Credit: Bravo
While the Real Housewives of Potomac‘s season 11 cast was confirmed by Bravo on April 10 after Reality Blurb had exclusively reported on it weeks earlier, one name was noticeably missing from both reports – Monique Samuels.
While Monique was a full-time housewife from season two through five, she was brought back in a “friend” role for season 10.
An insider exclusively revealed to Reality Blurb why Monique was not brought back for the currently taping 11th season.
“Bravo thought they were going to get some drama from the Chris Samuels and Stacey Rausch situation,” the source shared.
During season 10 of the show, it was alleged that Stacey was potentially romantically linked to Chris during his divorce proceedings from Monique. There were also accusations made that Stacey was acting as an “insider” for Chris to give him intel on Monique, including allegations she tried to film with their children.
Stacey, for her part, denied being in any romantic relationship with Chris.
“The rumored situation with Chris and Monique failed to bring any real drama,” the insider continued. “However, that failed.”
On the reunion, Monique accused Stacey of crossing lines by talking to Chris and telling him she was “trashing” him and their kids, which she denied. Monique also played a video showing her child saying Chris was talking to someone named Stacey on the phone.
“On the reunion, Monique showed her failed receipts with her kid, but she ended up changing that story too, as she backpedaled and defended Stacey on social media,” the source stated.
Monique took to social media to issue the following statement after the reunion: “A lot of time has passed since the reunion was filmed and after gaining more info since then, I don’t believe Stacey had anything to do with any part of that bulls**t.
“I’ll probably go live on IG at some point this week and give y’all the ENTIRE story. I haven’t watched the reunion episodes yet so let me catch up and get back to you but I at least wanted to clear her name on ALL of it.”
Aside from there not being a ton of drama surrounding Monique, the insider also noted that she “can’t show her kids” and “her lifestyle isn’t really that appealing.”
“So what do they need her for?” they added.
To date, Monique has not commented on not returning to RHOP.
While she will not be on the new season, Bravo is bringing back another familiar face, Robyn Dixon in a “friend of” role
An insider previously divulged to Reality Blurb why Robyn was returning to the franchise after being let go from her full-time role following season eight.
“Although she didn’t want to return in any capacity last year after she was let go – and even refused to show up at the event Gizelle Bryant hosted for the podcast they are both on – she changed her tune this season,” they stated.
As for what made her shift her mindset, the insider alleged she “needed the money” and thus ultimately “swallowed her pride” and decided to come back.
“Robyn is real and always has been,” they said. “But a friend of role makes more sense for her at this point in time. It was clear in the past she didn’t like a microscope being put on her relationship with her husband, Juan Dixon, and if she’s in a ‘friend of’ role, this is not something that will be focused on. Juan also didn’t like being dissected on TV and being involved in the show, and by Robyn being a friend, he won’t have to play a part in it.”
Joining Robyn for season 11 of RHOP will be Karen Huger, Wendy Osefo, Ashley Darby, Tia Glover, Stacey, and Gizelle.
As Reality Blurb exclusively reported, taping is currently underway.