Ex Real Housewives Star Taylor Armstrong Recalls Terrifying Abuse by Late Husband: “I Thought He Was Going to Drown Me”

In a chilling new episode of Hollywood Demons, Taylor Armstrong opens up about years of violence, threats, and surveillance during her marriage to Russell Armstrong, who died by suicide in 2011.

April 12, 2025: Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong has come forward with disturbing new revelations about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her late husband, Russell Armstrong. In an upcoming episode of Investigation Discovery’s true-crime docuseries Hollywood Demons, airing April 14, the Bravo alum recounted traumatic incidents from her marriage, including a near-drowning and chilling threats to her life.

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“I thought he was going to drown me,” Taylor said, recalling a terrifying moment when Russell threw her into a pool and held her underwater in front of friends.

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A Pattern of Control and Violence

During the emotional interview, Taylor recounted multiple disturbing episodes:

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• Pool Incident: While confiding in close friends about the abuse, Russell allegedly overheard the conversation, stormed into the backyard, assaulted one man, and held Taylor underwater, leaving her fearing for her life.
• Death Threat Over Pizza: In another incident, Taylor said Russell grabbed her by the throat and threatened to kill her after she served pizza to his sons without a vegetable side.
• No Privacy: She also claimed she discovered recording devices throughout their home, which left her feeling constantly monitored and unsafe.

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Escape After Injury

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The turning point came in 2011 when Taylor suffered a fractured orbital floor — a serious facial injury that finally pushed her to leave the marriage. She recounted how Russell, in a disturbing mix of guilt and manipulation, gave her lavish gifts and a heartfelt card for her 40th birthday — acknowledging his abusive behavior but promising change.

Russell died by suicide later that year.

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A Voice for Survivors

Now 53, Taylor has been a vocal advocate for domestic abuse survivors, sharing her story to help others recognize warning signs and take action. She has since remarried and appeared on The Real Housewives of Orange County, continuing her advocacy through public speaking and nonprofit work.

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Taylor Armstrong, RHOBH, Russell Armstrong, Hollywood Demons, domestic violence, Investigation Discovery, Bravo, reality TV, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, abuse survival, true crime