RHOP Alum Candiace Dillard Bassett Reacts to Karen Huger’s Prison Release
Candiace Dillard Bassett and Karen Huger had a warm relationship for many seasons on Real Housewives of Potomac. And while the Deep Space singer is no longer on the hit reality TV show, she knows the Grande Dame very well. So she was asked to comment about Karen’s early release.
Karen served six months of a two year sentence before release earlier this month. The RHOP star was sent to jail over a DUI arrest in 2024. It was a high profile issue. News of her release was met with differing reactions.
Candiace Dillard Bassett is giving Karen Huger “grace” after her prison release
Candiace was asked to share her thoughts “about hearing that she is home.” It was said that Bravo cameras were present at her release. So there is hope to see her on the upcoming RHOP season.
“I was elated,” the singer replied. “I think we were all kind of surprised that she was released earlier than her original release date. So I was so happy. People make mistakes. And it could have been anyone.”
Candiace continued, “I know people are really hard on her and what to really throw the book at her. But I’m more inclined to give her grace. And I have. I’ve spoken to her. She’s doing really well. She’s resting, she’s recalibrating.”
Most of all, the RHOP alum felt for Karen’s family. Her husband Ray, and daughter Rayvin, appeared on the show at times.
“I felt for her children so much. That’s their mom. And she is the north star of her family. So for her to be away, I know it was hard on them. So I was really in prayer for them, and for her, and Ray. But really for her kids,” Candiace shared.
According to the mother of one, Karen has been “resting and taking time” for herself since returning home. But Candiace predicts a grande comeback. She teased, “when she’s ready to pop out, she’s gonna pop out.”
She concluded, “I’m sure there’s going to be books and movies and all kinds of deals coming her way. And she will take it in with grace and poise. We’ll learn something. She’s gonna teach us something in this new era.”
RHOC Star Emily Simpson Sets the Record Straight on Shane Split Claim
Emily Simpson is shutting down the noise. “The Real Housewives of Orange County” star addressed a misleading claim about her marriage to Shane Simpson after Kim Zolciak shared a clickbait post suggesting the couple had separated.
Emily Simpson Claps Back at Fake Split Rumor
During an “Ask Me a Question” session on her Instagram Story, Emily responded directly to a fan who asked about the supposed announcement. “I just saw a post that you released a statement on you and Shane splitting?!?!” the fan wrote, including a screenshot of the rumor Kim had circulated.
“This is fake,” Emily clapped back, making it clear she and Shane are still very much together.
The 49-year-old mom of three also fielded another question about whether her new podcast with Shane, “Legally Brunette,” has created stress in their relationship. Emily insisted it has actually strengthened their bond.
“I think it has enhanced the marriage,” she explained. “I believe so many people love the podcast because they enjoy the authentic banter of a married couple discussing legal topics/true crime in a fun, informed and witty way. And I truly enjoy these discussions with Shane, and I think that really comes through on the podcast.”
The RHOC Star Opens Up About Marriage Struggles in Season 19
This isn’t the first time Emily has addressed the ups and downs of her marriage. In July, she spoke with the “Housewives Nightcap” podcast from “Access Hollywood,” where she admitted that season 19 of RHOC took a toll on her relationship.
“Shane and I were in the trenches during those, you know, four months of filming, and even afterward, it was very brutal on our marriage,” Emily confessed. “We weren’t on the same page. We were parenting differently.”
She revealed that the stress often left them exhausted and disconnected. “We were just, every day, it was like waking up and just trying to get through the day and struggling and going to bed and crying at night,” she said. “And then waking up and then doing it again the next day. And I just thought this is either going to make us or break us.”
Despite the rocky times, Emily reminded fans that she and Shane have stayed committed. “I mean, clearly we’re still together, we’re not getting a divorce,” she added. “We’ve had challenging things. We’ve been married almost 17 years now.”
Emily also shared her heartbreak over their son Luke’s struggles during the season 19 trailer. In one emotional moment, she told Shane, “Luke, he’s sad, and it breaks my heart.” In a voiceover, she admitted, “I have a son that’s in crisis, and I feel alone in that. We’re gonna end up divorced.”
But for now, Emily is proving that the rumors are just noise.
Fans can watch Emily Simpson on new episodes of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” on Thursday nights on Bravo.
