‘They Were Protecting Her!’: Monique Samuels Exposes Favoritism and Hidden Scandals on RHOP

Years after her dramatic exit from The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP), Monique Samuels is still revealing new details about what went on behind the scenes, particularly during the explosive Season 5 reunion. While fans remember her infamous “binder” takedown, Monique claims the most shocking moments were edited out—leaving a skewed narrative and a lasting frustration with the show’s production team.

The Missing Meltdown: Gizelle Bryant’s Reaction

Monique’s binder was the centerpiece of the Season 5 reunion, exposing secrets and drama involving her castmates, including Gizelle Bryant. But according to Monique, what viewers saw was only part of the story.

“There was one moment after lunch that they completely cut out,” Monique revealed in a recent interview. She recalled how Gizelle, who had been visibly shaken by the binder, became uncharacteristically silent.

“Chris [Samuels] came out and confronted her. He really read her, and she lost it,” Monique shared. “She got so upset that she blurted out, ‘F you!’ in front of everyone. But they never aired it.”

Monique believes the producers deliberately left out this scene to protect Gizelle, whom she describes as a favorite of the production team.

Why Monique Won’t Return to RHOP

Since her departure from RHOP, fans have repeatedly asked Monique if she would ever return to the franchise, especially now that her rival, Candiace Dillard Bassett, is no longer on the show. Her answer remains a firm “no.”

Monique explained that her decision to leave wasn’t solely about her infamous physical altercation with Candiace during Season 5. Instead, it stemmed from her growing frustration with how production handled the cast and edited key moments.

“They didn’t show half of what happened,” she said. “Producers were constantly protecting people who shouldn’t have been protected, while people like me—and even my children—were left exposed.”

She pointed to the scene with Gizelle as a prime example, alleging that the show favored cast members who were easier to “control.” Monique claims this bias not only shaped the show’s narrative but also influenced her decision to turn down other offers from NBCUniversal.

A Lasting Frustration with RHOP

Monique’s frustrations extended beyond her personal experience, as she also felt the need to protect her family from the show’s fallout.

“They didn’t protect my innocent children,” she said, referring to the invasive nature of reality TV and how it affected her personal life. This protective instinct played a significant role in her ultimate decision to walk away from the franchise, despite her popularity with fans.

What’s Next for Monique?

While Monique has distanced herself from RHOP, she remains a focal point of fan discussions and speculation. Her candor about the show’s inner workings sheds light on the sometimes-murky waters of reality TV production.

As for whether she’ll return to TV in another capacity, Monique remains noncommittal, emphasizing her desire to prioritize authenticity and her family’s well-being over fame.

The Real Housewives of Potomac continues to air Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo. Meanwhile, fans can only imagine what other hidden moments from the show’s past might come to light.