Christine Chiu Reveals That in 2014, She Almost Got Cast as The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' First Asian Character

Christine Chiu was given a diamond position on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills years before Bling Empire!

At the Gold Gala on Saturday, May 11, which recognized Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander excellence in entertainment, sports, business, and more, PEOPLE got a close-up look at the 41-year-old fashionista and businesswoman.

Chiu dispelled persistent speculations that she was set to appear in season 5 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2014).

“I got the contract for it, really,” Chiu said only to PEOPLE. “At that time, somebody on my father’s side passed away, and then my dog was on the verge of passing away, so emotionally I don’t think I was quite ready.”

“And my husband’s family was very much against reality TV, so I actually had to back out,” she said. “NBC Universal [the parent company of Bravo] was very gracious in allowing me to do so.” Christine is a managing partner at Dr. Gabriel Chu’s plastic surgery practice in addition to being married to him.

Regarding the casting of earlier seasons, Bravo had nothing to say.

Kyle Richards, Kim Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Brandi Glanville, Yolanda Hadid, and newcomers Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna made comprised the final roster for season 5.

It would not be until Crystal King Minkoff joined in season 11 of RHOBH when the cast included an Asian member. Following the season 13 reunion, Kung, a friend of Chiu’s, announced her departure from the show last month.

Following Kung Minkoff’s departure, Jessel Taank of Real Housewives of New York is the only AAPI woman in the complete Bravo lineup.

Kyle Richards, Kim Richards, Lisa Vanderpump, Brandi Glanville, Yolanda Hadid, and newcomers Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna made comprised the final roster for season 5.

Following Kung Minkoff’s departure, Jessel Taank of Real Housewives of New York is the only AAPI woman in the complete Bravo lineup.

“I look at the statistics and I look at the ratio and I feel like there really needs to be more Asian American representation,” Chiu said. “I’m so sorry Crystal isn’t on anymore; I think she did a fantastic job. We had only been in Japan together.

Chiu said, “I don’t know if I would ever go on,” in response to the question of whether she would ever participate in RHOBH. Chiu eventually appeared in Netflix’s reality series Bling Empire. That calls for a whole different set of balls.”

Updates on Chiu’s son Gabriel, better known as “Baby G,” who viewers first saw on Bling Empire, were also provided.

Chiu joyfully declared, “Baby G is almost 6,” before revealing his birthday celebration preparations. “We recently joined Disneyland’s Club 33. Thus