“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Stacey Rusch was one of the select few reality stars honored with a recent cover story. Now, following the milestone, one of the former “RHOP” cast members, Candiace Dillard Bassett, is complimenting her and throwing a subtle jab at the veterans on the show who were not featured.
Candiace Dillard Bassett Says ‘Where Were They’ About ‘RHOP’ Stars
Dillard-Bassett took to her “Undomesticated” podcast in May 2026 to react to Rusch’s inclusion in Vulture’s “The Mastermind of Reality TV” issue. Notably, Rusch joined the show in 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite.
Regarding the honor, she said, “I have to give flowers to the people. Shout out to Stacey “QVC” Rusch. She was with the Vulture people.” After that, the new mom said, “I love Stacey. I love that she’s getting her flowers. I love that she’s getting her flowers.”
From there, the beloved reality star revealed that her husband, Chris Bassett, had pointed out that a newer cast member had been included instead of a veteran. According to her, “Where were they? Y’all let the new girl come in and get on the cover before ya’ll get on the cover.”
Dillard-Bassett Says Stacey Isn’t Faking Drama For ‘RHOP’
The commentary about “RHOP” continued with Dillard-Bassett’s cohost, Michael Arceneaux, noting that “Stacey has breathed new life into the show since other favorites have left, and she’s actually why I watch the show.”
The former Bravo star went on, “A lot of people love her. And she’s so easy-going about it. She’s so chill,” before stating that Rusch seems to be “having a good time.”
Later, she acknowledged that Rusch doesn’t seem to be “manufacturing the drama,” subtly hinting that this is a tactic taken up by other ladies on the show. She added, “When you just let it go and let it flow, you get the covers.
‘RHOP’ Fans Are Reacting
Following Dillard-Bassett’s comments about Rusch and “RHOP,” fans of the show weighed in. While some were positive, others accused the former cast member of being jealous. One person said, “Candiace and Stacey would get along so well. Aries and Sagittarius together is the perfect storm.”
A different fan claimed on X, “This girl swears she never watches anything #RHOP related, but she sure is leaving her commentary every week! Also, yeah, they’re on the 11th season… something you ain’t part of no more, honey boo boo.”
Someone else stated, “This woman was on the show for many seasons and never got a feature, either she needs to shut up.” A different social media user wrote, “And comments like these are the reason why everyone hates her.”
Lastly, another fan remarked, “Nothing for Ashley or Gizelle. Stacey deserves honesty.”
Candiace Left ‘RHOP’ In 2024
Dillard-Bassett joined “The Real Housewives of Potomac” in 2018 for its third season. She quickly became a fan favorite before departing in March 2024 ahead of the show’s 9th season.
She told 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 reality star added, “With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from ‘RHOP.’ This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.'”
Roughly a month later, the “Driveback” singer announced that she and her husband were expecting their first child. She later admitted to Entertainment Tonight that her pregnancy was “95%” of the reason she left the show.
Dillard-Bassett stated, “I was really adamant about creating a space for not just the baby, but for me — for us — for this time in our lives. I wanted the space around us and around our child to feel peaceful and to feel free and to feel positive.”
She Recently Opened Up About Her New Music
Dillard-Bassett pursued her singing career while on “RHOP.” This led to her debut album, “Deep Space,” released in 2021, featuring the much-buzzed-about “Driveback.” Now, years later, she has a new single, “If Only,” which was released in February 2026.
Currently, she’s hard at work on her second studio album and preparing to join Tamar Braxton for a summer tour on select dates.