Former ‘Real Housewives of Miami’ star Lea Black shares post after losing husband
Lea Black reached out to friends, family and fans Tuesday after word spread that her husband had passed away.
Top criminal defense lawyer Roy Black, whose clients included numerous celebrities and prominent figures, died at age 80 Monday after battling an unknown illness.
“Thank you for all your blessings,” the former “Real Housewives of Miami” star wrote on social media.
Fans were introduced to the power couple and their young son RJ in the first season of “RHOM,” which first aired in 2011. They lived in a sprawling, historic mansion in Coral Gables, and Lea gave the Miami Herald a grand tour that year.
The pair’s annual gala turned into a major plot point after ex cast member Cristy Rice crashed the charity event with two people, and a feud between her and Lea ensued for many, many episodes.
Lea, 69, ended up leaving in Season 3 and did not show up for the Peacock reboot in 2021. The Texas native born Lisa Douthit went on to run a successful eponymous skincare company.
The philanthropist added that details of a tribute and celebration of life for Roy will be forthcoming “in a few weeks.” A service will reportedly be held at the New York native’s alma mater, the University of Miami.
In the comments, condolences poured in from prominent locals like chef Ingrid Hoffman, artist Romero Britto and politician Michael Gongora as well as from former castmates Lisa Hochstein, Karent Sierra and Romain Zago.
A few of Roy’s onetime clients also chimed in with good wishes, like Joe Francis. In 2008, the “Girls Gone Wild” creator pleaded no contest to charges of videotaping underage girls, and was released after serving 11 months.
The Blacks married in 1994, three years after Lea served as a juror in the highly publicized William Kennedy Smith rape trial, which ended in Roy getting the scion acquitted.
The ex reality star told the Herald Tuesday that her late husband always “fought for the underdog and people’s civil rights,” regardless of who they were.
“He understood that we all have our flaws,” she said. “He was able to separate people’s behavior from their character. He wanted the best for everyone.”
This story was originally published July 23, 2025 at 11:08 AM.
