Russell Armstrong’s Suicide Was ‘Final Act’ To Abuse Taylor, Says Source

Posted on Aug 17, 2011 @ 12:00PM

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Russell Armstrong's suicide was the "final and ultimate act of abuse" towards his estranged wife, Taylor Armstrong, star of the Bravo hit show, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline.com exclusively.

As previously reported Russell, 47, was found hanged at a friend’s home in Los Angeles on Monday night, and the cause of death is a suspected suicide.

"Russell and Taylor had an extremely volatile relationship for years. Russell grew increasingly isolated after Taylor filed for divorce,” the insider tells RadarOnline.com. “For Russell to take his own life like this, and leave three children without a father, while going through a divorce, is his final and ultimate act of abuse towards Taylor.

PHOTOS: Russell Armstrong and Taylor Armstrong In Happier Times

“The fact that Russell didn't leave a note behind for Taylor, or anyone else, well, it's not surprising at all.”

Russell blamed Taylor's popularity on the show for the growing scrutiny surrounding the skeletons in his closet. As RadarOnline.com previously reported, his ex-wife, Barbara Armstrong, and ex-girlfriend, Claudia Haro, both accused Russell of physical abuse in court documents. "Russell was livid that unflattering details about his past were made public," the source says.

Meanwhile, our spies tell us: "Viewers will be shocked at what happens between Russell and Taylor as their marriage unravels on camera, if Bravo decides to air it. People will see a completely different side of Taylor and Russell that wasn't seen in the first season."

PHOTOS: Celebrities Who Died In Bizarre Circumstances

The new season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is scheduled to premiere on September 5, although, at this time, Bravo has not announced how it plans to deal with the tragedy.

Russell Armstrong Told Pal Just Before Suicide: 'Reality TV Ruined My Life'

Russell Armstrong's Ex-Wife Says 'Taylor Drove Him' To Suicide

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Air it. It will be a rare glimpse into the psychology of a greedy self-centered, incredibly selfish person before they off themselves. Besides, he signed a contract.

by attorneygirl
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 7:48pm

I think Bravo should air these episodes. It may be a very important lesson for women regarding being in and recognizing an abusive relationship.

by Neeker
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 5:26pm

I agree strongly.

by fifi
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 9:26am

Why are gossip rags trying to paint "Taylor" as so pure? She is an awful, money-grubbing, wasting person who abused her husband til he couldn't face life anymore. She ruined him and killed him.

by Mary Bella
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 4:47pm

I agree, she's a gold digging witch and now it's apparent this whole mess is all about her being the victim. Boy are they playing it up. i hope she ends up broke and has to move back to OK where she can be with her redneck family!

by therock
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 11:46am

No, he CHOSE to kill himself. He CHOSE to remove himself from his children's lives & to spite his wife by leaving their financial mess completely on her shoulders.

by fifi
Posted Thu, 08/18/2011 - 9:28am

I believe he took his life because everything in it was a complete mess...his finances, his marriage. Being publicly humiliated & insulted week after week in the show didn't help! Making him the target of hateful comments added to its ratings!

by peachygirl
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 4:29pm

He took his own life, and that is a sin. I have no sympathy for him.
As for her, who cares!

by 420andlovinit
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 3:33pm

This is the epitome of her self serving. A man is so tortured he takes his life just to abuse
her? Unbelievable, just unbelievable thinking.

by kka
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 3:32pm

Seriously. I think the wife and ROL have reached a new low in their coverage of this sad situation. This man has an 11 and 13 year old. They are old enough to read this s**t. Has he even been dead 48 hrs.?

by ldubs
Posted Wed, 08/17/2011 - 3:55pm