An Interview with Brooks Ayers (Uncensored)

By: Lindsey Nitzschke
Thank you to Brooks. He was a trooper, some the questions were intrusive!

Did you watch or had you heard of The Real Housewives of Orange County prior to meeting Vicki?

I met Vicki in May 2007 in Atlanta, GA at an Insurance/Investment Conference.  At the time, they were filming Season 2.  I had no idea who she was other than a very smart, vibrant business woman.  Certainly, I had no clue about  RHOC either.

You’ve got some pretty tough critics out there, including some of your Housewives co-stars. What do you have to say them?

As far as the show is concerned, I have learned that with editing the producers can capture a moment in time, take it out of context, and make it seem as though there is constant drama.  Off camera, we really enjoy the company of most cast members.  I know the truth about where I have been in my life…the mistakes, the what if moments, and the fact that I have embraced and learned from my past is what I want to challenge others in never giving up the fight to continue growing as a person, partner, parent, or friend.

We all know Reality TV isn’t really that real anymore and that it’s heavily edited. I don’t personally believe that you are the type of person to act a certain way or cause drama because producers want you to. But, I’ve read some Twitter posts online, even others comments on my blog’s Facebook Fan Page -- you’re getting some flak for asking about Vicki’s finances and how things are going with her divorce. Are you asked by producers to ask certain things on camera or act a certain way?

We are asked to address certain issues on camera as it pertains to our real lives.  That particular lunch date was filmed several months ago at which time Vicki was going through a difficult “separation anxiety” with her real estate properties and the division of her assets.  Along with trying to get her arms around where she was going to live, etc.  So, as a concerned partner, I wanted to just simply be there to listen/vent about her emotions.   I was in no way inquiring or “sizing up her assets” to assess her net worth post-divorce.  How crazy to even think that way!  That is simply NOT me.  We do not comingle assets/finances nor probably ever will.  We do for each other as partners do from time to time…i.e. buy dinner, clothes, CARDS (haha), massages, trips, etc.  As far as being asked to act a certain way, never.

Any thoughts on Tamra and her heavy criticism of your relationship? 

First off, I love Tamra and Eddie.  I believe and trust that Tamra, as any good friend would do, was simply being a good friend to Vicki by inquiring about me.  We have spent more time with Tamra and Eddie on couple dates that anyone in the cast, so I know where she was/is coming from. I believe that Tamra would certainly concur that we are good for each other.  Eddie has been a true friend to me in my short time in California.  

Is reality TV fame all its hyped up to be?

Hyped up to be?   Hmmmm….. that is a tough question.  From my perspective, it provides insight to peoples real worlds, but has a tendency to skew on the drama side.  One has to realize that for every episode that airs, we film about 35-40 hours per 7-10 minutes of airtime.  Logically, the audience doesn’t see the “build up to the drama” or the “make up to the drama”….but only sees the “drama”!

Any Housewives couple you’d rather not go on a double date with?

We have been on a double date with every housewife couple and they have been nothing short of very nice and cordial to me.  I don’t think we would ever go out with Sarah and her date though.

Were you offended by ladies when they were not as accepting to the Crawfish Boil party that Vicki hosted? As a Texan, I was offended, it’s not a menu decision that I chose, I’ve tried it, and it’s not for me - but they were downright snobby.

I loved that episode!  I am from Mississippi, not Louisiana, so Cajun isn’t really my thing either.  In the past, I’d prefer catfish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw!  I did think it was nice for Vicki to want to introduce the others to Southern type meal and I did come by and eat the leftovers….just so you know!  But to your question, I wasn’t offended at all because they all have introduced new foods here in CA to me….some of which I like and some I will never try again.  That is fair?  Isn’t it?

You lost a Watch Happens Live Poll a few weeks ago pertaining to whether or not “You were a good fit for Vicki”. I think she seems happier, more at peace, and beaming with joy this season. She never seemed angry on any previous season, just stressed to the max. Having her “Love Tank” full has seemed to mellow her out, for that we thank you. Thoughts?

I think we all have been places in our lives where we weren’t happy for one reason or another.  I do hope that she is more relaxed, balanced, and happier because of the decision she made to “not settle” in any aspect of her life…Spiritually, Emotionally, Physically, and Financially.  We know that what we have is incredible and pray that everyone experiences in their lives what we have at some point.

Do you think people mistake your Southern charm as being Disingenuous? Or is chivalry dying?

Chivalry is dying for sure.  I try to be the most sincere, loyal, romantic, and committed partner ever.  Not perfect, but definitely I am focused on achieving a healthy relationship which includes hard work daily.

Any plans for a permanent move to California?

I actually moved to CA last summer (June 2011) once Vicki and I decided that the time was right to take our relationship to the next level.  We started dating in December 2010.  We both feel privileged to have our best friends (each other) as our “significant” other.

What are Vicki’s most endearing qualities that we may not see watching her on TV?

She has so many!  She is very engaged in the lives of those closest to her, not just involved.  There is a huge difference.  Simply put, she is the most thoughtful person that I know.

 Any plans to marry Vicki? Is it an option for either of you?

Whoa….no talk of marriage at all.  We both are totally committed to each other but have a long way to go before we even consider marriage.

We know that you fell on hard times, like almost everyone else in this tough economic time, and you’re getting hammered by gossip sites about being a “deadbeat dad.”  What do you have to say to your critics on this issue? (You don’t owe them an explanation, so I completely agree if you chose not respond ot this question.)

I am not going to “plead the fifth” on this question (Andy would love this, wouldn’t he?).  Thank you for asking.  

Yes, I did fall on hard times in 2008….just like everyone did. What I would like folks to know is that I have always supported my kids emotionally, physically, and financially.  For a period of 21 months, I could only pay my ex wife 60% of what I owed her monthly.  In MS, if one falls back on child support greater than $3,000 in total, then they can be found in contempt and goto jail.  I was on the hook for $8,000 per month.  So  that equates to only 1 ½ weeks and I was in contempt.  Wow…poorest state in the country, my ex gets $5,000 per month and I goto jail for 4 days in 2010 for being behind.  It needs to be noted, that I did try for months to get in front of the judge to get a modification...but that never went my way in terms of timing.  I am now caught up and paying monthly, fyi.

Being labeled a deadbeat is a tough pill to swallow, especially because I talk to, text, email, and visit my kids daily!