The much-touted return of Alexis Bellino was fraught with defensiveness. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum returned for Season 18 as a friend of the cast. She is no friend to Shannon Beador though, thanks to her dating John Jannsen. And Shannon’s friend, Jeff Lewis, commented about the defensive way Alexis presented herself thus far.

Alexis is getting a lot of backlash. Not just because she’s dating Shannon’s ex-boyfriend. But also because of her demeanor with Shannon. Alexis also shares certain details about her Johnny J situation that leave little to the imagination.

Jeff reminded listeners that Alexis keeps “doubling down” and defending John

Jeff had a theory as to why Alexis came in so hot during the latest episodes. And he discussed the issue with Emily Simpson.

“The social pressure is getting to her. I think all the negativity is getting to her. I mean, this started when she publicly started dating John before she even started filming. So I think that’s where the defensiveness comes in,” Jeff explained.

“So you’re saying she started to get crap before we started and that’s why she was so angry and defensive,” Emily said.

“And I think it’s overwhelming,” he added. “Because everyone I talked to, there is not one person on her side. Not f-king one.”

Jeff is, notably, close friends with Shannon and always has her back. He’s not giving Alexis any wiggle room on the issue of her social media presence with John. When Emily suggested John take some of the blame, Jeff pointed out that Alexis was “doubling down” on defending the relationship.

“But don’t you feel like he’s responsible for some of that by constantly putting their relationship out there and some of the things that she posts. I feel like she brings a lot of it on herself,” Emily suggested. “I don’t think so many people would have a problem with her dating John if they just did it in a more respectable way.”

“It’s never gonna be good, but you’re right,” he conceded. “They could have mitigated the damage. I think if they had done it differently. But I think she just walks in every scene defensive. And she’s gonna die for that guy. I mean wait until a few years from now when she finds out who he really is. She’s gonna feel like an asshole. That’ll be a good season.”

All of that said, nothing will ever be as bad as Shannon subjecting us to marriage counseling with her ex-David, so Alexis has that going for her.

Catch Real Housewives of Orange County Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.