"Heartbreaking" — The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans react to Garcelle talking about son Oliver's past addiction

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 14 released episode 6, Venom in the Viper Room, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. It featured Garcelle opening up about her son Oliver's past addiction and its impact on their relationship. While recalling Oliver's battle with drug abuse, Garcelle revealed she practiced "tough love" with him, hoping it would help him turn his life around.

Garcelle shared that years ago when Oliver was struggling with addiction, she had to bar him from entering the house, although he requested to be let in. She believed it was during that incident that Oliver realized he needed to mend his ways to stay connected to his family. Although it devastated Garcelle not to let her son inside, she knew it was what had to be done.

However, she was glad Oliver took on healthier ways and changed his life for the better. Not only did it help Oliver, but it also positively impacted his relationship with Garcelle. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans took to X to sympathize with the mother-and-son duo. While many appreciated Garcelle for being vulnerable, others applauded Oliver's recovery.

"Garcelle’s story with Oliver is really heartbreaking. Having a loved one with addiction is a terrifying experience," a fan wrote.

"The way Garcelle opened up about Oliver was really touching... They've clearly been through a lot together. She's such a great mom," another fan commented.

"Garcelle sharing the story about Oliver & his addiction is real. Again showing her real life," a netizen tweeted.

Many fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills congratulated Garcelle and Oliver for being in a better place.

"I’m in tears… Garcelle is being extremely vulnerable about her and Oliver’s relationship. I’m so glad they’re in a great place now," a user reacted.

"The fact Garcelle is reconnecting with Oliver especially now that he himself has a child… it allows a different level of empathy from both of them that they probably never once had or thought abt… it’s so beautiful to see that shine through and actually stay consistent," a person commented.

"I can't imagine what it's like having to show your child tough love, but it was necessary. I'm happy that Garcelle and Oliver are in a better place," another fan wrote.

"So happy her son Oliver is healthy in both mind and body, hope his love life gets balance too," one user posted.

Other fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills praised Garcelle for being vulnerable and sharing Oliver's story.

"Wow this can’t be easy for Garcelle to share about Oliver," a person reacted.

"The haters always say Garcelle doesn’t open up on this show but not many housewives would have admitted what she did when it comes to her son. I’m very happy they are in such a great place," another netizen commented.

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"Felt 1000 pounds of guilt" — The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Garcelle on not letting her son enter the house

While reflecting on the past, Garcelle detailed how difficult it was for her to practice "tough love," knowing Oliver was battling drug abuse and was homeless. Although she felt guilty, she admitted she could not do anything.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star recalled Oliver turning up at her house years ago, wanting to get in. When Garcelle looked outside to see her son, she saw Oliver "in the body form," not in his demeanor. Despite her pleas for Oliver to stop trying to get into the pool house, he continued to. She, ultimately, decided to be quiet, so Oliver would "go somewhere else."

"I watched him walk away and I didn't take him in. I felt 1000 pounds of guilt, not letting him in. This was the tough love that we had to do so that hopefully, that's the thing that changes things. That's the thing, if he can't see his brothers, he can't see us, he can't come to the house. And I think for Oliver, it was that," she added.

However, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member was glad Oliver had worked his way out of the challenging period of his life and now focused on parenting his son, Oliver Jr. alongside his wife, Samantha Saunders.

In an interview with Confessional Magazine in 2021, Oliver opened up about his past addiction, crediting Samantha and Oliver Jr., for motivating him to turn his life around.

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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs every Tuesday at 8 pm ET exclusively on Bravo.