John Janssen is done keeping quiet about his breakup with ex, The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador.
“I wanna say that my relationship with Shannon was real,” the businessman told former Real Housewives producer Carlos King on the July 30 episode of the Reality With the King podcast. “She has a wonderful side to her. But I think people out there just assume John was the problem in the relationship, and I would just challenge people to think about what it might be like to be with Shannon.”
And John—who broke up with the reality star in November 2022—didn't hold back when addressing their rocky, three-year romance.
“What was it like?" he continued. "It was, 'What it is like to fail every day, all day, every day? To fail at everything?' That's what it felt like to date her.”
Despite John's brutal shade, the 61-year-old did acknowledge that he and Shannon had "good times" in their relationship and that the Bravo star "has a wonderful side to her." But, ultimately, they weren't compatible.
“I tried very, very hard. I did," John admitted. "But we were never meant to be together."
John has since moved on with Shannon's RHOC costar Alexis Bellino, who he called "perfect."
“This is what it's supposed to be like," he said of their whirlwind romance, which began last fall. “There's a lot of stress that's gone from my life, and, you know, it's sad.”
And while Alexis recently revealed she and John have already talked about getting engaged and married, Shannon understandably has her doubts about her ex dating her costar.
"From the outside looking in, it looks to me that there are ulterior motives on both sides for them to be in a relationship, so we'll see," the 60-year-old told E! News earlier this month. "I'm grateful that John isn't in my life because we had a very toxic relationship. I'm grateful."
See the drama continue to play out when The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo.
And keep reading to look back at Alexis and John's whirlwind romance.
London, Here We Come
Alexis Bellino and John Janssen take a trip to the U.K. in July 2024 to visit his family.
The couple flaunt PDA at the DIRECTV Gets Real party in L.A. in September 2024.
Family Reunion
"Reunited with John's brother at Westminster Abbey," the Bravo star shared on Instagram.
Summer Lovin'
The lovebirds strike a pose while touring London in summer 2024.
Sight-Seeing
"Lots of laughs visiting the Brasenose College in Oxford today which is quite close to his family," Alexis shared on social media. "it's literally one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen. #unbelievable More photos of Oxford, England tomorrow!!!"
Kiss, Kiss
Alexis shut down breakup rumors with a smooch in February 2024.
Blended Families
John and Alexis takes their kids on vacay in Puerto Rico.
"Puerto Rico here we come!!!!!" she posted in June 2024. "4 Bellino's, 4 Janssen's and 3 extras. 12 hours of travel. Oh boy, they don't know what's coming...but y'all will soon see!!!!"
Horsin' Around
The duo do some horse riding on the beach in Puerto Rico.
Zip-Lining
The reality stars tour the jungles of Puerto Rico.
Mi Amor
Alexis and John share a smooch while on vacation with their families.
"Farewell #puertorico!!!!!" she wrote in June 2024. "We will miss you!!!!i BEST TRIP EVERRRRRRR!!!!!!"
Double Date
Alexis and John enjoy a dinner date with new Real Housewives of Orange County star Katie Ginella and her husband Matt Ginella.
Red Carpet Official
The couple makes their red carpet debut together at DIRECTV's Streaming With The Stars party in Beverly Hills in March 2024.
Promise Ring
Alexis shows off a special gift John gifted her on Christmas 2023.
"Words cannot. Actions do," she wrote on Instagram. "I will no longer feel guilty. I will not apologize. Love will create it’s own story. I love you Johnny J."
London Calling
The two strike an adorable pose while across the pond.
Boating Babes
The lovebirds enjoy a day on the water on John's boat.
High School Grad
John helps Alexis' family celebrate the high school graduation of her oldest son James in June 2024.
Happy Fourth
John and Alexis celebrated July 4, 2024 on his boat in Orange County.
Engaged
“On Cloud 9,” Alexis shared in an Aug. 28 post, which featured her and John smiling together as she showed off a sizable diamond engagement ring on that finger. “Celebrating 9 months of love and laughter, and looking forward to my forever with you. Every moment together has been a gift. I am so in love with you and the beautiful life we’re building together with our kids.”
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