Stacey Rusch is still riding the high of becoming one of the most popular cast members on Bravo’s “RHOP.” Recently, she was named one of the most powerful people in unscripted television by Vulture, and she called her position in pop culture history “a blessing.” Also, during that interview, the former QVC host opened up about her “Real Housewives of Potomac” castmates and shared her candid thoughts on her on-screen nemesis, Gizelle Bryant.
Rusch joined the cast of “RHOP” in 2024, starring alongside Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Mia Thornton, Keirna Stewart, and, of course, Bryant.
Speaking of Bryant, she feuded with Rusch during her rookie season and continued to bump heads in 2025.
Their tense interaction was not a surprise to “Potomac” viewers, given Bryant’s long history of feuding with newcomers.
Despite their beef, Rusch gave Bryant her flowers during her recent interview, calling the mother of three 100% authentic.
“Gizelle Bryant is exactly who she is on-camera,” Rusch said. “You get what you get, 24/7, lights on or lights off, cameras up or cameras down. Gizelle is just going to be Gizelle.”
Rusch Says This One Person Is ‘Completely Different’ When The ‘RHOP’ Cameras Are Rolling
Rusch couldn’t say the same for all of her “RHOP” co-stars, though. Continuing, Rusch said that Darby tends to blow with the wind depending on who is around.
“Someone who’s a little wishy-washy, depending on if the cameras are up, that would definitely be messy Ashley Darby,” Rusch shared boldly. “You never know what you’re going to get with her.”
Rusch’s comments are hardly a surprise, given that Darby attempted to air her dirty laundry out for the world to see during “RHOP” season 10.
According to Bravo’s Daily Dish, Darby sparked controversy when she asked Monique Samuels’ ex-husband, Chris Samuels, whether he had hooked up with Rusch.
While Chris Samuels never appeared on the show to tell his side of the story, Darby was adamant that the former NFL star had hinted that things were escalating between them.
“So, Stacey lyin’,” Darby said on camera; meanwhile, Bryant chimed in, accusing Rusch of “lyin’ through her teeth.”
“No means no. No answer means yes,” Bryant added. “If he didn’t [hook up with Stacey], he would’ve said no.”
Rusch Is Returning For A Third Year On ‘RHOP’
Rusch’s comments about her co-stars come amid the reality star’s third year filming “RHOP.”
According to a previous report from The Blast, the show’s 11th season will feature the returning vets and welcome back Karen Huger (who was imprisoned during season 10) and Robyn Dixon.
For those who may have been unfamiliar, Dixon departed the show after season 8, revealing that Bravo decided to move in a different direction.
“Yes, I will not be returning to season nine of The Real Housewives of Potomac,” she said. “It’s reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugarcoat the situation and say, ‘Oh, I am walking away and this is a brea’ or anything like this. This is a network decision.”
‘Real Housewives Of Potomac’ Should Touch On Huger’s Substance Abuse
While Huger has spoken briefly about her time in prison, a portion of “RHOP’s” 11th season will likely focus on her addiction struggles.
During a sit-down interview with Andy Cohen, Huger said she was grateful to the show for helping her realize she needed help.
“The show actually saved me,” she said. “It occupied me. I think I would have spiraled quicker without it. It gave me discipline. I had a routine. So, I can’t hate it. I don’t hate it. And I don’t need to blame it either. No, I was responsible for me. I was sick. I have the disease of alcoholism. I have the disease of, you know, taking prescription medicine and abusing it. That’s me.”
Osefo Is Facing Criminal Charges
Another major storyline of season 11 will undoubtedly be about Osefo’s ongoing legal woes.
The Blast reported about her and her husband’s October 2025 arrest, during which they were accused of reporting a fake burglary to secure massive payments from various insurance companies.
The pair are facing various fraud charges and could spend up to 15 years in prison.
At BravoCon, Osefo thanked the audience for their support with a vulnerable message.
“I read your messages. I can’t respond to everyone, but your love and support means the world to me,” she said. “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.”