After six seasons of appearing on “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” Candiace Dillard-Bassett has called it quits. The singer joined the show during Season 3, immediately becoming a fan favorite. Although she is one of the franchise’s youngest housewives, she proved her intelligence as a wordsmith with her endless shade and iconic wit. However, Dillard-Bassett quit “RHOP” after a tumultuous season.
In a statement to People magazine, Dillard-Bassett stated put things into perspective for fans.
“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac,’ I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth, and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” she shared. “With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”
Why did Dillard-Bassett leave the show?
Dillard-Bassett’s departure from the show was announced on March 25, 2024. Subsequently, some fans were shocked, while others understood her decision to leave the show. Although the housewife had been involved in several arguments with other cast members throughout her time on the show, she seemingly reached her breaking point during Season 8.
Fans speculate that the rift between Dillard-Bassett and original “RHOP” cast members Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon had gone too far. Seasons 7 and 8 saw Bryant confronting the pageant queen about her husband, Chris Bassett, making her feel uncomfortable in a hotel room after filming the Season 6 reunion. Additionally, Dillard-Bassett was involved in an altercation with fellow castmate Ashley Darby’s friend, Deborah Williams.
Although the “RHOP” production team did not capture the “brawl” — which was recorded by a club attendee and shared with TMZ — the cast became polarized as they began to place blame. Some ladies believed that the former Miss United States instigated the fight with insults. Others felt that many people were responsible and that the incident was preventable.
As “RHOP” fans know, this is not the first fight that the “Drive Back” singer has been involved in. During Season 4, Dillard-Bassett threw a butter knife at Darby during a verbal exchange in her home. In addition, former housewife Monique Samuels and Dillard-Bassett had an argument during Season 5 that led to blows and Samuels’ exit from the show.
Dillard-Bassett revealed why she really left ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac.’
On April 15, 2024, Dillard-Bassett and her husband, Chris, announced the pregnancy of their first child together. The couple posted an adorable video to Instagram, making the announcement official. Fans were ecstatic, as longtime “RHOP” viewers watched the two get married in 2018.
The pregnancy announcement comes just three weeks after announcing that Dillard-Bassett quit “RHOP.” The soon-to-be mother told Entertainment Tonight that her pregnancy is the primary reason she decided to leave the show. During her interview with the outlet, she stated that she wants the space for her and her husband to enjoy the transition.
“I wanted the space around us and around our child to feel peaceful, free, and positive without any added pressure, good, bad, or indifferent from the show,” she shared. I was not confident that I could have that in the space that the show exists in currently. It was kind of a no-brainer.”
The former housewife also revealed that this baby is the result of IVF implantation. Upon finding out she was pregnant, she believed she could remain a cast member but ultimately decided that it was best to leave the show.
Luckily for fans, this may not be the last time we see the beauty queen grace our TV screens. According to People magazine, Dillard-Bassett’s exit may be a break.
“This is not a farewell, but a see you later,” she told the publication.
Although fans may be sad to see her go, there is hope that Dillard-Bassett will return. We’d like to wish Candiace and Chris all the best in the new phase of their lives.
What is your favorite Candiace moment on “RHOP?” Let us know in the comments below.
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