Housewives Keep Quiet About Russell's Suicide

Photo Credit: Bravo TV

TMZ has learned that the entire cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has been instructed to keep quiet about the suicide of Russell Armstrong. That means to interviews, no more tweets...

Also, Bravo has cancelled the filming schedule that was to take place tomorrow and opted instead to have a cast meeting.

No word on whether Taylor Armstrong will be at the meeting, we assume she will be taking a substantial break from filming.

Taylor Hasn't Kennedy About Her Dad's Death

Taylor Armstrong hasn't yet told her daughter Kennedy about her father's suicide. A friend states, "She's not emotionally ready to do so yet."

Her attorney, Robert Thorne, tells TMZ, "Taylor Armstrong is devastated by the tragic events that have unfolded. She requests privacy at this time so that she may comfort her young daughter. Her thoughts and prayers are also with Russell's 11- and 13-year-old sons."

Russell Armstrong Commits Suicide

Photo Credit: Bauer Griffin

Russell Armstrong, the almost-ex-hubby of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Taylor Armstrong, was found dead of an apparent suicide yesterday evening, TMZ reports.

Authorities arrived at his home on Mulholland Drive and found him hanging in his bedroom (a roommate had called 911 and informed them that he had hung himself). He was pronounced dead at 8:16PM. No suicide note was found.

Taylor had filed for divorce last month after claiming Russel, 47, was physically abusive towards her.

This is such terribly sad news. Our thoughts are with Taylor, their daughter Kennedy, and the rest of their friends and family members.

UPDATE: Russell's lawyer has released the following statement regarding what led up to his client's suicide,

"I feel bad because his credit cards weren't working ... He had tremendous financial problems. He was also extremely bummed out about the divorce with Taylor. As far as a will, even if he does have a will, they don't have any assets, so I'm not sure what there would be left to leave. I am extremely saddened ... I had no idea he was depressed."