Celebrity Shade: Tamra Judge Critiques Gretchen Rossi’s Return to the Show

In a candid interview, Tamra Judge expressed her opinions on Gretchen Rossi’s comeback to The Real Housewives of Orange County after a 12-year hiatus. Judge, 57, commented that Rossi’s personality and appearance seem outdated and need an upgrade.

She remarked, “I feel like she’s stuck in the past, still reminiscing about old times, believing the show operates the same way as 15 years ago, which it doesn’t. It’s a different show now.”

Judge elaborated on the challenge Rossi faces reintegrating into the current dynamic of the series, emphasizing how social media, filming styles, and overall production have evolved significantly. When asked about Rossi’s fashion and hairstyle choices being outdated, Judge responded bluntly, “They’re both bad. Yeah, it’s really bad.”

Despite her initial willingness to start fresh, Judge admitted Rossi’s behavior has proven her wrong. She shared a conversation she hoped would help mend fences: “I wanted to reintroduce myself, keep it positive, and focus on moving forward. But she’s been relentless in talking about me for over a decade.”

Former regular Gretchen Rossi, last seen in Seasons 4 to 8, is returning as a “friend” of the cast and was announced by Bravo in January. Rossi’s departure in Season 8 was marked by a dramatic proposal to Slade Smiley, with whom she shares a daughter, Skylar Gray, born in July 2019 after years of IVF treatments.

Tamra Judge reacting to Rossi — Tamra Judge shared her thoughts on Rossi’s comeback, calling her personality “out-of-date.”

Judge also compared Rossi’s return to Alexis Bellino’s brief stint in Season 18, noting that Rossi’s presence continues to bring tension. She pointed out that Rossi has been vocal about her in the past, which she finds unfair.

Gretchen Rossi, who joined the show in 2008 during her engagement to Jeff Beitzel, became romantically involved with Slade Smiley in Season 5. The couple uploaded their daughter Skylar in 2019, a result of four years of IVF treatments. Rossi left the franchise with a bang at Season 8’s end, proposing to Smiley—a moment captured widely on social media.

Tamra Judge — Rossi’s return to the franchise was announced by Bravo in January, with her set to return as a “friend” of the cast.

Other main cast members for Season 19 include Shannon Beador, Heather Dubrow, Jennifer Pedranti, Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, and Emily Simpson. The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams on Peacock the following day.