Alleged domestic violence leads to suicide for reality husband

Russell Armstrong, the husband of Taylor Armstrong, one of the cast members of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” reportedly committed suicide earlier this week after repeated public allegations that he abused his wife and multiple reports of financial fraud and other difficulties.

The ongoing difficulties in the Armstrong marriage made up much of the reality storyline of the first season of the Beverly Hills installment of “Real Housewives.” Taylor repeatedly accused her husband of domestic violence in the form of both physical and verbal abuse, allegations that Russell vehemently denied.

“Did I push her? Yes, maybe things happened in the heat of the moment, but it was during a time in our lives that was not characteristic of who we were,” Russell said last month, adding that the “Real Housewives” show had stressed their already-fragile marriage. “This show has literally pushed us to the limit.” Russell had three children: a five-year-old daughter with Taylor, as well as an 11- and a 13-year-old son, both of whom were from prior relationships.

Last month, the Armstrong marriage appeared to have reached a breaking point when Taylor filed for divorce after five years of marriage. Reportedly, the upcoming season of “Real Housewives” was going to feature the couple’s marriage counseling sessions. It is unknown whether the Bravo TV network will remove that footage in the wake of Russell’s death.

Although there has been no official announcement of the cause of death, preliminary reports indicate that Armstrong committed suicide in his apartment on Monday night. In addition to his marital problems, Russell was also struggling financially. Most recently, he was sued for $1.5 million by a former client.

Source: Huffington Post, “Russell Armstrong Death: Is Divorce From Taylor Armstrong To Blame?” Ashley Reich, August 16, 2011