“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Emily Simpson has been open in recent years about some of the struggles in her marriage to Shane Simpson. Recently, in a new interview, the “RHOC” star opened up about how their dynamic has changed, as well as giving an update on them after sharing his eating disorder on the show.
Simpson was interviewed for Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast in August 2026 to discuss season 20 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” During the interview, the hosts noted the show’s conversations about her marriage and asked for an update.
The 50-year-old said, “We’re good.” After that, she noted that they “just have so much going on with kids” that they’re not concerned with “whatever happened on the show.” Simpson explained, “Because we have our own daily issues. We can’t bring any more.”
After that, the “RHOC” star stated that her husband was aware that she discussed their marriage on the series. According to her, “I don’t think he was like super happy about it, but he also is very authentic on camera like I am so.” She went on to state that Shane understood that the things she mentioned on the show were products of the way she felt in the moment.
The ‘RHOC’ Star Says Her Husband No Longer Working Plays A Part In Their Issues
As the interview continued, the podcast host noted that Simpson’s costar, Gina Kirschenheiter, had told them in a previous interview that some of their marital issues in “RHOC” season 20 were a bit more intense than previously shown.
When asked why she believed her costar would feel that way, Simpson began by highlighting that she and Shane have been married for 18 years. She continued, “I think the shifting dynamic of Shane not working and being like full time with the kids is a lot on him.”
After that, Simpson described how her husband “dealt with” the change, stating that he was “snarky” with her “all the time.” She then admitted she did not know whether that was “a fair assessment.” Simpson then said, “And I just felt overwhelmed by everything that I had to do.
In giving examples, she mentioned their shared podcast, “Legally Brunette,” noting that she does “all the research” for it. The “RHOC” star also stated her commitment to the hit Bravo show as part of what made her feel “overwhelmed,” as well as being a mother.
She then said, “I just felt so overwhelmed by everything.” However, the reality star went on to call their union “a normal marriage.”
Emily Also Says Her Husband Needs Validation
While continuing to discuss her marriage, the podcast hosts noted that Simpson comes off as someone who takes on others’ problems while keeping hers to herself. She agreed before adding, “And I think Shane needs, like- to me, it always seems like he needs a lot of gratitude.”
From there, she joked, “All these people want gratitude- like, let it go. Everybody wants a thank you all the time.” She went on to proclaim, “I’m not that person. I’m not- I show gratitude in loyalty and actions. I’m not a really like verbal kind of person.
Simpson was then asked if Shane liked “words of affirmation.” She responded, “He does, and I’m not that person.” Later, she was asked if things have improved and if he’s “taking more responsibilities off of [her] plate. The “RHOC” star stated, “No. I think it’s just still hard every day.”
Emily Simpson Discussed The ‘Ups And Downs’ In Her Marriage Ahead Of ‘RHOC’ Season 20
Simpson was interviewed by ExtraTV in July 2026 ahead of the season 20 premiere of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” During the conversation, she was asked about her marriage to Shane after the trailer showed what appeared to be more problems for the couple.
She said, “Here’s the thing, I’ve been married to the same man for 17 years. We have amazing ups, and we have downs, and we have never altered our behavior on camera. So, you know what? The audience can think what they want to, say what they want, but it is a real marriage.”
The mom of three added, “We’re not pretending. We’re not trying to sugarcoat it. We’re not trying to get along because the cameras just got there. We’re like living life and trying to be parents, and trying to navigate marriage, and trying to navigate kids. And I have a son who has lots of issues, and it’s not easy. And so, you know, it is what it is. It’s a real marriage with ups and downs, and all the things.”
The Bravo Star Gave An Update On Her Son
Simpson revealed that her young son, Luke, had been diagnosed with Avoident/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in July 2025. Most recently, during her Page Six interview, she gave an update on her son’s health.
She said, “You know, it’s hard for me to answer that question. I don’t think that he’s better. I think that we’re still in the trenches and trying to understand everything with him.”
