Two Housewives Exit the Cherry-Blossom Garden
Candiace Dillard Bassett & Robyn Dixon make their exits prior to Season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac
Amid the tumult currently engulfing the Bravo universe, The Real Housewives of Potomac continues to captivate and entertain, consistently delivering its share of unfolding news and controversies.
Just before the three-part reunion special aired, a significant development rocked the Bravo universe: Candiace Dillard Bassett, one of the cherished members of the show, announced she would leave the show. The singer expressed her sincere appreciation, citing "the enriching friendships, personal growth, and moments of introspection that have defined [her] journey" on the series.
However, this departure from RHOP does not mark the end of Candiace's presence on the Bravo reality series. The former Miss United States and Obama campaign staffer shared her intentions to pivot her focus toward her music and acting projects. While she hinted at a potential return to the series, she did not commit to a specific timeline. Instead, she expressed her gratitude to her supporters, emphasizing that stepping away is temporary. "This is not a farewell, but a 'see you later,'" she noted. "With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP."
As she stepped away from the show, Candiace expressed profound gratitude to her fans. "Your unwavering support has been my guiding light, and I look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead—and, more importantly, sharing them all with you," she concluded.
Candiace debuted in 2018 during the show's third season. Her wedding to chef Chris Bassett was prominently featured in the following season, Season 4.
Candiace's tenure on the show has often been characterized by her emotional journey, frequently entangled with drama and personal challenges. Mainly, Season 8 featured significant tensions between her and fellow housewives Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon. This conflict appears poised to remain unresolved in the three-part reunion that aired on March 31st. Previews of the reunion episodes depict Candiace assertively maintaining her stance and reiterating her accusations against both Gizelle and Robyn, even going so far as to label Robyn a 'loser' and Gizelle a ‘bitch.’
Robyn has also revealed her departure from RHOP noting, however, that it was not a voluntary exit but rather a result of being fired from the show. The entrepreneur shared this significant update during the latest episode of her podcast, Reasonably Shady, which she co-hosts with Gizelle. The episode was released on April 15.
"Yes, I will not be returning for season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac," Robyn, revealed. "It's reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugar-coat the situation the situation and say, 'Ooh I am walking away and this is a break' or anything like this. This is a network decision."
The Jasmine Brand first reported Robyn's departure from the show on March 25, the day her co-star Candiace Dillard Bassett revealed her own exit after six seasons. However, Robyn did not publicly address the reports of her departure until the podcast episode released on Monday, in which she discussed her feelings and reflections about leaving the series.
"I'm okay with it because nothing lasts forever. I've had a very long run on the "show, and I just really appreciate that time and the opportunity that I had on the show," she remarked. The mother of two then extended her gratitude both to the network and Truly Original, the production company behind RHOP, acknowledging their roles in her journey on the series.
When Robyn Dixon first appeared on RHOP, she and her former husband, ex-NBA player Juan Dixon, were divorced but still cohabitating. Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed the gradual rekindling of their relationship. Their evolving romance culminated in a private remarriage ceremony, which took place in the presence of their family, including their sons Corey and Carter. This intimate event was a highlight of the season 7 finale, aired as a delightful surprise to the audience.
Sources and fans have suggested that the timing of Robyn's firing became apparent when her storyline predominantly revolved around defending her husband and his allegations rather than confronting these issues directly on the show. While Robyn stated that she and Juan resolved their matters privately, off-camera, her decision to handle these significant aspects of her personal life away from the public eye disappointed fans. Viewers of RHOP are typically engaged by the transparent depiction of the cast members' daily lives and struggles. Robyn's approach has left them detached from her real-life experiences and hidden under a Patreon paywall.
Despite the circumstances surrounding their exits, both women will undoubtedly be missed on the show. Robyn will continue to engage with fans and share her insights as she co-hosts the Reasonably Shady podcast. Meanwhile, Candiace is looking forward to a new chapter in her life as she prepares for the arrival of her first child with Chef Chris, adding an exciting personal milestone to her journey.
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