Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 has been must-see television. We returned to the original Housewives series on the back of Shannon Beador pleading no contest and receiving three years’ probation after being charged with her DUI. Many wondered how she would film the new season, and most viewers assumed she wouldn’t be drinking. While that wasn’t the case, the vast majority of fans feel as though she has taken as much responsibility as is necessary for her crime, but fellow castmate and former Tres Amiga, Tamra Judge, felt differently.
As Tamra hammered Shannon on her drinking habits, branding her an “alcoholic” and “drunk” whenever they got into conflict, it was clear that the tide was not turning in Tammy Sue’s favor. She was going way too hard. Whether right or wrong, the vitriol and pure hate for Tamra – and of course, Alexis Bellino – has reached a peak online unlike anything I remember in recent Real Housewives history. It’s giving Camille Meyer, formerly Camille Grammer, being branded the most hated woman in America, after Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ debut season.
With Tamra also recently opening up about a conversation she had with her therapist, clumsily stating she was “on the spectrum” without an official diagnosis, that online nastiness has continued to spiral. She apologized for “speaking too soon,” but yet again, RHOC fans won’t give her the benefit of the doubt. The hate has now turned into a campaign to see Tamra fired from the series altogether. And now I’m left thinking that this Tamra Judge hate train has gone way too far.
Tamra Judge has regrets over her RHOC Season 18 behavior
What confuses me the most about the RHOC audience is their willingness to allow Shannon the space to reflect on her regrets, but their unease in offering that same olive branch to Tamra. She has publicly stated on numerous occasions – including a recent spot on Watch What Happens Live – that she regrets some of her behavior in regards to Shannon during RHOC Season 18. Why can the viewing public forgive Shannon for putting lives at danger with her reckless actions that resulted in her DUI, but not Tamra for being upfront and honest with her feelings about her former best friend’s actions? The math isn’t mathing.
Call out Tamra’s RHOC antics, sure. But do we really need to demand the network fire her, encourage other castmates to sue her, and bring up her estranged daughter at every opportunity? Even the usually hilarious Drunk Drawn went a step too far in drawing Tamra as Gollum. It feels low; especially coming from fans who are supposed to enjoy the show and not try to be a part of it. We’ve seen how toxic a series like this can get with Real Housewives of New Jersey’s recent downfall. Do we really want Real Housewives of Orange County to go the same way?
Tamra is doing her job, and without her or Alexis, this season might have been a snoozefest. They’ve brought to the forefront conversations that needed to be had. And while their delivery is far from perfect, fans of REALITY television should be thankful for their inclusion.
Reality TV stars are real people, and fans must consider Tamra’s mental health
After saying she was “on the spectrum” and receiving backlash for it, Tamra posted a long statement to social media about her mental health. “I have past trauma that is deep and painful,” she revealed. “This is something I’ve suppressed for 15 years.” Thankfully, she added that she is now getting the help she needs, and was rightfully proud of that.
“I think it’s best to move forward more privately until I get to a better mental space,” Tamra continued. “My mental health is just not strong enough where I can be judged and hated on right now. Yes, I’m admitting I’m weak. And I’m okay with that right now.”
When someone is being so vulnerable about their mental health, listen. It’s time to put down the pitchforks. Whatever your thoughts, someone’s mental health isn’t up for speculation, questioning, or judgment. That’s why it’s so surprising to see Tamra’s former best friend, Vicki Gunvalson, encouraging her castmates to sue her. Not only that, but she is taking personal swipes whenever she gets the opportunity. It seems Vicki was never Tamra’s friend after all.
Thankfully, Tamra said the upcoming RHOC Season 18 reunion was “surprising.” There are hints that she and Shannon may have rebuilt some form of a relationship. Whether that’s the case or not, however, it’s time to stop the witch hunt. Tamra hasn’t killed anybody; she’s simply played the villain on a reality TV show.
The Real Housewives of Orange County is available to stream on Peacock.
