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Drama from the British Virgin Islands spilled into awards season when a Real Housewives of New York City cast member criticized co-star Erika Hammond’s private Moskito Island property. The exchange, replayed at Page Six’s 2026 Virtual Reali-Tea Awards, has fans and followers debating whether the comment was an offhand remark or a stinging rebuke.
What sparked the on-stage backlash at the VRT Awards
At the Page Six VRT Awards, Erin Lichy called the Moskito Island estate a “rental home,” then said she was upset about being given a pull-out couch. That remark hit a nerve with Erika Hammond, who owns a stake in the island.
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Hammond reacted sharply to the characterization and questioned the sincerity of Lichy’s apology. She told hosts that seeing footage speaks for itself and suggested that anyone who dislikes the property need not return.
How the island scene unfolded on RHONY
The latest RHONY episode followed the cast to Hammond’s Moskito Island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Tensions rose when Daisy Toye and Erin Lichy expressed disappointment with their accommodations.
- Daisy Toye compared the mansion unfavorably to what she thought Martha Stewart would prefer.
- Erin Lichy echoed those critiques but later described the island as beautiful while admitting she was irritated at sleeping arrangements.
- Hammond says she received a private message of apology after the episode aired.
Why Hammond called the apology “fake”
At the awards event, Erika Hammond dismissed Lichy’s on-camera statement about apologizing as disingenuous. She didn’t hold back when discussing her view of the co-star’s remarks and told the VRT hosts that insincere apologies aren’t acceptable.
Hammond made it clear she takes ownership and privacy seriously and won’t tolerate passive slights.
Inside Moskito Island ownership and amenities
Moskito Island has a high-profile history. Once part of Sir Richard Branson’s portfolio, the island is now shared by a small group of families — including Erika Hammond and her husband, Ankur Jain.
Hammond explained on RHONY how ownership works and why the island is more than a vacation rental to residents.
- Each family owns a private estate.
- Costs and maintenance are shared across the community.
- Shared features include beaches, tennis courts, and communal services.
- Owners contribute to island-level fees similar to HOAs.
Streaming and where to watch the fallout
The VRT Awards were presented with streaming support from several partners. Philo is offering the full awards show on its ad-supported platform beginning Oct. 9.
Philo is promoted as the exclusive streaming partner for the 2026 VRT Awards, making it the primary place to catch the entire broadcast and related highlights.
When and where to catch RHONY episodes
Real Housewives of New York City airs on Bravo on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT. New episodes become available to stream the following day on Peacock.
Fans who missed the Moskito Island episode can find it on streaming or on-demand services tied to the network.
