The premiere of Family Vacation at the Jersey Shore Season 7 was highly anticipated for many reasons, perhaps a bigger one than the full-time return of Ronnie Ortiz-Magro.
And the long-awaited reunion with his ex, Sammi Sweetheart.
Ronnie appeared in the previous season of Riverbankbut only part-time.
For his new season, Ron returned to his role as a full-time cast member, meaning he will interact with his ex-girlfriend Sammi Giancola for the first time in seven years.
It’s a situation that rightly raises some concerns, especially given the circumstances that led to Ronnie stepping away from the show in the first place.
Why Did Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Leave Jersey Shore?
In 2021, Ronnie announced that he was leaving the show that made him famous due to his recent legal troubles.
In April of that year, Ronnie was arrested on domestic violence charges after his then-girlfriend Saffire Matos called the police during a fight at the couple’s Las Vegas home.
Shortly after, Ronnie and Saffire got engaged, which left fans confused and worried.
However, the engagement was short-lived and Ronnie and Saffire split sometime in the summer of 2022.
What did Ronnie do during his break from Shore?
With no full-time job, no prospects, and no relationship, Ronnie could have easily self-destructed.
Rather, he must be given credit for dedicating himself to the difficult task of changing his life.
Ronnie went to rehab and got sober, and this progress allowed him to gain sole custody of his daughter.
(The girl’s mother, Jenn Harley, also struggled with substance abuse and legal problems.)
After coming clean and regaining custody, Ronnie decided it was time for a fresh start and moved to Miami to open a sneaker store.
He also made frequent guest appearances on RiverbankHe often meets with an individual cast member to discuss their issues and offer updates on their progress.
How is Ronnie now?
Those who know him best say Ronnie has made great strides in his year away from the spotlight.
Insiders report that he is happily sober and focused 100 percent on his daughter and his career.
It’s still not clear if Ronnie left the show in response to his legal troubles or if he was fired.
Be that as it may, it appears that he is in the midst of a comeback.
MTV still hasn’t confirmed that Ronnie will be returning to the show on a full-time basis, but he has been spotted in several filming locations and is listed as a main cast member on Wikipedia.
Here’s hoping Ronnie is able to behave himself this time.