Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Unseen Struggles: Taylor Armstrong's Daughter and the Legacy of Abuse

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong has opened up about the impact of her abusive late husband's death on their daughter

SHOCKING TRUTHS FROM THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS: TAYLOR ARMSTRONG EXPOSES HER HORRIFYING ABUSE AND THE DARK SIDE OF FATHER'S DAY

The drama never ends for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and this time it's Taylor Armstrong who's spilling all the juicy details about her tumultuous marriage to late husband Russell Armstrong. In a new interview with People Magazine, Taylor opens up about the abuse she suffered at his hands and how it's affected their daughter Kennedy.

It's been over a decade since Taylor filed for divorce from Russell in 2011, but the memories of those dark days still linger. The couple met in 2005 and tied the knot soon after. Their beautiful daughter Kennedy was born the same year, but her father's controlling behavior started early on. "He would go to work before she would even wake up and come home when she was already asleep," Taylor reveals.

The Bravo reality star's late husband Russell Armstrong died by hanging on August 15, 2011, aged 47

But it wasn't just Russell's lack of presence that was a problem; he was also emotionally and physically abusive to his family. Taylor recounts the horrific incident where Russell pushed her into a swimming pool at a friend's house, leaving her fearing for her life. "He grabbed me by the throat and held me underwater," she recalls, still shaken.

The abuse continued even after Taylor discovered voice recording devices around their home, making it seem like Russell was monitoring everything she said. But one incident in June 2011 marked a turning point - when Russell fractured Taylor's orbital floor on her 40th birthday. "It was like he snapped," Taylor says.

As the months went by, Taylor's mental and physical health deteriorated, and she eventually filed for divorce. Tragically, just two months later, Russell took his own life on August 15, 2011, at the age of 47. His lawyer Ronald Richards revealed that Russell was also struggling with debt, having spent over $1.5 million trying to keep up their luxurious lifestyle.

Taylor revealed that Russell 'didn't really spend much time' with their daughter Kennedy, who is now 19

But what's most shocking is how Taylor and Kennedy don't celebrate Father's Day. "We didn't spend much time together when she was younger," Taylor explains. "It wasn't a big loss for her, thankfully." It's clear that the trauma of her father's abuse has left a lasting impact on their relationship.

In another bombshell revelation, Taylor claims Russell once threatened to kill her over something as trivial as serving his kids pizza without vegetables. The level of control he exerted over his family is staggering, and it's no wonder Taylor finally found the strength to leave him.

As we look back on these disturbing revelations, it's clear that the glamorous world of reality TV can often hide a dark underbelly of abuse and manipulation. Taylor Armstrong's bravery in speaking out about her experiences serves as a reminder that domestic violence knows no boundaries - not even the rich and famous.

In April, Taylor recounted the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of her late husband

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Taylor spoke candidly about how she's rebuilding her life after her abusive marriage. "It takes time to heal," she says. "But I'm grateful for my daughter and my friends who have supported me through this journey."

With its lavish lifestyle and glamorous facade, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills often appears to be a fairy tale come true. But Taylor's story is a sobering reminder that behind every perfectly curated Instagram post lies a complex web of secrets, lies, and even abuse.

Sources:

  • People Magazine
  • The Scholarly Note