Why Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Is Stepping Away From Jersey Shore

Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is one of the most recognizable reality TV personalities of all time as a member of the "Jersey Shore" gang, along with Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Pauly D., Mike Sorrentino, Vinny Guadagnino, and Jenni "J-Woww" Farley. Ronnie first grabbed viewers' attention with his good looks and enthusiastic dance moves. However, it was his quick-forming and intense relationship with fellow cast member Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola that really captivated fans (via Us Weekly). Ronnie and Sammi continued to date off and on throughout the show's run. Their dramatic relationship finally ended in 2014. "Me and Sammi aren't together anymore. We just grew our separate ways. She's still a great person. I love her as a person and I care about her but we went our separate ways. That's it," Ronnie told the outlet at the time. 

However, it seems that Ronnie's relationship with Sammi wouldn't be the only drama-filled romance he'd endure. In 2018, Ronnie met Jen Harley while returning for the "Jersey Shore" reunion series "Family Vacation." The two share a daughter, Ariana, who was also born in 2018. Their relationship was a tumultuous one that played out on camera, as well as in the media. The authorities also had to get involved in their disputes, which led to both Ronnie and Jen being arrested. Now, it seems that he may be repeating the pattern with his new girlfriend, Saffire Matos.

Us Weekly reports that Ronnie Ortiz-Magro was arrested again back in April for domestic violence. He was taken into custody and later released on bond. Sadly, Ronnie's daughter Ariana was said to be with him when he was arrested. "His 3-year-old daughter was with him as it was his turn to watch her this week, but she is in safe hands now," a source told the outlet at the time. Another insider revealed to the magazine that the mother of Ronnie's daughter, Jen Harley, has been growing increasingly worried about the situation. "Jen has been concerned about his behavior in front of Ariana and it's been an issue she's been worried about. She knows he always has this pattern and that he does not change."

Now, the "Jersey Shore" star is making a powerful statement about his personal life, reality TV career, and his mental health, per Page Six. "After talking to the team at MTV, we have mutually agreed that I will step away from the show while I seek medical treatment for mental health issues that I've ignored for too long," Ronnie told fans via his Instagram Stories. "My number one goal now is facing my struggles head on. This process will be difficult, but my #1 priority is to get healthy and be the best man and the best father I can for my daughter," he added.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.