The Real Housewives of Miami just got a lot messier. Todd Nepola, the ex-husband of reality star Alexia Nepola, filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Bravo. He claims the network destroyed his reputation by painting him as broke and reckless on national TV.
Todd Says Bravo Made Him Look Like a Failure
Todd, 52, runs a real estate investment company in Florida. He says Bravo producers twisted the truth to make him look like a bad businessman. In his lawsuit, Todd accuses them of showing him as “financially irresponsible” and “in distress.” He insists that image isn’t real.
He also says the show’s editing made it seem like he couldn’t manage money or keep his business afloat. According to Todd, that false story cost him clients, credibility, and millions of dollars.
“They didn’t care about the truth. They cared about drama,” Todd reportedly told the court.
His Marriage and the Show’s Fallout
Todd married Alexia Nepola in December 2021. Their romance played out on seasons 4 and 5 of The Real Housewives of Miami. They finalized their divorce earlier this year after splitting in March.
Todd says he agreed to appear on the show only to support Alexia. He says producers later used his image in later seasons without his consent. He never signed a contract for seasons 6 or 7, yet he claims Bravo still showed him in flashbacks and discussions about their breakup.
Claims of Lies and Retaliation
Todd names cast member Adriana de Moura in his lawsuit. He says Adriana falsely claimed on camera that his business was “struggling” and that he and Alexia had “money problems.” He says Bravo knew those comments weren’t true but aired them anyway.
Todd accuses producers of using his name and likeness to boost ratings. He says they “intentionally and maliciously” spread lies about him and ignored his complaints.
“They twist reality to make good television,” Todd said in his filing. “They destroy reputations for views.”
He claims Bravo retaliated against him after he stepped away from the show. According to the lawsuit, once he refused to appear in later seasons, producers used the footage to make him look unstable and bitter.
Todd Defends His Reputation
Todd says he’s worth more than $100 million and has never faced any financial trouble. In his filing, he wrote that he has “never bounced a check, missed a payment, or faced foreclosure.” He says his business record is spotless and that the show’s portrayal of him is pure fiction.
“I built my name on honesty and success,” Todd’s statement reads. “They tried to take that from me.”
What the Lawsuit Demands
Todd wants Bravo and its partners to pay $10 million in damages. He’s also asking for another $1 million for using his name and image without permission. His lawyers demand a jury trial and a stop to all future broadcasts or marketing that show him negatively.
His legal team says Bravo ignored repeated requests to correct the lies. They claim producers told Todd they didn’t care about the truth as long as the show stayed entertaining.
What He Says Happened Behind the Scenes
Todd says he warned producers that their version of his life wasn’t accurate. He says he had “numerous conversations” with them, but they brushed him off. He also says they edited scenes to make his personal struggles look worse than they were.
In court papers, Todd accuses Bravo of choosing ratings over integrity. He says they “twisted reality” to create conflict and make Alexia’s story more dramatic.
The Bigger Question for Reality TV
This lawsuit could shake the reality TV industry. Todd’s case raises questions about how far producers can go when shaping a story. If he wins, networks may face limits on how they edit and portray cast members.
Key questions the case raises:
- Can reality TV producers legally change facts to create drama?
- Should networks pay for reputational harm caused by misleading edits?
- Will future reality stars demand tighter contracts?
Silence from Bravo
So far, Bravo and NBCUniversal have not commented on the lawsuit. The network has not released any public statements or responses to the claims.
Todd’s team says they won’t back down. His lawyer told reporters that this case is about “truth and accountability.”
“Todd Nepola is standing up for his reputation and the right to be portrayed honestly,” his attorney said.
What Comes Next
The case will now move through Florida’s legal system. Todd is seeking justice — and a clean slate. He says this fight isn’t only about money but about restoring his name in Miami’s tight business community.
He claims Bravo turned his real life into a plotline and left him to deal with the fallout. Now, he wants to hold the network responsible.
“They created fiction and called it reality,” Todd says. “Now it’s time for the truth.”