The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Vicki Gunvalson is assuring her followers that she’s “safe” after violence erupted in Mexico.
“Hi everyone,” Gunvalson, 63, began her Instagram Story on Sunday, February 22, alongside a white heart emoji. “I’m safe and not in Puerto Vallarta. Thank you so much for all the messages and concern. It truly means a lot.”
Gunvalson continued, “Please join me in keeping everyone affected in your prayers. Sending love and heartfelt thoughts to all who need them right now.”
News broke on Sunday that Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the deadly Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, was killed during a Mexican military operation. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico shared on Sunday that citizens in several locations — including Puerto Vallarta — “should shelter in place until further notice” due to “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.” Several flights in and out of the country have been canceled.
Gunvalson, meanwhile, shared in 2020 that she purchased a condo in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
“Well I did it! After spending over 30 years in one of my favorite places in the world, I closed on my vacation/retirement house today,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “Other than being with my children, grandchildren and @stevelodge_oc, it’s one of my happiest and fondest memories and one of my parents favorite destinations.”
Gunvalson appeared to then acknowledge the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know some of you may think it’s wrong, especially in the state of the world, but for me it immediately gives me hope and peace that things will resume to a new sense of normal soon,” she wrote. “I won’t be visiting there until I’m able, but as of today I own a home that makes me happy. I’m going to be donating all the bedding and most of the furniture to an orphanage, and will be putting to work some painters and a decorator to make this home ‘Vicki.’”
She concluded, “Thank you to all who support my decision as it wasn’t an easy one to go through with it. Those who don’t, keep your mean comments to yourself. #imhappy #puertovallarta #sunsets #kindpeople #peaceful.”
Later that year, Gunvalson shared that she was happy with her decision.
“I took a leap of faith, I ended up closing on a condo last month and I got here last night. And I thought, you know what? This was what was meant to be,” Gunvalson said in the Instagram clip at the time, per People.
She captioned the post, “Although I was apprehensive to go through with it, I have to tell you all it was one of my best decisions.”
In 2022, Gunvalson shared that she purchased another condo in the Mexican city. At the time, Gunvalson uploaded an image of a pool framed by palm trees while another pic showed a view of the ocean with the sunset.
“My realtor just showed me the sunset and views from my newest condo,” she wrote via Instagram. “I’m in escrow now and it will be built & ready in 20 months. #investmentproperty #puertovallarta #loveitthere #bossbabe #realestate.”
Two years later, Gunvalson shared a glimpse of the property via Instagram and wrote, “Back in PV to put the condo back together!! I just love the way it turned out🤍 my home away from home ✨.”
