(The Slice): Monique Samuels has bowed out of the ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac,’ after contributing unforgettable drama to the fifth season. Samuels, who started in season 2, was not a part of the cast when it broke ratings records for Bravo, earning the highest premiere numbers in the frabchise's hsitory, but she dropped some major bombs that kept audiences captive during the season 5. In her final season, the wife of retired Washington Redskins player did her part in helping the whow surpass the ratings of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for the first time.
Bringing a binder of "receipts" about Gizelle and Jamal Bryant's relationshiop to the set, she became the focal point of the reunion. Samuels exposed the allegation that the Bryants were faking a relathionship for the show. She supplied Mr. Bryant's cell phone number and a text message from one of his lovers as proof. But it was her nonchalant attitude about her violent on-screen altercation at a winery with Candiace Dillard that kept her in the spolight one last time.
The toxicity of Samual's role on the show has left the remaining cast divided. Her facetime was limited this season. She did not go on the Portugal trip o attend the Juan Dixon's surprise proposal tp Robin, although Karen awkwardly invited Candiance and Monique to her wig party. Candiace had vowed she would not return if Monique continued filming. Dr. Wendy Osefo also refused to appear on camera with the mother of three. Gizelle and Robin both expressed thier discomfort in working with someone who would resort to physical fights. Only Ashley and Karen have stood by Monique's side throughout this ordeal.
Being the subject of rumors also kept interest in the Samuels during Season 5. Former cast member Chereise rumors about the paternity of Samuels’ son Chase. And, as Samuels explained in her Instagram video, “when the hate becomes real, I’m over it.”
“If my kids were to get older and say they watched everything and they watched the show, what response can I give them? What would satisfy that?” she added. “I wanted to represent real Black love and show people something outside what the stereotype has been on TV. Unfortunately, this season I played right into that stereotype… I was working overtime to really check myself because that’s the exact opposite of what I want to display on a TV show, and in real life, most importantly. I’m always going to be a great example and role model for my kids, and you have to know when enough is enough. And enough is enough.”
Candiace is likely to be back in season 6 since Monique is gone.