Garcelle Beauvais shocked fans when she announced she was leaving the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” after five seasons. Claiming her exit was to focus on her twin sons’ final year of high school and a growing slate of professional projects, the 58-year-old actress framed her departure as a personal choice.
However, according to new reports, her decision may have been influenced by behind-the-scenes tension with Bravo and a fallout with longtime ally Sutton Stracke.
While Bravo publicly celebrated her run, new details suggest Beauvais’ final season ended on a sour note—one that reportedly began before the reunion even taped. And while Bravo boss Andy Cohen has publicly praised her contributions, insider claims hint that the decision to walk away—or be quietly pushed out—may not have been entirely hers.
Did Bravo Tension and Her Rift With Sutton Stracke Push Garcelle Beauvais Out?
Though Beauvais framed her exit as self-motivated, an insider told OK! Magazine she had a heated exchange with Bravo prior to the season 14 reunion. The dispute reportedly involved her on-screen bestie Stracke. “There was definitely an incident,” the source claimed, suggesting it “really pissed” Beauvais off. While details are scarce, some fans believe it may have soured her final days on the show.
Further complicating matters are rumors that Beauvais may have actually been fired. According to another insider, producers could be plotting to let Stracke sink or swim without her loyal defender. “Garcelle never gets drunk. She never acts crazy… Sutton is a wildcard, and production likely wants to see her navigate this without such a staunch defender in her corner,” they said. “It’s a classic move in the world of ‘Real Housewives.'”
The source even called Beauvais a “one-trick pony,” speculating that Bravo may have wanted messier dynamics moving forward.
Andy Cohen Weighs In on Garcelle’s Emotional ‘RHOBH’ Exit
Meanwhile, Cohen addressed the exit on “Andy Cohen Live,” revealing the two had an emotional heart-to-heart before Beauvais’ final “Watch What Happens Live” appearance. “She didn’t end in a good place,” he said, referencing the reunion. “We got together… and she let me into where her head was at.”
“She said, ‘I’ve got to choose kind of my life,’” Cohen recalled, adding, “I really respect that.”
He also reiterated that the door remains open. “Call us in a year… see where you’re at,” he told her.
Garcelle echoed that sentiment in her departure statement on Instagram.
“It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later,” she wrote. “Their last year of high school is next year, and I want to be a part of that,” she added, referring to her sons, Jax and Jaid. “Secondly, I have the most exciting projects that I am developing, producing, and acting in.”
Cohen, for his part, praised her run, “An incredible run from an incredible human,” he commented. “BRAVO.”
Whether Beauvais left on her own terms or amid production friction, one thing is clear: her departure marks a major shift for the next season of “RHOBH.”
Part two of the “RHOBH’ reunion airs Tuesday, April 8, on Bravo.
Tell us! Do you think Garcelle Beauvais left “RHOBH” or was pushed out? Would you like to see her return after a brief pause? Let us know in the comments below.
