"That's not a friend"— The Real Housewives of Dubai fans criticize Lesa for calling Ayan a "victim"

The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 aired part one of the reunion special this week on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The segment saw the cast discuss the events of the series while in conversation with talk show host, Andy Cohen.

Cohen asked Caroline Stanbury and Chanel Ayan about their newfound friendship and Lesa showed the host a message that Ayan had sent when they first met. The message stated that Stanbury acted like Ayan grew up in a "village," while the former grew up in a "mansion." Ayan said they had already argued about it and that Lesa was trying to use it against her.

"Okay, you, victim again. Professional victim," Lesa said.

Later in the episode, Ayan brought up the usage of the word again when Cohen asked her about the aftermath of opening up about her female genital mutilation or FGM. Ayan said she regretted talking about it when the show first came out but not anymore. She said it was hard and that being called a "victim" was the worst thing for her.

The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 fans commented on the situation online and criticized Lesa Milan for calling Ayan a victim. One person wrote on X:

"Lesa knew the word “victim” was a triggering word for Ayan and STILL said it. That’s not a friend"

"Regardless Ayan was a child victim of FGM. Lesa weaponizing the word VICTIM and repeating it over and over again to get a reaction is weak as hell. The things people will do for fame. She could have said any other insult. She knew what she was doing," a fan commented.

"People trying to make it ok for Lesa to TRIGGER Ayan with the word victim is disgusting! Isn't Lesa a college graduate, I'm sure she has different words in her high brow vocabulary!!!" a tweet read.

The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 fans pointed out that Lesa called Ayan a victim despite knowing how hurt she was when Sara previously said it to her:

"Lesa knows Ayan doesn't like to be called a victim after Sara said that about Ayan talking about her childhood. SMH," a person wrote.

"Lesa hit below the belt calling Ayan a victim when we all saw how badly it affected her when Sara said it. Lesa knows better," a fan commented.

"Lesa beginning the reunion by calling Ayan a victim....was a foul move. Whether they're friends are not she knows what a trigger word that is for Ayan and brings back painful memories for Ayan. Lesa is a friend to no one," a tweet read.

The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 fans further said:

"Ayan is the type of friend who is offensive, but hates to be offended. She is still mad w/Lesa over how Lesa responded to her betrayal. Ayan is always the victim w/Sara & now with Lesa. & when she is no longer your friend she destroys your name to justify her behaviour," a person wrote.

"Lesa cannot reign in her raging jealousy. Shame on her for purposely baiting Ayan like a coward & calling her a victim knowing how much it hurts her," a fan commented.

---

"Villain playing the victim" — Lesa Milan calls Chanel Ayan out in The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2

In The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 reunion part 1, Lesa Milan accused Chanel Ayan of playing the victim as they discussed her and Stanbury's recent friendship.

As Ayan revealed she and Stanbury became friends after being stuck on an airplane for hours together, Lesa showed Andy Cohen text messages of Ayan speaking negatively about The Real Housewives of Dubai cast member.

Ayan explained that the messages were from the time when she and Stanbury were getting to know one another and had already discussed the content of the text. She told Lesa she was trying to use her words "against" her. In response, Lesa called the RHODubai star a "professional victim."

"Not the villain playing the victim," Lesa added.

The show fans were critical of Lesa's usage of the word "victim". They said she knew Ayan's struggles better than most cast members and she shouldn't have used that term as it was hurtful.

Episodes of The Real Housewives of Dubai season 2 are available to stream on Bravo.