'Housewives' premiere on hold after Armstrong suicide

The mother of Russell Armstrong, the Beverly Hills “Housewives” husband who hanged himself, said her son feared being "crucified" in the upcoming season of the reality show, whose premiere is reportedly delayed in wake of the death.

"He said, 'I don't know what to do. I'll never survive it'. I thought he meant business or something," his mom told HLN Thursday.

Just days after the suicide of Armstrong, 47, the estranged husband of star cast member Taylor Armstrong, producers are still pondering how to handle the second season, as his family has called for Armstrong and anyone associated with him — including his wife — to be cut from the season, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Everyone on Russell’s side wants Bravo to edit him out and any characters affiliated with him this season," the family's attorney told the Times on Thursday. Armstrong's crumbling marriage was expected to be a key theme in the second season, which was set to begin Sept. 5. Taylor Armstrong filed for divorce in July.

Armstrong was also deeply in debt and the subject of a $1.5 million breach of contract lawsuit, according to his lawyer.

(with Reuters)