Tamra Judge announced her departure from The Real Housewives of Orange County on Instagram amid a cast trip to New Orleans.
After traveling to Louisiana with her co-stars, including Shannon Beador, 50, Heather Dubrow, 56, Emily Simpson, 49, Gina Kirschenheiter, 40, Jennifer Pedranti, 47, Katie Ginella, 40, and Gretchen Rossi, 46, who were spotted filming in numerous locations in the area, Tamra, 57, said she’s “out,” explaining that she would instead be focusing on her “real problems.”
“It was a long run! When life gives you real problems this reality sh*t doesn’t makes sense. Peace out … I’m out,” she wrote in a March 9 post.
She then further confirmed her exit, responding to a fan page who asked if she was leaving the show.
“[Tamra Judge just posted this?? The cast is currently in New Orleans on their cast trip … Is Tamra quitting?” wrote Taste of Reality on Instagram.
“Yes!!!” Tamra replied in a comment.
Amid the RHOC cast’s trip to New Orleans, a number of photos and videos were shared online, including a post in which Tamra was said to be “looking out of place.”
“Tamra Judge appeared out of place as she filmed the Real Housewives of Orange County in New Orleans with cast. Later in the evening, Tamra announced she was quitting the show,” explained All About TRH.
Following the sharing of Tamra’s announcement, RHOC fans had mixed emotions.
“[Yay] she’s leaving,” one person proclaimed.
“This was a long time coming if it’s true,” another agreed.
A third person suspected Gretchen prompted Tamra’s exit, suggesting her new role as a “friend” was “the nail in the coffin.”
“I don’t think she’s serious but Gretchen did the job finally,” another fan replied.
Someone else wondered if Tamra was leaving the show due to podcast co-host and friend Teddi Mellencamp‘s brain cancer battle.
“Don’t you guys think it’s because of [Teddi]?” they asked.
“Maybe with her friend and fellow podcaster Teddi’s diagnosis, she’s [realized] this stress isn’t worth it,” someone agreed.
Others doubted that Tamra was serious.
“It’s just part of her drama. She will be ‘convinced’ to return by Shannon or someone,” one person stated.
Tamra joined the series for season three and continued to appear on the show in a full-time role until the end of season 14. She then took two seasons off and returned for season 17.