"Gaslighting"— The Real Housewives of Orange County fans criticize Tamra for "trying to trigger" Shannon

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 aired episode 7 on Thursday, August 22, 2024, on Bravo. Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador, who had been at odds since before the season started filming sat down for a conversation to have a conversation about their issues.

However, as the two discussed Shannon's drinking habits, Tamra became critical and brought up Shannon's DUI and legal trouble. The latter tearfully walked away and in a confessional, called Tamra's behavior an "example of kicking someone when they're down."

RHOC season 18 fans took to social media to react to the segment and criticized Tamra for not supporting Shannon. They termed her behavior problematic and said she was trying to "trigger" the cast member to drink. One person wrote on X:

"Tamra is caught up in theatrics for tv and doesn’t recognize that baiting and gaslighting a woman and taunting her about her sobriety issues isn’t a good look in the real world… she’s not holding Shannon accountable, she’s trying to trigger her it seems #RHOC"

"Tamra is 100 percent baiting Shannon to drink so she can turn around and say “see, she’s a drunk” That little comment to the producer asking if she left to get a drink solidified it. She’s absolute garbage #RHOC," a fan commented.

"Tamra keeps telling us she cares about Shannon and she’s worried about her, yet she’s literally trying to trigger a breakdown, she’s taunting her, then she jokes with production If Shannon is in the bathroom having a drink…. Girl this is so low in the gutter #RHOC," a tweet read.

The Real Housewives of Orange County fans further criticized the cast member and said she was "not a good friend":

"Tamra is not a good friend. IRL no one would be friends with someone like that. She’s Queen of mean. I feel she says things to hurt Shannon and others to stay on the show. You don’t shame your friend for her struggles and mistakes #RHOC," a person wrote.

"I do not think Tamra’s lying about Shannon’s horrible & erratic behavior. In fact, none of the women are saying she’s wrong, but if you’ve had enough, and you’ve ever loved her as your friend, you don’t make it your only reason to bring her down on national TV #RHOC," a fan commented.

"Tamra with the constant low blows is disgusting. She was never Shannon's true friend. #RHOC," a tweet read.

The Real Housewives of Orange County fans compared Tamra's behavior to Shannon's:

"Mistakes happen & Tamra needs to stop thinking that she is invincible & it cant happen to her. We've seen her on tv the past 10+ years be an alcoholic & make dumb decisions. Berating Shannon, talking shit behind her back, & scolding her, makes Tamra a piece of sh*t friend. #RHOC," a person wrote.

"It’s kind of annoying how the DUI is the bar for Shannon being considered an alcoholic when Tamra drinks just as much & always wants shots…. Like girl the episode opened with empty bottoms and upside down glasses in your guest house on the trip #RHOC," a fan commented.

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Tamra and Shannon clash in The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 episode 7

In The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 episode 7, titled, The Gloves Are Off, Shannon and Tamra had a sit down to resolve their ongoing issues. However, the conversation quickly turned sour when Tamra pointed out that Shannon should have contacted her.

Shannon pointed out that The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 star had been "defaming" her and the two got into an argument. Tamra mimicked the way her Bravo co-star talked and told Shannon she wanted to make things "better" between them.

"You keep saying you're drunk, you need to be sober. You know nothing about me," Shannon stated.

Tamra retaliated by stating she knew "everything" about The Real Housewives of Orange County star while Shannon said she was "focusing" on being healthy. When asked about her drinking, Shannon added she would have two drinks at most.

Tamra asked her if she didn't think she had a drinking problem and Shannon said she was "aware" that she excessively used alcohol during a dark period of her time. As the two argued, Tamra commented on Shannon's DUI.

"Oh, God, Shannon. Have I drove my car into a house?" Tamra said.

Fans of the reality show took to social media to react to the conversation and were upset with Tamra Judge's behavior. They felt she was trying to "bait" and "trigger" Shannon to drink.

The Real Housewives of Orange County will return next week with a brand new episode on Thursday, August 29, 2024, on Bravo.