14 years ago, I was getting into the Real Housewives of DC. I had a sister who went to college in the country’s capital. And some of the women’s haunts reminded me of a fun time in my life. The series had a very different vibe from the rest of the Real Housewives programs. It showed the inner workings of how to open doors that could lead to cool experiences. Bravo ended up canceling the series, leaving fans frustrated. I remember it being so good!
The series took place at a time when D.C. was trendier than usual on TV. Probably thanks to President Barack Obama’s election. I genuinely thought the cast—Lynda Erkiletian, Mary Amons, Michaele Salahi, Cat Ommanney, and Stacie Turner—were perfect for the drama. So bear with me as we take a walk down memory lane for one of the all-time best moments in Bravo history.
Trouble in The District
The story of Michaele and Tareq Salahi is one of manipulation and control. Both are professional liars who live a life we can only dream of, mainly because it is far from the truth. Michaele always acted like she was the main engineer of a lot of the grift. She was clearly blowing through her husband’s money at warp speed and alienating him from the rest of his family. Michaele acted like crashing a White House Correspondent Dinner was no big deal at all.
Fans who watched the series will recall that Bravo cameras were with the couple every step of the way. Between bragging to all their friends about their upcoming dinner, finding a dress, stiffing the salon, and walking through the security checkpoints, cameras were there to document it all. To the shock of literally everyone in the United States, the Virginia couple made it past multiple security points. They hobnobbed with Vice President – now President- Joe Biden. And even took a photo with him. If these simpletons reality TV stars could schmooze the secret service, who else was capable of getting close to government officials. The idea and experience were downright frightening.
The facts
Before there was Scandoval or Reality Von Tease, there was the Real Housewives of D.C. White House Correspondent Dinner. So, what happened within the ill-fated series? Picture it: On November 24, 2009, President Obama was hosting his first state dinner in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Salahis turned up and were able to comfortably walk through. They bypassed not one but two high-security checkpoints, according to the New York Times. Perhaps the most mind-blowing fact was that one of the security checkpoints included a named guest list that they were not listed on.
In an even more stunning turn of events, members of the press, including outlets like The Washington Post, had claimed to have recognized the Bravo stars, even raising questions about their attendance. However, worries were pushed aside. Michaele and Tareq rubbed elbows with Washington’s elite while drinking champagne in the Blue Room. After such a kerfuffle, the White House launched an investigation into what went wrong.
Brittany and Jax take D.C.
After such a chaotic moment on reality TV, imagine fans’ surprise when they heard that Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright were guests at the White House Correspondent Dinner this past weekend. On April 27, The Valley stars walked the red carpet separately, holding their actual invitations. The event was hosted by Colin Jost at the Washington Hotel, and President Biden was in attendance. Brittany wore a strapless black gown, and Jax sported a black tux.
Jax shared a video from the event, and it looked like he was very much welcome. The couple sat at their table and seemed to be making the best of their evening even though they were separated. I dare say Michaele and Tareq might have needed to take a page out of Jax’s book, but it is safe to say the now-divorced couple will never get within 10 feet of the White House after their little stunt ever again.
TELL US – DO YOU REMEMBER THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DC’S WHITE HOUSE MOMENT?
