RHORI’s Cannabis Queen Is Out: Liz McGraw Confirms She’s Leaving Ahead of Season 2 Filming

Highlights Liz McGraw confirms she’s leaving RHORI and won’t return for Season 2 filming. Friend Dino Guilmette faces up to 88 years in prison after rejecting a plea deal. Bravo wanted her back, but sources say walking away was entirely Liz’s own call. Liz McGraw , Rhode Island’s self-styled “Cannabis Queen” and one of the most polarizing personalities on Bravo’s newest franchise, is officially done. She confirmed Tuesday that she leaves Real Housewives of Rhode Island ahead of Season 2 filming — putting to rest weeks of loud rumors that her days in the Ocean State were numbered. “I’m full of gratitude for the amazing opportunity to appear on this show,” McGraw said in an Instagram statement. “As filming for Season 2 begins, I have made the decision to take a step back and focus on my family, my work and my passions.” She kept it gracious on the way out, too. “The RHORI cast is an amazing group of women who have created something special. I’ll be watching next season, rooting for the continued success of this franchise. For now, I look forward to enjoying this little corner of the world from the other side of the camera.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liz Mcgraw (@elizabethjosephmcgraw) Lovely. But make no mistake — this exit didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. Rumors had been circulating for weeks that Liz might not return for Season 2, with chatter centering on her feuds with cast members and her connection to a friend facing serious legal charges. That friend is Dino Guilmette , and his situation is a mess. Dino was charged with seven felonies and one misdemeanor related to alleged conspiracy, drug dealing offenses, and fraudulently receiving COVID relief funds. He stared down a plea deal that could’ve kept him out of prison entirely — and turned it down flat. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF RHODE ISLAND — Season:1 — Pictured: Elizabeth McGraw — (Photo by: Bronson Farr/Bravo) Dino told the judge he wants a trial, and he rejected the plea deal that would’ve kept him out of the slammer. He declined Assistant Attorney General Jim Baum ‘s plea offer before Rhode Island Superior Court Magistrate Judge Gina Lopes . His lawyer, John Calcagni , isn’t backing down either. “My client turned down the offer because he absolutely maintains his innocence,” Calcagni said after court. That may be, but here’s what made the situation particularly uncomfortable for Liz. In a 2021 state police detective’s affidavit, Gerry (Liz’s husband) and Liz are reportedly listed as associates of Dino’s. Not a great headline for someone trying to build a reality TV brand. THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF RHODE ISLAND — Pictured: Elizabeth McGraw — (Photo by: Scott Eisen/Bravo) Then there’s the audience problem. Liz started off as a fan favorite, but her feuds with cast members Alicia Carmody