on set.”
Will Jared Return to Future Seasons of ‘RHOSLC?’
Jared initially didn’t appear on RHOSLC season 5 because he didn’t agree to sign a production waiver.
“I said, ‘I’m not filming. What was the expectation that I would film?’” he recalled. “I could see it in Britani’s eyes that she’s, like, ‘Come on, you’re part of my story.’”
After observing the show seemingly misrepresent his comments, he agreed to film in season 6.
“I’m good at, apparently, being the controversial [villain] on the Housewives. That’s the role that I’ve assumed,” he stated. “I’ve said everything I’ve said, [and] I am not going to sit here and tell you I didn’t. The problem is … the editing, I don’t think, is entirely fair. I’ll say something that sounds controversial, but there’s always another part. Maybe I’m long-winded, but I’m trying to explain that situation and then it gets cut out.”
Jared further emphasized that he’s not a Bravo fan in the slightest.
“I don’t enjoy it. I don’t need it for my career,” he said. “It doesn’t add anything to my life. I’m grateful for Britani in my life and I’m happy to support her, and that’s what I’ve wanted to do.”
Regarding a potential season 7, Jared proclaimed that he’s “finished filming” completely.
“It’s not my thing. It’s not my life,” he said. “I really think the story doesn’t need to be about Britani and I all the time anymore. Britani is so good on her own, and she brings so much content to the show. She’s so interesting to watch, she’s raw and vulnerable. … I also want to live up to my word to my children that I’m done with reality television so my children will return to ‘Team Dad’ and understand that my resolve is this now that [the show] is Britani’s career, not mine. I don’t get compensated to do this.”
