bellino042412_230final.jpg The claws are out!

Real Housewives of Orange County co-stars Alexis Bellino and Tamra Barney have been enemies all season, but a comment made at the reunion show has turned their feud into an all-out war!

After Barney called Bellino 'Jesus Jugs,' the devout Christian and her husband Jim are considering legal action against the reality star, not solely because of the comment, but because of supposed slanderous remarks that were made throughout the season.

"The escalation of Tamra Barney's attacks has reached the level that we have been advised to take legal action. To be clear, Tamra's most recent statements are completely false. While her motivation may be to elevate herself by hurting others, the law does provide boundaries outside of which even she may be held liable. This vicious and malicious attack on our family will no longer be tolerated. We have continually tried to take the high road, however, if necessary, we are prepared to defend ourselves against these unfounded, slanderous and defamatory remarks to the fullest extent of the law," the couple explained in a joint statement issued Monday.

Barney fired back, telling Rumor Fix why she made the hurtful comment in the first place. "Unlike Alexis, I don't need to hide behind the Jesus curtain and I don't feel the need to preach. When someone is constantly preaching about something they are lying! Alexis and Jim are faux Christians, like her ring. Does she think Jesus would be proud of her for judging me as a Christian, and the crosses in my house? Jim Bellino used to take Peggy Tanous to strip clubs after church when they were dating," she sniped.

Miss Barney is known for never backing down from a fight, so we'll just have to wait and see if her religious reality vixen rival will put her money where her mouth is!