Few people were expecting Real Housewives of New York star Luann de Lesseps to get arrested after a drunken night in Palm Beach, FL, on Dec. 23, 2017 — but brand and reputation expert Eric Schiffer exclusively tells Life & Style this won’t do much damage. The Bravolebrity was charged with battery on an officer, disorderly intoxication, resisting arrest with violence, and crimes against a person, plus two corruption by threat charges for threatening to kill police officers. Four of these charges are felonies. Luann decided to enter rehab for alcohol issues in the wake of the incident.

The mother-of-two will make her cabaret debut on Feb. 27, 2018 at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC — so Eric thinks these recent events raise interest and awareness. “This is not the kiss of death — it allows her to be on brand, it’s one of the biggest news stories of recent for her, and it brings that much more attention to the cabaret,” he explains. “Her producers are probably dancing on the theater ceiling over the fact that all this is happening, despite the fact that I’m sure they also are hoping that she’s going to have a positive recovery.”

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There also may not be much to worry about when it comes to her endorsement deals. Eric says, “With some brands that are pretty conservative, yes, but many brands tied in with her — I don’t think they’d drop her because they already understand that her brand has an element of controversy. “

However, he does praise her decision to seek treatment. “She did a smart move, which is take care of herself first and make sure she gets well — not only for herself, but for her fans,” he shares. “She will get that much more attention moving forward and I think people are going to be rooting for her and many will fill up the cabaret because of it.”

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