Tamra Judge reminded viewers that she is “human” when asked about her decision to briefly quit the Real Housewives of Orange County.
Us Weekly talked to Tamra at Alexis Bellino’s bridal shower about her dramatic exit (and meek return) to Bravo TV.
According to Tamra:
The longest-running Real Housewife said she was “devastated” to watch Teddi Mellencamp, her BFF and biz partner, battle stage 4 cancer. Tamra “wasn’t eating or sleeping.”
The lack of rest and nutrition weighed on the former CUT Fitness owner. “I would have to take Xanax to even cope during the day without crying. I was wasting away; I was down to, like, 108 pounds.”
What happened in New Orleans …
… wasn’t left in New Orleans.
“It was such a painful time in my life, and I just didn’t want to relive it,” Tamra explained when asked about watching the footage of her quitting RHOC.
“I had a few drinks and I had an Xanax, and it was the worst thing I could have done.” Tamra continued, “I just decided this isn’t for me right now. I can’t do this anymore. And I left.”
While the season trailer indicates Tamra will return later this season, the reality star said a break from filming helped her focus on herself.
Tamra needed to remind RHOC fans that she’s a human:
“I’m not asking for grace,” explained Tamra. “I’m not asking for people to feel sorry for me, but I’m a human.”
“I might seem tough but it doesn’t mean I don’t have any feelings. To see people like Emily [Simpson] and Gina [Kirschenheiter] say the things they said about me and not have any compassion? Honestly, Heather’s the only one that truly had any compassion whatsoever for me.”
As for why she wanted to get back to filming after a break, Tamra said Teddi encouraged her to go back and finish her commitment. “I am a person that gives 100 percent in everything I do.”
Tamra couldn’t resist adding, “Every storyline is about me.”
