Wendy Osefo Sparks ‘RHOP’ Boycott Over Colorism Claims

Wendy Osefo Sparks ‘RHOP’ Boycott Over Colorism Claims

The conclusion of another season of The Real Housewives of Potomac  is here and part three of the reunion was nothing short of dramatic. On Sunday’s episode tension between cast members, Candiace Dillard Bassett and Gizelle Bryant, escalate to a heated confrontation.

During part three, Andy Cohen probes Gizelle Bryant about the brutal altercation at her clothing line launch event. When asked about assigning blame for the incident involving Ashley Darby’s friend Deborah Williams — Gizelle implicates Candiace, Wendy Osefo, Deborah, and Keiana Stewart, a close friend of Wendy.

“Wow. Y’all want me to be friends with this? Like you want me to make up with this?” Candiace questions the expectation of reconciliation with the individuals involved in the altercation, seemingly addressing producers offscreen.

Following Mia Thornton’s assertion that Wendy was not involved, Gizelle retracts her statement regarding Wendy’s role. “I’ll take Wendy out of it,” she concedes. “But the incident tarnishing the launch of our business and making headlines on TMZ is deeply concerning.”

When questioned by co-star Karen Huger about her choice of words towards Deborah — Candiace explains that she referred to her as a “varmint,” after Deborah aggressively approached her, demanding to know if she had something to say. Andy then inquires whether Candiace would have used the champagne bottle she was holding in a physical altercation with Deborah, to which Candiace admits uncertainty.

“I don’t know what I would have done. I know that I turned around and I saw this person lunging at me. I’m not expecting you all to fight for me, OK? So I’m on my own,” Candiace declares to her co-stars.

Watch the clip below.

Before the reunion aired, numerous fans launched criticism against Gizelle — accusing her of exhibiting colorist behavior by attributing blame to Wendy and Candiace for the altercation. Certain fans who embraced the colorism narrative were angered by Gizelle’s attribution of the brawl and subsequently called for a boycott of The Real Housewives of Potomac.

Wendy Osefo and Candiace Dillard introduced the colorism narrative to the Real Housewives of Potomac audience — using the narrative as justification for their actions and an attempt to shift blame onto Gizelle and Robyn.  One person wrote, “Gizelle’s comments on the reunion were completely unacceptable. Blaming Candiace and Wendy for the fight reeks of colorism. Bravo needs to take action and address this issue immediately or I’m not watching anymore.”

Another critic commented, “Boycott Bravo! I’m appalled by Gizelle’s behavior on the reunion. It’s clear she’s perpetuating colorism by blaming Wendy and Candiace for the altercation. Bravo, we demand accountability!” 

Someone else stated, “Gizelle’s comments were harmful and offensive. Bravo, if you continue to give her a platform without addressing her colorist behavior, I’m urging everyone to boycott.”

As reported, Candiace was fired from The Real Housewives of Potomac after the conclusion of Season 8. Candiace released the following statement upon her exit.

“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth, and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” she told the outlet, hinting that her departure might only be temporary. “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’”

Recognizing the unwavering support of her fans, Candiace expressed enthusiasm for the adventures that await her, pledging to share them with her dedicated followers.

Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sunday nights, on Bravo, at 8pm ET.

Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips

Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.