Bravo’s Andy Cohen is opening up about the RHOP season 8 reunion and the exit announcements from stars Robyn Dixon and Candiace Dillard.
On Monday’s episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, host Andy Cohen weighed in on the conclusion of the Real Housewives of Potomac season 8 reunion. He also dished on Robyn Dixon and Candiace Dillard‘s departures from the franchise.
“When I tell you that reunion took, I think we were done around 9:00. It was not a good day,” the Watch What Happens Live host said on Monday’s Andy Cohen Live. “There was a lot going on personally and also, I really felt like we didn’t get to the place with the group that I had hoped we would’ve, which is what our goal was at the beginning of the reunion.”
He then commented on the departures of Robyn and Candiace.
“She announced that she was let go and I so respect Robyn for truth bombing,” he said of the RHOP OG’s exit announcement. “Anyone can say whatever they want when they leave the Housewives and I just love it that that’s what she said. She was like, ‘Look, I’m gonna be straight with you.’”
The 55-year-old acknowledged that “both of them contributed mightily to the show.”
He continued, “Wish both Candiace and Robyn and I do hope to see both of them back on our Potomac screens in the future. Candiace, who clearly, I think has a pretty big music career ahead of her.”
“Robyn Dixon, who has been there since day one and has opened up an unconventional family life, but one that really works for her and is based on such a long history with she and Juan [Dixon],” Andy Cohen added.
This statement from Andy comes fresh off the heels of Robyn Dixon announcing that she was fired from the series after 8 seasons.
“Yes, I will not be returning for season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac,” the 45-year-old RHOP star said in a statement on Monday, April 15. “It’s reality. The network did not invite me back. I was fired, for lack of better words. I will not sugar-coat the situation the situation and say, ‘Ooh I am walking away and this is a break’ or anything like this. This is a network decision.”
“I’m okay with it because nothing lasts forever. I’ve had a very long run on the show, and I just really appreciate that time and the opportunity that I had on the show,” she said, before thanking Bravo and Truly Original, the production company behind RHOP.
“Thank you to the fans who have watched us from day 1,” she continued. “I do want to especially thank all of the fans and viewers who have supported me, showed loved to me. Whether you directly sent me love or you prayed for me or you have positive thoughts around me, I appreciate you. And I hope I inspired you the viewers, the fans, to live your life authentically. To not feel pressure to change for anyone, or impress people, and just to be yourself.”
Candiace Dillard her departure from RHOP on March 25 via a statement to PEOPLE.
“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” the 37-year-old said in a statement. ”With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”
TheJasmineBRAND also reports that Nneka Ihim has been let go from the hit Bravo show amid a rumored cast shake-up.
With Robyn, Candiace, and Nneka gone the remaining RHOP cast would consist of Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, Mia Thornton, Ashley Darby, and Wendy Osefo.
The Real Housewives of Potomac is expected to return for season 9 in early 2025.