"It's called sisterhood" — The Real Housewives of Orange County fans react to Vicki defending Shannon against Tamra in Season 18

The Real Housewives of Orange County aired a brand new episode this week on Thursday, August 8, 2024. During the segment, the third member of the famed Tres Amigas, Vicki Gunvalson returned to the show as she joined the cast for a dinner.

However, the reunion wasn't positive as Shannon and Tamra were already at odds. Vicki's presence and support for Shannon made matters worse for the group as the alum, who frequently appears on the show as a friend, defended Shannon as Tamra called out her drinking habits.

Watching the trio argue, fans took to social media to react to the chaotic dinner party and picked sides. Most people criticized Tamra and praised Vicki for standing up for Shannon. One person wrote on X:

"Tamra literally befriended “Lexi” at bravo con solely to bully and embarrass Shannon on national TV. Shannon doesn’t need Vicki to do her dirty work, it’s called sisterhood #RHOC"

"Tamra brings Alexis onto the show for backup then tries to shade Shannon for bringing Vicki (THE OG OF THIS SHOW) to dinner?? #RHOC," a fan commented.

"Maybe the problem is Tamra. She falls out with Vicki every other year and now it’s Shannon. #RHOC," a tweet read.

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 fans sided with Tamra Judge and criticized Vicki for enabling Shannon:

"Team Alexis till the end. Shannon is a lying drunk who will spin every word you say until people think you’re the one making it up. For Vicki to take her side over Tamra!? Shannon didn’t even want to make up with her cancer scheming a**. #rhoc," a person wrote.

"Two things are clear after watching this episode. #RHOC 1. Shannon lives in denial and Vicki is an enabler. 2. Tamra points out the truth in people but yall don’t see it," a fan commented.

The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 fans further said:

"Vicki perfectly scolding Tamra that Shannon doesn’t need to be cussed out but needs a hug and support #RHOC," a person wrote.

"Vicki and Shannon tag teaming Tamra, they are such an iconic duo #RHOC," a fan commented.

"Vicki reading the room down and slamming Tamra on her back, while she claws at her throat #RHOC," a tweet read.

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The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 — Tamra clashes with Shannon and Vicki

In The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) Season 18 Episode 5, titled, Dinner Party Disaster, Tamra stated that she wasn't surprised that Shannon asked Vicki to accompany her since the cast member needed "backup" so that Vicki could do her "dirty work."

As the two sat down, Vicki immediately clashed with Alexis, but that wasn't her only conflict of the night. When the server asked what the group wanted to drink, Vicki assured Shannon that she could have a cocktail. Jennifer pointed out that The Real Housewives of Orange County star didn't need permission but Tamra didn't agree to the two telling Shannon to drink.

"Oh yeah, an alcoholic should drink, yeah," Tamra sarcastically stated.

As the rest of the cast stared at the RHOC star in disbelief, Vicki stated that Shannon could drink since she wasn't driving. Tamra asked the alum whether she "truly believed" Shannon didn't have a "drinking problem" while Shannon asked her to stop.

Shannon asked Tamra who made her the "judge and jury" of what she should be doing. She told Tamra that she woke up "every fricking day" and thought about what happened.

Several The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 18 stars defended Shannon as they believed she had changed. Gina told Tamra that while she understood her concern, she didn't think it was the correct way to discuss it. When Gina asked for Vicki's opinion on the matter, the Bravo celebrity said:

"I think it's disgusting."

She added she was uncomfortable with the fighting while Emily pointed out that Tamra and Vicki always fought. The two argued as Vicki called Tamra a "traitor" referring to the Peacock show Tamra Judge took part in.

For the unversed, in November 2023, Shannon Beader was sentenced to three years of probation and community service after she crashed her car into a house in September 2023. At the time, she was under the influence of alcohol and was legally required to complete a nine-month alcohol program.

Fans of The Real Housewives of Orange County took to social media to react to the conflict between Vicki, Shannon, and Tamra and were divided in their opinion about who was right.

RHOC Season 18 will return to screens next week with a brand new episode on Bravo.