Tamra Judge Criticizes RHOC Editing, Claims Shannon Beador Masters the ‘Victim’ Role

Tamra Judge is well aware that her portrayal on The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 has not been flattering. Like many reality TV stars today, Tamra is attributing this negative portrayal to the editing choices made by the show’s producers.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, the 57-year-old acknowledged why viewers may have formed certain opinions about her based on this season’s episodes. Tamra pointed out that producers often edit scenes to maximize drama, sometimes omitting key moments that might change how a situation is perceived.

One particular example she highlighted was from the second episode, where her intense confrontation with Shannon wasn’t fully contextualized. According to Tamra, Shannon had said some horrible things to her during filming, but those moments were cut from the episode. This made it appear as though Tamra was unfairly targeting Shannon, even when she felt her actions were justified. Tamra believes Shannon was given a “free pass,” as the edits made it seem like she was attacking Shannon while she was vulnerable.

Looking Ahead to the Reunion

Tamra is eager to address these issues at the upcoming reunion. While editing can shape the narrative in reality TV, she’s confident that the reunion will provide answers and clarity on many of the season’s unresolved tensions. She suspects that some scenes were intentionally left out to fuel discussions during the reunion, and she plans to be vocal when she confronts her co-stars.

This season, Tamra has found herself in conflict with many cast members, but she feels particularly frustrated with Shannon. Tamra believes that Shannon is “good at playing the victim,” which is why viewers have been so drawn to her storyline. As a fan, Tamra admits that she might also feel sympathy for Shannon, but knowing both sides of the story, it bothers her to see Shannon presented as the one who was wronged.

Tamra even suggested that Shannon intentionally positioned herself as the victim this season. Despite their history and the love she still feels for Shannon, Tamra is doubtful that anything at the reunion will repair their friendship to what it once was.

A Rocky History of Friendship

Tamra also wants fans to recognize that Shannon doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to friendships. She recalls a particularly painful moment when Shannon distanced herself after Tamra was fired from the show. At that time, Tamra felt used and discarded, realizing that Shannon only valued their friendship when it benefitted her on camera.

As RHOC Season 18 progresses, the drama continues to escalate, and the final episodes are expected to bring even more tension. While Tamra and Shannon appear to be on good terms for now, something is bound to happen in the remaining episodes that could cause their friendship to hit another breaking point.

Sadly, it doesn’t seem like the gap between them will close anytime soon.

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo. You can stream Seasons 1-18 on Peacock.