WASHINGTON, DC --(Marketwired - January 26, 2016) - Tareq Salahi, who starred in the Bravo reality show "The Real Housewives of DC" and testified before Congress about the alleged crashing of a White House state dinner with his ex-wife, is setting the record straight about the incident based on a recently declassified affidavit that proves a White House liaison and the Secret Service confirmed the couple had been invited.
"I maintained all along that we had received an invitation to the White House dinner, though it wasn't in writing," Salahi says. "This is a common occurrence for state dinners, as there are frequently last-minute cancellations and changes. An affidavit has recently become de-classified, confirming that Secret Service agents listened to a conference call with White House liaison Michele Jones who had extended the invitation to us. Ms. Jones stated that the alleged incident 'was a big misunderstanding' and 'blown way out of proportion,' confirming that we had not shown up uninvited," Salahi added.
Secret Service agents signed that recently declassified affidavit. Jones was special assistant to the Secretary of Defense and the Pentagon-based liaison to the White House at the time of the State Dinner.
Publicly revealed emails from Ms. Jones further substantiate the fact that the Salahis were led to believe they were invited and welcomed at the state dinner. "We understood that Ms. Jones did, in fact, have the authority to assist us with an invitation to any and all events at the White House that evening, confirming we were 100% invited," the signed affidavit says.
The Real Housewinos™
With the "crashing" allegations behind him, the recently remarried Salahi has long since moved past the incident and is launching Real Housewinos™ - fun, affordable red and white wines now available directly to consumers online for home delivery or via distributors.
"Our new red and white cuvée wines are perfect for a girls' get-together or indulging in your favorite reality TV show at home," Salahi says. "We think people will really enjoy both the red (which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec) and the un-oaked white (comprised of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier). At $9.95 per bottle, the wines are a tremendous value and easy on anyone's palate."
The Real Housewinos™ - Giving Away Free Cruise Packages for Two
Complementing his new wine venture, Salahi is launching a four-day, three-night cruise, sailing next summer, which will feature wine tasting and exhibitions, celebrity wine experts and will call on the Bahamas. Through Valentine's Day 2016, Real Housewinos™ is offering a promotional giveaway via its website, www.RealHousewinosCruise.com , where individuals can enter a drawing for a four-day cruise package from Miami to the Bahamas. Bookings for Real Housewinos™ Cruises are also now being received at www.RealHousewinosCruise.com .
About Real Housewinos™
Wine doesn't have to be pretentious and exclusive. It can also be a lot of fun. That is one of the main ideas behind this new brand, available for online and retail distribution, launched by experienced vintner and reality TV celebrity Tareq Salahi. The red and white cuvée varietals are available for purchase online at www.realhousewinos.com , for shipping to consumers in 19 compliant states, as well as through select retailers across the U.S. In addition, the wines will be featured aboard the Real Housewinos™ Cruise , a custom cruise sailing out of Miami to the Bahamas.
About Tareq Salahi
Tareq Salahi is a well-known former reality TV personality, boutique wine producer and hospitality expert, and is the USA Team Captain of the International Polo Team. Recently married to his business partner, Lisa Spoden, Tareq is also Chairman of Hotels at Sea™, a certified global cruise ship charter company. Tareq was born in Washington, DC, and grew up on his family vineyard in Hume, Virginia. He holds an Enology (science of wine) degree from the University of California, Davis.
Contact Cameron Heffernan Mach Media C: 315.395.3374 O: 202.461.2200 cameron.heffernan@machmediagroup.com
