Britani Bateman is firing back after Meredith Marks took a not-so-subtle jab at her — and her “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” co-star Whitney Rose.
Throughout the press cycle for the Bravo series, Marks has referred to Bateman as “S–tani 2,” while calling Rose “S–tney 1,” shady nicknames that clearly didn’t sit well with Bateman.
“I think it’s crass and I think it’s beneath her,” Bateman tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” exclusively. “She’s a smart lady. She doesn’t need to stoop that low.”
The tension between Bateman and Marks has been simmering ever since Season 5, when the latter accused the “friend of” newcomer of secretly recording a heated altercation between cast members during a group bus ride.
Bateman has firmly denied intentionally filming the chaos, insisting it was all a misunderstanding.
Still, the scandal created a lasting rift between the two women — one that continues to spill over into the current season as Marks’ sharp tongue and penchant for wordplay find a new target in Bateman.
While Bateman is no stranger to the drama that comes with being part of the “Housewives” orbit, she says that she prefers to keep things classy — a trait she attributes to her strict Mormon upbringing.
“I wasn’t even allowed to say ‘shut up,’” the singer shares. “Yeah, like that’s how Mormon we were growing up, which I love and I raised my kids like that too. And I love that.”
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While things remain icy with Marks, Bateman is thrilled that any contention with Bronwyn Newport seems to be thawing. Despite previous friction, the women seem to be getting closer and closer both on and off camera.
“I’m really starting to appreciate Bronwyn,” gushes Bateman. “She’s brilliant, she’s beautiful, she’s savvy and she’s kind.”
“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
