RHOC Star Says “I’m Out”

Tamra Judge might be ready to step away from The Real Housewives of Orange County once again. The longtime reality star, 57, took to Instagram on Sunday, March 9, to share a cryptic message that strongly suggests she’s moving on.

"It was a long run! When life gives you real problems this reality s–t doesn’t make sense. Peace out I’m out," Judge wrote in an Instagram Story, leaving fans speculating about her future on the show.

Judge has been a key part of RHOC since joining in season 3. She briefly left after season 14 in 2019 but made a much-anticipated return as a full-time Housewife in season 17, which premiered in 2023.

Changes in the RHOC Cast

While Bravo has not yet confirmed the final lineup for the next season, Judge was recently spotted filming with her castmates in New Orleans. Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Gina Kirschenheiter, Jennifer Pedranti, Emily Simpson, and newcomer Katie Ginella were also seen on the trip. Additionally, Gretchen Rossi, who left RHOC after season 8 in 2013, is making a return as a “friend” of the group.

Judge’s potential departure comes amid an emotional time for her. Outside of the show, she has been supporting her close friend and Two Ts in a Pod podcast cohost, Teddi Mellencamp, through serious health struggles.

Teddi Mellencamp’s Health Battle

Mellencamp, 43, first revealed on February 12 that she needed surgery to remove brain tumors. Though the procedure was successful, she later shared an unsettling update: doctors had found five more tumors — three in her brain and two in her lungs.

Despite the diagnosis, Mellencamp remains optimistic about her treatment.

With personal matters taking priority, Judge’s Instagram message suggests that reality TV may no longer be her main focus. However, Bravo has yet to officially confirm whether this marks the end of her RHOC journey.

For now, fans will have to wait and see if Judge’s farewell message was final — or just another twist in her ever-evolving Housewives story.