RHOC Alums Jim Bellino and Elizabeth Vargas Deny Romance Rumors

Jim Bellino is setting the record straight on his romantic life.

After a report surfaced claiming Alexis Bellino’s ex-husband is dating The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Elizabeth Vargas, Jim, 62, cleared the air via social media.

“Facts,” the businessman wrote via Instagram on Friday, October 18. “Elizabeth Vargas and I are not dating.”

Jim also denied the romance rumors when he appeared on former RHOC star Kelly Dodd’s Patreon on Thursday, October 17. According to the episode description, “[Jim] believes [Elizabeth] leaked a photo of their one and only date to TMZ for publicity.”

Us Weekly reached out to Elizabeth for comment on the dating rumors but did not hear back in time of publication. In an Instagram Story posted on Friday, the “Girl Talk Logic” podcast host wrote, “Jim Bellino is a very smart sophisticated man who loves to golf. We had a meal together. End of story. OC loves the drama, but sorry, nothing to report here. Fake news.”

Kelly, 49, and Jim seemingly poked fun at the rumors when they stepped out at The Quiet Woman restaurant in Newport Beach, California, on Thursday night.

“I’m at the Quiet Woman with my newfound boyfriend,” Kelly joked via her Instagram Story. “This is my new boyfriend in Newport Beach at the Quiet Woman. Would you ever date Elizabeth Vargas?”

Jim replied, “Don’t do that.”

News of Jim and Elizabeth’s possible romance spread so quickly that Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen brought up the possible coupling during Thursday’s live show.

RHOC star Gina Kirschenheiter, who previously served as Elizabeth’s real estate agent, said the rumors caught her off guard. “I was very surprised by that as well, but also, like, not surprised,” she shared. “It seems weird to me. I should have texted her.”

Andy Cohen added, “I have to say I did hear from someone in Orange County today who said it’s not true.”

Elizabeth, 49, appeared on season 15 of RHOC. The episodes, which aired from October 2020 to January 2021, were filmed during the coronavirus pandemic. As for Jim, he appeared on RHOC seasons 5 to 8 with his then-wife Alexis, 47. The pair left the show before they divorced in 2018.

Alexis recently rejoined the show for season 18 and agreed to document her relationship with John Janssen for Bravo cameras.

In a recent Instagram, Jim expressed his thoughts on the dating scene in Orange County, going on to share what he was looking for in a woman.

“I refuse to online date. I really like organic meetings because I find that you can really get the authenticity of somebody by seeing them face to face instead of swiping,” he said via Instagram on October 4. “I personally like an assertive woman that’s aggressive and goes after what she wants.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.