Monique Samuels shocked “Real Housewives of Potomac” fans when she returned to the franchise after a five-year absence. Now, as the returning cast members for season 11 have been announced, rumors are swirling regarding her future on the show.
After Samuels was not mentioned in the official Bravo cast list for returning “Housewives” and “Friend Ofs,” fans began to wonder if her return was over and done after just one season.
According to The Neighborhood Talk, sources close to Monique Samuels shared with the outlet that she will be returning to “RHOP” in a “friend of” role just like last season. However, as of now, her return has not yet been confirmed by Bravo or the show’s production team.
It was previously reported that Samuels was left out of the season 11 cast due to lack of drama surrounding her ex-husband Chris Samuels, who was rumored to have dated cast member Stacey Rusch.
Per Reality Blurb, a source said that “Bravo thought they were going to get some drama from the Chris Samuels and Stacey Rusch situation,” but “The rumored situation with Chris and Monique failed to bring any real drama.”
The source also noted that Samuels’ “failed receipts” at the reunion and her “backpedaling” afterward on social media didn’t inspire Bravo to grant her another season.
Season 11 Of ‘RHOP’ Will Be An OG Reunion
On April 10, Bravo took to social media to announce the returning cast for “RHOP” season 11, and while it was expected that Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, and Stacey Rusch would return, the inclusion of franchise OGs Robyn Dixon and Karen Huger grabbed all the attention.
Huger was last seen during part three of the season 10 reunion, which followed her sit-down interview with Andy Cohen discussing her prison stay, sobriety, and future on the show. She will return to the show in a full-time role after being absent last season.
Meanwhile, Dixon has not appeared on “RHOP” since she was fired after season 8. She was set to appear last season for a celebration of her “Reasonably Shady” podcast with Bryant, who confirmed that Dixon chose not to attend because she was not happy “with how she left the show.”
Her outlook has obviously changed because Dixon is returning as a “Friend Of,” meaning that the dynamic duo of the “Green-Eyed Bandits,” her bestie friendship with Bryant, is back together again.
Gizelle Bryant And Robyn Dixon May Confront Wendy Osefo’s Legal Issues In The New Season
Both Bryant and Dixon have previously discussed Osefo’s serious legal issues on their podcast, but since Dixon has been away from the show and given her lingering issues with Osefo, she could confront her head-on in season 11.
In October 2025, shortly after Osefo and husband Eddie were indicted on multiple federal felony charges, Bryant and Dixon spoke about their legal drama on “Reasonably Shady.”
“First, I want to say that I am highly shocked, surprised, and disappointed by these charges,” Dixon said, with Bryant noting how “disappointed” she was about the couple’s legal woes.
“Why? That’s my biggest question?” Bryant asked rhetorically. “I immediately thought, first of all, huge disappointment. Sad, right, because this is so sad for their children.”
“Guilty or innocent, their parents were removed from their house and brought down to a police station, and charged. They have mugshots, that is, I’m sure, super scary for their children, so sad,” she continued.
Wendy Osefo Is Facing Several Years Behind Bars
A few weeks after ‘RHOP’ began airing its 10th season, news of Osefo and her husband Eddie’s arrest on multiple felony fraud charges sent shockwaves throughout the franchise. In October 2025, the couple was arrested in Maryland with a combined total of 33 counts of fraud.
Wendy was hit with 15 charges, while Eddie has 18 charges of his own. The charges were brought about following an extensive investigation by authorities after the Osefos reported a burglary that authorities say was a fraudulent attempt to file false insurance claims. If convicted, they could face 25 years in prison.
While attending BravoCon the following month, which many were surprised to see she attended, Wendy addressed her legal troubles to fans.
“I read your messages. I can’t respond to everyone, but your love and support means the world to me,” Wendy said at the time. “You know, it’s an unfortunate situation, and right now I can’t say too much, but I will say when the time is right, I will share my story with everyone, and for now they’re just allegations, so we will continue to push forward.”
The Cast Has Already Been Spotted Filming
Eager “RHOP” was excited earlier this month when the cast was seen filming in D.C. Bryant, Dixon, Huger, Darby, Osefo, and Rusch were all seen filming at a Washington Wizards game.
It should also be noted that since filming has already started, it is highly likely that Bravo cameras will capture Osefo’s fraud trial that starts in May.
