Drama out of the OC!

Vicki Gunvalson made a big revelation this week in an interview published by Us Magazine. In it, the Real Housewives of Orange County star opened up about having to film the most recent season with Brooks Ayers, her on-again boyfriend who's been a lightning rod among the women. "[Bravo] basically put the gauntlet down and said, 'If you don't film with Brooks, then we are reducing your role,'" she told the magazine. "And I was like, 'Oh no! You did not just say that!'"

But is that claim true? In the latest episode of Ask Andy, the franchise's executive producer sets the record straight.

"That's true! We did!" Andy reveals. "You know why? She's on a reality show about her life! And he was in her life! So we said, 'You have to show what's happening in your life! If you're dating this guy, you can't keep it hidden from everybody.'"

Ask Andy: Andy Confronts Vicki Gunvalson's Claim bravo Insider Exclusive! Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more! Sign Up for Free to View

Andy is sympathetic to the OG of the OC's situation, however. During the Season 8 reunion, Vicki's daughter, Briana, erupted at Brooks; Tamra Judge has also voiced her disdain for Vicki's boyfriend.

"She's in a tough situation," Andy says. "People didn't like her relationship with him so she was like, 'Look, I can't take the criticism.' I understand her reticence by the way. I understand why she wouldn't want to share her relationship with Brooks with the world. I love her. I'm so glad that she did [film with Brooks] and that she's back and that Brooks was on, because that was what was happening in her life."

In the latest episode, Andy also shares the two BFFs he calls after every single reunion taping—and whether or not he cares about Prince William and Princess Kate's visit to New York City. (And for those inquiring minds, Andy's tongue is blue because he ate a Jolly Rancher prior to taping.) Watch above.