Some of the most gripping Real Housewives storylines still live rent-free in fan’s heads. Many of us can go around quoting the biggest blow-ups without a second thought. And while the Bravo franchise is meant to be easy watching there was nothing easy about these particular narratives.
RHOA: Phaedra Parks being exposed for starting those rumors about Kandi Burruss
It all came to a head on the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 9 reunion when Phaedra Parks admitted to making up the drugging accusations against Kandi Burruss. During part 4 of the tell-all special, the lawyer finally had to come clean about being the one who told Porsha Williams that Kandi and her husband, Todd Tucker, planned on drugging her to take advantage of her sexually. The truth shocked the cast and left Kandi in tears.
At the time, Phaedra noted, “I repeated it because I heard it. Something was brought to me. I just repeated it. I repeated what someone told me. I’m not saying I didn’t say it. I’m saying I repeated it.” Porsha was left sobbing and could be heard saying, “I swear to God Kandi — I would never ever say something like that to you if it wasn’t told to me in truth in confidence.”
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RHONJ: Teresa and Joe Giudice’s legal troubles
Joe Giudice and Teresa Giudice were indicted on federal fraud charges in 2013. The couple engaged in mail and wire fraud, submitting fake applications and loan documents. In 2014, Joe and Tre sat down on Watch What Happens Live, where the father of four took most of the blame. After answering question after question, Joe went as far as to say he misled his wife into signing documents that would advance his fraud.
The couple was found guilty, according to the Justice Department, as “each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of bankruptcy fraud by concealment of assets, one count of bankruptcy fraud by false oaths, and one count of bankruptcy fraud by false declarations. Giuseppe Giudice also pleaded guilty to one count of failure to file a tax return.” In the same year, Joe finally settled the charges that he used his brother’s identifying documents to get a new driver’s license in 2010 after he had been suspended for a DUI. At the time, Joe was charged with unlawful use of an ID and impersonation.
RHOP: Monique Samuels and Candiace Dillard Bassett’s brawl and the fallout
The knockout, drag-out fight of the year had to be between Monique Samuels and Candiace Dillard Bassett. The duo have always had a hot and cold relationship, but what transpired in the barn during a wine tasting was never expected. Fans couldn’t figure out what the women were fighting over, but once Monique started pointing her finger and Candiace stepped up, it was all over.
At the time, it looked like Candiace threw her drink at Monique, who in turn grabbed her hair and dragged her. Once separated, the beauty pageant contestant was left in tears while Monique was hoping for a second round. Monique was physically restrained by security, and Candiace hurried into the waiting SUV that drove her home. Both Bravo stars were facing second-degree assault charges, but a judge later dismissed the cases.
RHOBH: Taylor’s violent marriage and Russell Armstrong’s death
Taylor Armstrong seemed like the typical housewife. She was dutiful in her marriage, planned lavish parties, and hid her dark secrets from her friends. Fans will recall that Camille Grammer outed Taylor’s abusive relationship with Russell Armstrong. The mother of one opened up on Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef, noting, “In season two at the tea party, when Camille outed the abuse, I remember looking at our field producer who was standing across from me along with the cameras. And I was in shock.”
Taylor added, “I could get killed. I could get divorced, or things might completely turn around, and this could change my situation. But I knew once I walk out this door, my life truly will never be the same.” In August 2011, Russell was found dead in his Los Angeles home after committing suicide. At the time of his death, he was in debt of $1.5 million.
RHOC: Brooks Ayers’ cancer scam and Vicki Gunvalson falling for it
Why and how Brooks Ayers thought he would convince America that he had cancer was beyond me. But he did dupe Vicki Gunvalson into his seedy plan. The Mississippi native claimed he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and even went as far as to make up fake medical records from the City of Hope Hospital. But once the hospital released its own statement, the jig was up. Thank goodness for Meghan King, who never believed for a second that he was telling the truth.
Meghan did the grunt work as she noted in Not All Diamonds and Rose that “First I called Brooks’s doctor’s office and I said, ‘I have cancer, I was referred by a friend. I heard he administers this treatment using resveratrol.’ And they said, ‘This doctor does not deal with cancer at all.’ And then I called Newport Imaging, the place where he said he got his PET/CT scan, and they said, ‘We don’t do PET/CT scans.” Brooks’ plot was disgusting, but at least we had our own Nancy Drew on the case.
RHOM: Lenny’s affair and Lisa Hochstein’s heartbreak
Most fans knew that Lisa Hochstein and Lenny Hochstein didn’t have the perfect marriage. But it was surprising to see just how public the plastic surgeon was willing to go whilst having an affair. In May 2022, outlets started reporting that Lisa and Larsa Pippen had confronted Lenny and his mistress at the club. On May 16, Lenny told Us Weekly, “Lisa and I have contemplated divorce for the last several years. I tried my best to avoid it for the sake of our children, whom we love deeply. We have been living separate lives for months and made the decision to divorce last month.”
During Season 5 of Real Housewives of Miami, cameras captured Lisa’s heartache. Lenny was parading his new girl around town, trying to push her out of the Star Island home and cutting off her finances. On more than one occasion, Lisa broke down while trying to protect herself and her children.
RHOSLC: Monica Garcia’s big Reality Von Tease reveal
When Monica Garcia first joined the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, viewers were rooting for her. But the tides turned when it was revealed that she had been in charge of the troll account Reality Von Tease. The social media account had been targeting the cast with vicious rumors for years. So when Heather Gay finally had the proof, Monica admitted her wrongdoings. Monica stated, “That’s not true entirely,” but in fact, copped with being a part of the troll team. The admission left viewers and the cast shaking.
