Scandal, Betrayal, and Divorce: The Truth Behind Monique Samuels’ Departure from RHOP

Monique Samuels’ exit from The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) in 2020 marked the end of a tumultuous chapter in her reality TV career. As a prominent cast member since Season 2, Monique brought fans into her world, showcasing her growing family, entrepreneurial ventures, and the ups and downs of being a housewife. However, her departure after Season 5 was riddled with drama, personal struggles, and a quest for peace.

The Fight That Changed Everything

Monique’s time on RHOP took a dramatic turn during a wine-tasting event in Season 5. An explosive altercation with castmate Candiace Dillard Bassett left viewers and the cast divided. The fight, involving hair-pulling and physical confrontation, escalated tensions both on and off the screen.

According to castmate Robyn Dixon, the incident unfolded as follows:

Candiace asked Monique to “drag her” while lightly touching Monique’s vest.
A misunderstanding led Monique to believe Candiace was provoking her further.
Monique retaliated by grabbing Candiace’s hair, leading to chaos that producers had to intervene to stop.
While both women faced assault charges, the case was ultimately dismissed. Monique later revealed on the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast that Bravo’s handling of the aftermath made her feel devalued. “They tried to ban me from doing press and treated me as less than human,” she shared.

Walking Away from RHOP

The fallout from the fight was compounded by allegations of infidelity and questions about the paternity of Monique’s youngest child, Chase. Monique felt her co-stars and Bravo conspired to create damaging narratives. During an Instagram Live after the explosive Season 5 reunion, Monique explained her decision to leave. “I’m over it. Reality TV is draining, and I have to protect my family,” she said.

Monique accused her co-stars of meeting off-camera to strategize her removal from the show. While Candiace denied involvement, Monique believed the effort was intentional.

Reflecting on her departure, Monique told US Weekly:

“I was working overtime to check myself. I don’t want to represent the stereotypes perpetuated on TV. I want to be a positive example for my kids, and I knew it was time to walk away.”

Life After RHOP: Love & Marriage and New Beginnings

In 2022, Monique made her reality TV return alongside her husband, Chris Samuels, on Love & Marriage: DC. While the show offered a fresh platform, she left after one season, citing creative differences. “At this point, I’m done with reality TV unless it aligns with my values and respects my worth,” she stated.

Her personal life also took a significant turn in 2023 when she announced her separation from Chris after more than a decade of marriage. Monique later revealed in a YouTube video that their relationship struggles had been building for years, with unmet needs and unresolved frustrations.

Building a Legacy Beyond TV

Monique has since shifted her focus to her entrepreneurial and creative pursuits. She runs Mila Eve Essentials, an essential oils business, and continues her work as a podcaster and radio host.

Reflecting on her journey, Monique expressed no regrets about leaving RHOP behind:

“It was worth it because my peace means more than any show or paycheck. I want to live authentically and unapologetically.”

Through the highs and lows, Monique Samuels has emerged as a resilient figure, prioritizing her family, personal growth, and peace over the spotlight.

Fans can catch glimpses of Monique’s inspiring journey through her social media, where she continues to share her story of reinvention and empowerment.