Monique Samuels said she left The Real Housewives of Potomac after Season 5 because the show had crossed a personal boundary: her family and children. She also felt uncomfortable with the example she believed she had set on television. The season’s fight with Candiace Dillard Bassett and rumors involving Samuels’s family formed part of the context, but her public statements do not establish either as the sole reason she left.
What Monique Samuels said about leaving RHOP
After the Season 5 reunion aired on December 27, 2020, Samuels announced that she would not return for Season 6. In an Instagram Live, she called the experience a “crazy ride” and said she was “over it.” As reported by TVLine on December 28, 2020, she explained: “when you cross certain lines, there’s no going back. For me, my family is that line.”
Samuels said her children’s experience of the show mattered to her, and she worried about them seeing her act in ways that did not match the example she wanted to set. She also said she had wanted to represent “real Black love” but felt she had played into a stereotype she did not want her children to see. Those were her stated reasons, not an independently verifiable account of every factor behind her decision.
Did the fight with Candiace make her leave?
The physical altercation between Samuels and Candiace Dillard Bassett was a major part of Season 5, but the available accounts do not establish that it alone caused Samuels to leave. The season also drew public attention to rumors about her marriage and her son’s paternity. Those were rumors, not established facts, and belong to the surrounding context rather than proof of a specific motive.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Desperate Housewives
- Abc
- dvd
- Teri Hatcher
- eva Longoria
The clearest answer is that Samuels publicly emphasized her family, her children’s exposure to the show, and reaching her limit. It would go beyond her statements to reduce her decision to one conflict or rumor.
She had considered leaving before the reunion
In an August 2020 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Samuels said leaving had become more than a passing thought. She chose to continue while filming still felt comfortable and she could show her journey in an environment she considered comfortable. That earlier hesitation preceded her final announcement after the reunion; it was not the same decision.
Rank #2
- REP YOUR FANDOM: This The Real Housewives ceramic coffee mug will quickly become your favorite!
- THE PERFECT SIZES: Enjoy your coffee, tea or favorite beverage out of this 11 or 15 oz. mug.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: This ceramic mug is manufactured using durable ceramic with an easy grip handle.
- CARE TIPS: Microwave safe. Hand wash only for easy use and care.
Why Samuels later returned
Samuels did not stay away permanently. Bravo’s later account identifies her as a returning cast member for Season 10. She said she had not been emotionally ready for an earlier opportunity to return: she was still working through her marriage and felt angry. She later described coming back as a way to see whether she had healed when placed in an environment that could trigger her.
Her later reflections add context to the time away, but they do not replace the reasons she gave in 2020. Bravo’s Season 10 coverage says episodes air on Bravo and stream the next day on Peacock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Reality TV Merchandise design. Show off your Potomac pride with varsity vibes and housewife flair!
- Officially Licensed The Real Housewives of Potomac Gear.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
