Shannon Beador Casts Doubt On 'RHOC' Return Ahead Of Season 18 Reunion

Just days before the "Real Housewives of Orange County" highly anticipated Season 18 reunion, Shannon Beador is questioning her future with the show. 

Her hesitations come at a tense time—Beador and ex-boyfriend John Janssen are locked in a $75,000 legal battle and have firmly rejected any chance of mediation. 

In the wake of a "difficult" season, Shannon Beador reveals her struggle to stay connected to the franchise, citing a desire to distance herself from "toxic situations." 

Despite feeling stronger today, Beador admits that filming was not easy, as she was forced to confront some deeply personal struggles. This included a DUI arrest and a tough breakup with longtime boyfriend John Janssen, just as the cameras began rolling.

The reality TV star shared that these experiences left her in an emotionally raw place, making it "very difficult to go through" the season. The weight of filming during such personal upheavals took its toll, pushing her to reevaluate her commitment to the show.

Although Beador has yet to confirm her plans for next season, she hinted that her choice to return would hinge on the dynamics of the cast. "[It] depends on who I would be on the season with," she admitted to PEOPLE. 

While the TV personality quickly clarified her comment was not meant as a threat, Beador was clear about her priorities: "I experienced some time with people that were very unhealthy for me to be around."

Emphasizing the importance of choosing positivity and surrounding herself with supportive people, the reality star is sure about one thing — she is focused on keeping "toxic situations" out of her life. 

Only time will tell if "RHOC" fits into that vision.

Beador also opened up about her journey toward self-improvement. Although the cameras caught her at some of her lowest moments, the 60-year-old states she is focused on setting healthier boundaries and staying resilient. 

Reflecting on last year's reunion, she admitted to being "a hot mess" while defending her ex, John Janssen, and looked visibly drained. Now, Beador hopes viewers see the progress she has made in becoming a better person. In her words:

"What matters is what I think. I hope they enjoy the show ... I hope that people say, 'Okay, she's working on herself, so good for her,' but I don't need pats on the back. I don't need sympathy."

Some of the drama in the recently concluded season revolved around the former pair. Tensions escalated as Beador and Janssen opted out of mediation in their $75,000 legal dispute. 

ICYMI, the mother-of-three, is fighting back against her ex's lawsuit, in which he claims she owes him $75,000 from their relationship. In September, The Blast revealed that the former couple informed the court that mediation or arbitration would be unproductive. 

Their attorneys stated, "At this time, the parties do not believe mediation or arbitration would be fruitful." Both parties had also begun exchanging discovery materials but were "waiting to receive discovery response."

After years together, their split has escalated into a contentious legal battle over alleged financial disputes. Janssen alleges that he loaned Beador $40,000 for a facelift and another $35,000 later, but she has since refused to repay him. 

Beador's attorney, however, argues the money was not a loan but rather shared funds while they were a couple. The lawyer emphasized that the former lovebirds "were in a romantic relationship for over four years.

During the relationship, the parties regularly shared their finances and assisted each other with certain financial contributions." The attorneys pointed out that these funds were only labeled as a "loan" after their 2022 split turned bitter. 

The legal clash between the reality stars heated up as Janssen's attorney dismissed Beador's claim that the disputed funds were a "gift."

In a sharp rebuttal, the lawyer accused Beador of trying to dodge her financial responsibilities, insisting she never intended to repay the alleged loans. 

"Shannon knew when she made her false promises and representations that Shannon did not intend to pay for such services," he stated, arguing that her assertion is simply a tactic to evade accountability.

The million-dollar question remains — what is next for Shannon Beador?