Gina Kirschenheiter was in court with Matt yesterday to hammer out the terms of their divorce. By all accounts, the drama continued as it has all summer.
Matt is facing criminal charges after Gina Kirschenheiter filed charges after an alleged physical attack on her in her home. According to Gina, Matt showed up at her house and banged on the door before letting himself in. He threatened to kill her, ripped her clothes off and proceeded to beat the crap out of her. Gina pled with him to stop reminding him the kids were asleep upstairs. But, he tried to strangle her. So, she ran screaming to the neighbors house. Matt dragged her back to her house across the driveway. He was arrested and after his release began harassing her by phone blaming her for his arrest. After the arrest, Gina was granted a restraining order.
Gina Kirschenheiter Sobbed In Court
Gina has stated that Matt has a problem with drugs and alcohol. Matt denies this and says the only one of them who has ever had issues with alcohol or drugs is Gina. She had three moving violations in the first five weeks of 2019.
Matt also says that Gina has been vindictive about child custody and uses the divorce for her storyline.
“Petitioner has been acting erratically and in a way that I believe is unfortunately more based on a ‘storyline’ for her reality television show and not rooted in the best interest of our children.”
And also,“Petitioner has historically been extremely vindictive and has used the children when she becomes angry or wants to control me. Petitioner demanding that my visitation with our children by ‘revoked’ simply because she was going to be required to pay her own car payment is consistent with her historical vindictive mature and using the children as leverage.”
In all fairness the custody battle and the divorce are the primary issues in her life right now. And her life is supposed to be her storyline.
Matt’s Restraining Order Extended
Regardless, a custody agreement was reached yesterday, but not disclosed to the public. Gina has decided to keep her married name, Kirschenheiter, in order to have the same name as her children. The official reason for the divorce was listed as “irreconcilable” differences.
Gina’s temporary restraining order was extended to January 15, 2020. Additionally, there is a court date on that day concerning the domestic violence claims against Matt. Matt has lost his job as a result of his arrest.
Witnesses said that Gina was sobbing as she left the courtroom. There was no mention of anyone being in court with Gina to support her. They will be officially divorced on December 31, 2019.
Wow. That domestic violence is far from “we are great” .She could have been killed. I just see a perhaps difference between what she is willing to share. That is a man who is pissed off!!!! We all have a tendency to play dirty at times, but this sounds like a build up of being pushed. Who knows. He lost his job, she changed her face, and the kids suffer. Shame.
And by being pushed, i am referring to the possibility of the kids being used. It’s a way to make a dad go crazy.
Wait. Are you justifying a man, a husband (allegedly) beating the crap out of his wife and threatening to kill her? Because his wife pushed him to it? Or am I reading your statement incorrectly?
I have a feeling Cheryl B feels this way because either her husband or son has done this to a her/or a woman and it’s always the woman’s fault there are always excuses woman believe to justify something so horrific.Btw before you are divorced everything is supposed to stay the same until after the divorce if he paid all the bills he was supposed to continue.No two wrongs don’t make a right ,but beating someone is never the answer.
A man who chokes his wife during a fight is ten times more likely to end up killing her. Would she be asking for that too? He did not lose it and hit her once, he beat her, then dragged her back to the house when she tried to get away.
It is sad that she was convinced they could have an amicable divorce and their divorce is one of the nastiest. I hope she stays safe.
The job loss did not lead to the domestic violence. The domestic violence led to the job loss.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏
Wow Cheryl B, everything about your comment is just wrong. Vile.
Thank you – I was just about to post something similar.
Yeah! You’re probably right, she pushed him, she “started” it. Thank God he set her right and beat the crap outta her! He, “could have killed her”! I hope SHE learned her leson. He’s shown great judgement and should be awarded full custody of those kids.
Shame Cheryl B. but not on Gina.
Um he lost his job because he beat the living shit out of his wife ALLEGEDLY.
Thank you
I haven’t had my cable for the last year so I do not know everything that has gone on but I just want to say ” a man hitting a woman ever for any reason isn’t right and she cannot bring that kind of behavior out of him by her actions unless he is already capable of beating on a woman, which he did, therefore he made that choice and he now should face his punishment like the man he was when he raised his hand to beat her
I agree he lost his job because of his actions. My Dad told me never to let a man put his hands on you. He never did my Mom. He is a good southern man. They were married 55 years.
What a disgustingly bad take,
Oh, Cheryl. How gross of you, sweetie.
This is very very sad. I’m sorry for the family
That’s after he tried to control her by withholding money. Maybe that was the only card she had left to play and she was desperate? I’m not condoning children be part of any sort of pawn in the game of divorce, but I’m understanding to see no other choice if you are desperate. Either way that never EVER excuses violence, no matter how far he was “pushed”. He is in control of both his behavior and actions. No one can cause you to do anything. And what’s beyond upsetting is their children were home and asleep upstairs. The whole situation is fucked up, but to act like she might have had a hand at causing it is just wrong Cheryl B.
I really like Gina and it makes me sad to hear she had to deal with all of this alone in court. No one is perfect, but she has shown herself to be a genuine person and I wish her nothing but he best moving on from this unfortunate situation.
I also hope that Shannon can be a source of support and safety for Gina to lean on in this situation .. it would be very easy for Shannon to say “ha see what it’s like?” but I hope that is not the case.
I agree in regards to Shannon as she could actually be a strong support system. The thought of Gina being alone in the courtroom makes me sad. I know the evidence can be very upsetting but I wish she had someone she felt safe enough with to accompany her. On a happy note, I love your name! My little one is also a Millie. 🙂
Aww 💕
I agree with everything you said here.
Now it makes more sense. Gina must have been afraid to speak the truth last season. And as Millie said above, it’s not like we haven’t seen this on RHOC before. Hopefully Shannon now understands where Gina’s coming from and what she’s gone through, and Gina understands why Shannon and the others couldn’t believe her denials last season.
Gina was brutally assaulted by her HUSBAND! I can only imagine the secrets she keeps. We all need to cut her a break. Yes, she’s not a good driver. Yes, NEVER drive drunk/impaired, thank God she didn’t hurt anyone! (Wake up call I hope she’s appreciated) Thank goodness no one followed me around with cameras before, during and after my divorce! I was a complete mess!
Abusive relationships are very complex. It’s going to take her a while for her to allow us to see her true self because she probably doesn’t know who that is, needs time to rediscover, reimagine, find her new purpose and after being beat down over years? It will take time. Damn I hope these women can see the signs and symptoms and allow for safe supportive, caring friendships. That’s what I want to see, not catty crapping on and screeching attacks and fighting!
That’s actually the point I was trying to make. Last season, the other women were poking and prodding into Gina’s separation and divorce because they found it hard to believe it was “amicable”, but they probably had no clue just how severe the reality of their breakup truly was/is.
The first year of leaving an abusive relationship tends to be the most dangerous, so I get why Gina was afraid to reveal everything on camera last year. We can only hope that the rest of the RHOC cast recognize what’s actually happening and show Gina more love and support.
I knew what you meant! And I agree 100%
I knew too atdleft. I hope you don’t think I was trying to correct you in any way! You always have very thoughtful and insightful comments. I agree with you 100% as well. I can be a blundering big mouth at times and honestly I heard exactly what you said and it touched a cord in me that rang so true I ran with it and commented on something I too understand and haven’t always been successful dealing with. Having been abused by a loved one, in my case a spouse, father to my oldest daughter whom I was married to for over 10 years. I should have clarified that I completely agree with you right out of the gate.😟 then the why.
I read your additional comments today and just think the world of you. I’m glad to hear you’re getting support and trying to take care of yourself. I hate this subject but it’s a reality that needs to be openly discussed or it’ll never change. Hugs…
I’m sorry I was snippy this morning. Let’s just say it’s been a crazy week at work, and the craziness got to me.
Between the scary stuff I’ve had to research for my work and the scary stuff TT has to report on here, it’s so easy to get so frustrated and/or depressed. At least it’s good to know we’re not alone in surviving this crap and making it to the other side.
And to get back on topic, I regret my initial suspicion of Gina’s marriage talk last season of RHOC. Again, she obviously wasn’t telling the whole truth. But knowing what we now know about what she experienced, I now understand why she didn’t feel comfortable revealing the truth about why she wanted out of that marriage. And now, it saddens me that some out there still want to blame her for it and excuse the abuse she suffered.
The ladies of RHOOC seem to have the worst husbands, except that asshole from RHONJ who is the absolute worst. I feel sorry for Gina, she’s so far away from her family and friends..this whole thing must be tough to deal with alone.
What a POS man and please don’t tell me all the weeks away from home he wasn’t having an affair
The kids were home when he attacked her. But it’s her fault that she is supposedly keeping them from him. Mmkay.
When it happened to me I begged my friends and family to stay out of the courtroom because I was too embarrassed for them to see the naked pictures of my battered body and practically scalped head. It was bad enough that the jury had to see it.
So glad to see that in all this time we’ve come so far from victim blaming-NOT!
This infuriates me. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I hope he gets locked up. Mother Fucker!
I hope she made the choice to not have friends there — otherwise it’s really even more sad. I hope you are long out of that and living your best life now.
I am sorry if any of this happened to you. It’s complete bullshit and no one ever deserves to feel unsafe or be physically harmed. By anyone let alone someone who claims to love you. I would say that most us here understand that no matter how bad a wife or person Gina is (which I don’t think, I love her) she should never have had to deal with this.
Nanette and Kate,
Thanks for your kind words. It was a very long time ago and I’m just fine. FWIW the asshole went to jail. For some reason the way it has been shown with Gina has really taken me back to that incident.
When the criminal trial rolls around she will unfortunately have to re-live every detail.
I’m also worried about all the comments about her drastically different appearance. In my case I required some reconstructive surgery so my face changed too, plus had to wear wigs and hats. So she might not just be having elective procedures like the rest of the HWs I don’t know, but if she can’t help it I’d hate to pile onto her imagined self consciousness.
Again, mine happened a vey long time ago and I don’t want to derail the thread about what happened to me because this is about Gina and her children. I don’t know how women deal with explaining about their kids’ father. My situation was different. But I know that women deal with it every day. Sadly.
Sorry, I meant Nanette and Kete05! Stupid phone!!!
I’m so glad you’re well now IJC. I know I was lucky in so many ways but the damage is there.
Over the years I have found like individuals too often, are attracted by default or some magnetic attraction? Now the younger folks I’ve worked with over the years, my oldest daughter included, refer to me for help and guidance. I feel completely unequipped far too often and try my damndest to advise and to get OUTSIDE HELP! Very rarely does the outside help option happen. Why?
A lot of us are still trying to deal with what happened in our past. I’m seeing a therapist again, and I’m still coming to terms with the fact that seeking help in recovering from past abuse isn’t an admission of failure, but rather a step towards success.
Thanks for sharing your story here, and I’m so sorry about the abuse you suffered. And yes, you’re totally right that we as a society still have far more to do to stop the victim-blaming and victim-shaming that only makes life harder for victims/survivors.
Best of luck with your healing process. I so wish that CBT had been developed during my early years in (Freudian) therapy, transactional, etc. mode o’day therapy. You emerged a nice person, so go easy on yourself.
I want to say thanks to Kipper, atdleft, ReninOz, and the others for the supportive replies. I also want to apologize if my sharing a bit of my story derailed the thread.
However, it’s an appropriate topic given the situation being reported here. I hope others can perhaps get a better understanding that this kind of thing happens all the time. I was in the minority in that my perpetrator was actually jailed for the attack. It was horrific and I am lucky to be alive. I don’t usually even talk about it IRL and continue to minimize it because I’d rather forget it ever happened and it’s easier to just stuff it way down than to actually talk about it. I feel this way and it happened like 20 years ago and I was fortunate to have access to the best medical care including therapy at that time. It just goes to show that you can’t undo the damage caused and there are long term effects for most of us that have lived through it. And the justice system still has a really screwed up way of somewhat protecting the perpetrators rather than the victim more times than not.
I am so sorry that happened to you. I believe you. It’s a toxic mess that seems inescapable when you’re in it.
I would like to state that I read comments in a different format than you guys and I didn’t really pay attention to what Cheryl B, was saying. I’ve been a victim of abuse many times and it didn’t register with me because I read some comments more closely than others, I apologize for putting the comment through,
That said, I hope it will be a learning experience for Cheryl. Clearly she has no experience with domestic violence and I would rather she learn this way than the hard way,
Thank you TT. I like Cheryl B but must admit was astounded by her comment. And agree about it being a teaching moment.
I was trying to respond respectfully, deleting my own bunch of comments along the way…after posting my final comment I came back to find many like minded comments. No intention to school someone who has no experience in something but I on the other hand really feel what Gina has been going through and kinda understand what she will go through now and for quite a while.
Thank you TT for this safe place.
I again will say, I hope these HWs and commenters are thoughtful about her and her situation. She won’t be divorced until the end of the year! Gack! And why does his assault case not get addressed until January 2020? I’m scared for her…
A restraining order doesn’t make you feel safe. Lock him up and give him no contact with Gina or the kids. Just go!! There are bad judges, crooked cops etc. I’m not saying this is the case with Gina. But the system I have seen has failed abused victims.
I would HOPE that he would not be allowed to be near Gina and her children. Since there has been a custody agreement I assume he gets some sort of contact with his kids and I don’t like it. People who beat the shit, and try and kill their spouse should automatically lose any contact with the family. I still can’t believe the court still can’t get it right. I am holding out hope that he will just disappear.
I really believe all the abuse she endured drove her to drink and I am very sorry for her. He’s using her dui as an excuse to make her seem like the alcoholic, dug addict. I truly believe he’s been the addict all along, and she’s scared out of her mind, and doesn’t know what to do to rid of him!
I feel so bad for her. Nobody deserves this. The law needs to change. Once someone beats the shit out of a spouse, they should lose all rights to see their children and really just go to jail, hell, wherever, Just go!!
And he’s also playing mind games with her, that’s what abusers do. Which also adds to her being a nervous wreck, which makes it hard for her to take care of their children. I hope she can become strong enough, and not let him play mind games by calling her an addict and whatever the hell damage he has already done to her. He’s probably been telling her she’s a terrible mother to try and make her snap. I can’t stand him.
My heart goes out to her so much as well. I think if she doesn’t talk about this ongoing nightmare, then Bravo won’t be able to exploit it. She’s under too much pressure to have all this shown on TV. I would hope that the other housewives would rally around her and support her. I know Emily will for sure.
Like someone else here said, it’s time for the court system to do something about these abusers by letting them have any type of custody of the children. It’s very frustrating to see these abusers get away with what they do. A restraining order is not the answer, it’s a piece of paper, not metal bars, where in this case this is where he should be..in jail.
When I faced what Gina went through I had a good friend, who was law enforcement, remind me a restraining order is just a piece of paper. He got me to take self defense courses, etc. It helped me feel more like I can take care of myself. I really hope Gina has support even if they are not on display for the world to see.
I haven’t read much online about the assault, so I’m not sure if the neighbor had opened the door when Gina ran over there or is willing to testify to what she witnessed. It would definitely strengthen the case against Matt. He needs to be held accountable.
Also, I’m pretty damn tired of these abusive men retaining custody of their kids when they are known abusers. A man who abused his wife is far more likely to harm his child, so why do all judges ignore the abuse the wife suffered?
I think those who have suffered domestic abuse can especially empathise with Gina’s behavior, hiding the truth about how violent the marriage or relationship was until some event forces her to reveal the ugly truth .She’s not the first housewife to join the franchise knowing her marriage was fragile or already over and hope to gain some independence and money on the show. Maybe returning to New Jersey isn’t even an option with the current custody arrangements. I don’t know how flexible her parents are if they can increase visits to support her, but that will be expensive. I won’t even enjoy a storyline of her dating because I think her husband has psychotic tendencies and now he’s been exposed and lost his job I fear what else he could do
Interestingly, this abuse might shed some light into WHY Gina so adamantly kept to her story of an “amicable divorce” and how Matt is still “a great guy” and “her best friend” last season. I always thought it was odd how she wouldn’t say ONE negative or sad thing about the divorce. NOW, looking back, she very well could have been scared sh!tless about how he might retaliate (physically, or otherwise) if she were to disparage him or the divorce on national TV. It’s all becoming so much clearer now. I hope the other ladies realize she may have had SAFETY as her main motivation for not being truthful about the divorce last season. Also, based on the details submitted in court, I somehow doubt this alleged abuse is a new thing, sounds like it was a pre-existing dynamic in their relationship and Gina put on a happy face about the divorce to prevent suffering the consequences from Matt behind the scenes.
Matt very well may have been “amicable” during Gina’s first season. He had his “pussy pad” and his wifey poo to take care of “HIS” kids. Then she DARED to challenge him. I think there should be child endangerment charges added on to every domestic violence incident that occurs when the kids are there — asleep, or out of sight, included.
As far as bad judges, crooked judges, failure of the system, just look to Charleston (Southern Charm) and what is going on with child custody there. Then flip to Discovery ID or Oxygen and see how much good a restraining order does. These abusers need to be put in jail and KEPT there pending trial when there is physical evidence of their harm.
We also don’t know Cheryl B’s situation. It does sort of sound like she is conditioned to blame the victim. She has been a great commenter here for years and seems to have disappeared over this. I’ve reached out to her and hopefully she will come back. However, victims of abuse, tend to blame themselves. I don’t know anything about her situation. But we are all dealing with our own issues.
Excellent point, believe me when I say I pulled my punches last night.
Again, thank you so very much for this safe space.
Thanks TT. Im very sad and personally would never attack a commenter who didn’t even say SHE DESERVED IT.
Obviously, it seems like a mob, which reminds me of about 4-5 years ago.
Thanks again TT, but no one knows shit.
I went through divorce and was comp!emented by the lawyers and judges for our handling of our children being absolutely protected by us both and never used to aggravate the other. Its disgusting using your children, and can cause someone anger they never realized they had. Now, where did i say she deserved to get abused?
Don’t bother answering, I m so disappointed and sad.
And after re-reading, by pushed, i meant it as making him angry.
Maybe the confusion is coming from how i meant pushed in emotion, not physically. (I hope so)
I just read your comments above TT. I really thought you knew me better than to apologize for putting my “not paid attention comments through”
You also insulted me that i have no experience with domestic violence.
I would NEVER embarrass YOU.
CherylB,
First of all and most importantly, I am so sorry if you feel ganged up on. Just as this feels like a safe place for me to share my story, it should feel like a safe place for you to share your thoughts on the topic.
God knows I have put my foot in my mouth unintentionally here several times and people were more than happy to hand me my ass. Four or five years ago people were sometimes downright brutal here. The comments these days seem milder and more evolved than those days. And I think TT does a really good job of moderating. I remember welcoming you when you made your first comment here and I have truly enjoyed you and felt affection for you ever since. It makes me sad to think you feel ganged up on.
I have re-read your comment and while I do understand what context you were meaning when using the word “pushed “, I still disagree and that’s okay. It’s not the end of the world.
I don’t think any less of you. We just have different opinions and different life experiences. Overall we’re probably more alike than different.
The fact that you’re doubling down on your position is just indicative of your firm belief and that’s okay too. It’s okay to have the unpopular position. But if you do, just be prepared for the comments that inevitably come from it. I don’t think your comment said that she deserved it, but it did seem to show a lack of insight and sympathy: that’s just my opinion of how I read it. We can agree to disagree respectfully. Like I said it’s not the end of the world!
Again, I hate that you feel ganged up on. It’s like how I tell my kids that I hate texting about important things because it’s easy to misconstrue things when it’s the written word because we don’t hear the inflection of the spoken word. Idk if you even meant it the way I took it. Technology is both a blessing and a curse!
Plus, people will move on and forget about this so soon! Most probably already have!
xo
Perfectly worded IJC.
This is in regards for Cheryl.
Okay. I have to chime in here. I have been terrorized by my ex for years and Gina’s story is giving me anxiety to begin with. My heart is with all of you and I am glad that we can all support each other here. I read all your stories and have so much sadness and a great deal of respect for all that you have overcome and maybe still are going through.
As for Cheryl, I really think it’s all a misunderstanding. Everyone jumped on her comment, without her knowing. She posted, left the site and had no idea her comment triggered everyone. (I know this b’c she was happy, posting on the BB recap, she never would’ve if she knew what was going on here). I think her comment came off wrong and she didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Me, TT, Cheryl and a few others have been posting all summer long like silly kids about Big Brother together. From what I learned is that Cheryl has a big heart and would never hurt anyone here or anywhere. Her style of writing is a bit different than others, so I think her comment is misconstrued.
Cheryl, Tamara did say she wasn’t sure why you made that comment, wrote that you might have your own trauma, and that she doesn’t know your story. She did say that you have been here for years and is a great commenter. She loves you. She said she tried to reach out to you.
Please forgive me TT, Cheryl and everyone else for jumping into this, but I don’t want to see anyone hurt here on a subject that most of us have been hurt by. Love to you all and a thousand hugs to the moon and back.
Sometimes I wish we can all talk in person so words don’t get misunderstood.
Thank you. Tamara, IJC,Kipper, and laila. xo
Okay, allergy eyes wiped, lol. Okay, i shed a tear or two due to the kindness. I truly received what i see as the bond and valuable relationships we have built. Thank you again for taking time (Tamara emailing) IJC, just wow 🤗,Kipper, appreciate the co-sign 😊,and laila, oh laila, i wish we were able sometimes to actually talk. Your comment hit my heart.❤
I love you all.All I can give is the true me, and use the many valuables words TT has told me. xo
On June 25, 2019 when this was first posted, i commented an acknowledgement of “it truly sucks, and i hope things calm down” .
Above post was regarding child custody, i thought.
Cheryl wrote..
“Above post was regarding child custody, i thought.”
She was NOT referring to Gina pushing to get herself beaten up. She was referring to custody, that is all.
Can we please stop attacking Cheryl!!
This is all a misunderstanding on a very sensitive subject that has affected a lot of us here.
Cheryl, if you are reading this, don’t be sad and don’t worry. This will all blow over and everyone here will know it was just a misunderstanding. You are not mean spirited. I love you, your true self and all. xx
Laila, thank you. xo
No need to thank me. You stated what you meant and that’s all you can do. I think people who are writing new comments aren’t scrolling down and reading how hurt you are by all of this.
The good news is that it will be forgotten, like IJC said and Kipper cosigned on.
Now cheer up, relax and no more worries on this misunderstanding. xo
Maybe Jennifer Golden can realize how hurtful saying MY SON who is 23 is an abuser!!!!! MY HUSBAND who is my son’s father I didn’t even tell him that. That’s my son!!!
That my son abused ME!!! I can’t ignore my kids being attacked, i didn’t think TT allowed that.
Laila, okay, i got the final bit of hurt and anger out. Saying my son and husband are abusers, abusive to me, proves how some people are just evil. Thank goodness it proved i have sympathy for her. She must truly be miserable to attack that low.
Thanks again lady, xo see you in BB21 😊