Heidi Montag Says Lauren Conrad Not Being on 'The Hills' Reboot is 'Freeing'

The Hills cast is dishing on Lauren Conrad‘s absence in the upcoming reboot series.

New Beginning cast members – Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Whitney Port, Audrina Patridge, Jason Wahler and wife Ashley, Frankie Delgado and wife Jen, along with Justin Bobby Brescia – stepped out to promote the reboot with an interview with Buzzefeed News on Tuesday (June 11) in New York City.

While they were there, Heidi addressed former star Lauren not joining the reboot, and called it “freeing.”

“I actually was kind of excited Lauren wasn’t on it because I felt like it was more freeing and fair, like, for me,” Heidi shared.

Audrina then chimed in, adding, “Without Lauren, like, she was always the one — she’s the leader, the one that would tell you what to do, what not to do. So now it’s kinda like we all get… you kinda get to make your own choices and be your own self.”

After news of The Hills reboot was announced, a source close to Lauren said she would not be returning. She is currently expecting her second child with husband William Tell.

The Hills: New Beginnings premieres on Monday, June 24 on MTV – check out the latest promo here!

FYI: Whitney is carrying an Adeam bag.

20+ pictures inside of the stars promoting their reboot show…