Mia Thornton’s Tumultuous Journey: Celebrating Her First Solo Thanksgiving After a Shocking Divorce!

For the first time in over a decade, Real Housewives of Potomac star Mia Thornton is spending Thanksgiving without her estranged ex-husband, Gordon Thornton. The reality TV personality, who officially ended her 11-year marriage earlier this year, is navigating a new chapter in her life—one filled with personal reflection, family transitions, and an emotional journey toward healing.

Navigating the Holidays as a Single Mom

Mia confirmed her separation from Gordon in September 2023, months after quietly filing for divorce in June. This Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a new holiday tradition for her and their children. In an interview with PEOPLE, Mia revealed how this year’s celebrations will differ from those of the past.

“Last year, we combined Thanksgiving because we were in the middle of a separation,” she explained, adding that she wanted to create a smooth transition for her children. However, Mia believes splitting holiday celebrations this year is an important step in helping her kids adjust to their parents living apart.

“I think it’s going to be a good eye-opener for our children as well,” she shared. The new arrangements will see Mia spending Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with the children, while Gordon will have them on Christmas Day and New Year’s.

What Led to the Split?

Mia’s decision to file for divorce stemmed from a series of harsh public comments Gordon made in late 2022. During an interview, Gordon accused Mia of marrying him for his wealth and claimed she left him once his financial situation changed. He went further, alleging that he had given Mia a “hall pass” for extramarital affairs due to his inability to meet her needs, only to feel betrayed by her dishonesty about those relationships

For Mia, these accusations were the breaking point. “I said, ‘This is not what we’re doing,’” she recalled. Despite the hurt, Mia has remained adamant about protecting their children from public shame. “I’ll never publicly disgrace Gordon for the sake of our kids, no matter how I feel,” she stated.

Confronting Past Trauma

While adjusting to life post-divorce, Mia has also faced personal challenges, including an emotional breakdown earlier this year while attending an event for sexual assault survivors. During Karen Huger’s Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE) luncheon, Mia broke down in tears, triggered by painful memories from her own past.

Mia revealed she had been sexually assaulted by a trusted friend’s boyfriend during her younger years, a betrayal that has haunted her for years. Reflecting on the incident, she questioned herself:
“Why didn’t you just leave? Why did you put yourself in that situation?”

Mia partially blamed her close friend, Jacqueline Blake, for the incident, though she later acknowledged that her anger was misplaced. “She didn’t know that was going to happen to me. She trusted her boyfriend,” Mia explained.

In a confessional, Mia admitted the betrayal had strained her relationship with Jacqueline for years, noting, “I’ve probably always been a little meaner to her because of it.” With the support of her co-star Ashley Darby, Mia has started to process and forgive both her friend and herself, embracing a path toward healing.

A Season of Growth

As Mia prepares to celebrate her first solo Thanksgiving, she’s focused on creating a positive environment for her children and continuing her journey of self-discovery. Her candid reflections on her marriage, parenting, and past trauma highlight her resilience and commitment to growth.

Fans can follow Mia’s evolving story as The Real Housewives of Potomac continues to stream on Bravo.