Candiace Dillard at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music

'RHOP' Alum Candiace Dillard Breaks Silence On Reason For Quitting Bravo

Home / News / 'RHOP' Alum Candiace Dillard Breaks Silence On Reason For Quitting Bravo

By Afouda Bamidele on April 15, 2024 at 2:06 PM EDT
Updated on April 15, 2024 at 2:27 PM EDT

Candiace Dillard has unveiled her first pregnancy with her husband, Chris Bassett.

The big news comes just weeks after she announced her departure from the "Real Housewives of Potomac" after six seasons. 

Dillard has now admitted that her pregnancy is the primary reason behind her decision to leave the long-running Bravo series.

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Candiace Dillard Left 'RHOP' To Protect Her & Her Unborn Baby's Space

Candiace recently opened up about how the decision to leave "RHOP" was made so she could focus on her pregnancy without having to deal with any drama. In an interview that featured her and her husband, the 37-year-old said:

"I was really adamant about creating a space for not just the baby, but for me — for us — for this time in our lives." 

She explained that she "wanted the space" around her, Bassett, and their unborn child "to feel peaceful and to feel free and to feel positive without any added pressure, good, bad or indifferent from the show."

"I was not confident that I could have that in the space that the show exists in, currently. It was kind of a no-brainer," Candiace added.

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The television personality expressed that when she initially underwent IVF implantation, she believed she could balance it with her role on "RHOP."

However, as her pregnancy progressed, she quickly realized that the show would not align with her new chapter in life. Hence, as ET detailed, she made the decision on her own accord to let go of the champagne flute.

Emphasizing on shielding herself from negativity during her pregnancy, Candiace stated, "It's such a gift and a blessing, and a really amazing and scary time. I just wanted to experience it free of any unwarranted stuff."

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The Reality Star Shared Her Pregnancy News On Instagram

Candiace also broke the news of her pregnancy to her 603k Instagram followers with a sweet reel featuring her and Bassett. 

"You always tell me how great I am with words. Surprisingly though, when the time came, the perfect words just didn't exist," the expectant star is heard saying while arranging a bouquet of flowers on her kitchen sink.

Her beau soon joined her, excitedly wrapping his hands around her baby bump. Seconds later, Candiace went to open the door after hearing a doorbell to unveil a baby basket on their front porch.

The "Hush" star added, "I am so ready to laugh with you for the rest of our breaths," as she unpacked the content of the basket.

The clip wrapped up with her and Bassett holding up a tablet that contained a sonogram of their baby.

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Social Media Users Are Over The Moon About Dillard's Pregnancy

Upon seeing Dillard's pregnancy news, fans swung into action and began congratulating her, with one person exclaiming, "CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!! She said I'm not arguing with you bitches l'm a MUTHA!"

"SUCH a smart decision to leave RHOP to raise your baby. You know Gizelle and Ashley would have terrorized you until kingdom come. Congrats Candiace and Chris!!!" a second Instagram user declared.

A third person commented, "I completely understand why you decided to take a break! Enjoy your pregnancy!" as a fourth similarly asserted, "So glad you left that show. Gestate in peace!"

"So happy for you! Motherhood is the best HOOD! Wishing you a peaceful and healthy pregnancy sis," a fifth excited follower stressed. 

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At the same time, a sixth internet citizen told Dillard to always remember that she deserved "this and so much more!"

Candiace Dillard's Exit From 'RHOP'

Candiace Dillard attends the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Honoring Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson
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Last month, The Blast reported that Dillard informed fans of her departure from "RHOP" in a statement that began:

"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."

She then declared that she was stepping away from "RHOP" to embrace a "whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate. This is not a farewell, but a 'see you later,'" Dillard said before expressing her gratitude to her fans. In her words:

"Your unwavering support has been my guiding light, and I look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead — and more importantly, sharing them all with you!"

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Robyn Dixon Was Recently Fired From 'RHOP'

Robyn Dixon at Andy's Legends Ball Red Carpet at BravoCon
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Just before Dillard announced her pregnancy, fans learned that Bravo had unceremoniously fired her former co-star, Robyn Dixon

She kicked off the conversation on Monday's episode of her "Reasonably Shady" podcast, saying, "Yes, I will not be returning for season 9 of 'The Real Housewives of Potomac.'" According to The Blast, the "Never Fall in Love" performer revealed: 

"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 and say, 'Ooh, I am walking away, and this is a break' or anything like this. This is a network decision."

Dixon clarified that she is not walking away from the reality series with any resentment. As the 45-year-old dished:

"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."

Up until she was fired, Dixon was a "RHOP" OG, having joined the series when it began in 2016.

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