Source: Bravo
Stacey Rusch is speaking out about the Potomac pot-stirring surrounding Tia Glover’s husband, and she’s making it clear that she believes her fellow Housewife’s frustration is focused on the wrong person.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star is back for Season 11, and while she’s preparing to share some sweet moments from her personal life, she’s already found herself in the middle of some seriously messy marital drama.
As seen during the season premiere, Stacey brought allegations about Tia’s husband, Rob, appearing on dating apps to her attention, sparking questions about whether the information should have been shared on camera.
And while Tia has confirmed that the allegations themselves are true, she questioned Stacey’s intentions to BOSSIP, accusing her of being “malicious” and “untrustworthy.”
During an exclusive interview with BOSSIP’s Managing Editor Dani Canada, Stacey responded to those accusations, defended her decision to disclose the information, and pointed the finger at another Potomac flute holder whom she believes deserves (much) more scrutiny.
Stacey Rusch Says Ashley Darby Was The One Being ‘Messy’ Amid Tia Glover’s Dating App Drama
Following the premiere, Stacey faced criticism for bringing up the sensitive subject on camera instead of calling Tia privately.
Even returning Housewife Karen Huger weighed in during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, suggesting that Stacey should have picked up the phone.
But according to Stacey, the real issue wasn’t her delivery. It was how Ashley Darby allegedly handled the information.
“I’d say what was messy was to have a friend talk about something so private in a way that was humiliating,” Stacey told BOSSIP. “And by a so-called friend, I mean Ashley.”
Stacey brought up that Ashley had already discussed the situation publicly–and with “schadenfreude,” as pointed out by Tia, something that Ashley apologized for on-camera.
“Ashley talked about Tia and her husband and what was sure to come publicly and laughed about it with glee,” said Stacey.
By contrast, Stacey insisted that she was attempting to minimize the embarrassment Tia might experience.
“I chose to be honest, to share the information that was sent to me in a small setting because I wanted to minimize the damage that would be done learning about something like that with, you know, seven, eight, 10 people or heaven forbid in front of a large crowd. So that’s on Ashley,” she concluded.
Stacey Responds To Tia’s ‘Malicious’ Accusations And Says She Should Redirect Her Anger
Speaking of Tia, the sophomore Housewife recently told BOSSIP that she believes Stacey deliberately brought the dating app allegations to the show with less-than-genuine intentions.
Source: Shannon Finney / Bravo
In fact, Tia described her castmate as “malicious” and “untrustworthy,” adding that Stacey “really does agitate my spirit.”
When asked about those accusations, Stacey played it cool and “rose above” as she often does.
“Isn’t that interesting?” she remarked.
Still, there’s apparently much more mess to come.
As previously reported, the #RHOP Season 11 trailer teases a heated confrontation between the two, during which Tia accuses Stacey of sleeping with married men.
During her own interview with BOSSIP, Tia acknowledged that she had no firsthand knowledge to substantiate those allegations, which she said originated with former Housewife Charrisse Jackson-Jordan.
Still, she insisted that Stacey “had it coming” after a season of mounting tension.
When presented with Tia’s comments, Stacey said that her castmate should be directing that energy elsewhere.
“I think it’s quite clear that Tia is, you know, spinning her head, trying to find reasons to be mad at me when she should focus that energy on her husband,” Stacey told BOSSIP. “And her so-called friends who aren’t telling her about what’s happening and being said about her and her marriage in the streets.”
Welp!
Hit the flip for more of our exclusive with Stacey Rusch.
Stacey Rusch Talks Reuniting With Husband Thiemo And Their Emotional Vow Renewal
While Stacey’s friendships are facing friction, her marriage is moving in a much more positive direction.
This season, viewers will see Stacey and her husband, Thiemo, celebrate their reconciliation with a vow renewal ceremony.
The couple’s relationship has faced its share of scrutiny, including allegations from fellow Housewives that their divorce was fabricated.
But Stacey said that neither she nor Thiemo is particularly concerned about outside opinions.
“He is a good man and he wants his wife to be happy,” she told BOSSIP. “And he realizes that it doesn’t matter what people say. What matters is us. We know what we were doing. And we know that we are recommitting to one another and happy,” she added.
For Stacey, the ceremony’s sweetest moment was watching their daughter witness her parents reaffirming their love.
“It was absolutely amazing to have your child witness the unification or the, you know, being reunited together in real time,” she recalled.
Stacey said the experience was especially emotional because of how much it meant to her daughter.
“She was just so proud to be there, and she looked so beautiful, and it was just so hard not to lose it because I just love her so much,” she said.
Stacey Says She’s Shedding Her Polished Persona And Opening Up About Infertility
Beyond the marital milestones and cast conflicts, Stacey told BOSSIP she’s also preparing to show viewers a more vulnerable version of herself.
Source: Charles Sykes / Bravo
The former QVC host acknowledged that her extensive television experience has sometimes worked against her on reality TV, with viewers questioning whether her polished personality is authentic.
“Having been in television before The Real Housewives of Potomac is a blessing and a curse because people say, you know, she’s so TV savvy, she’s so polished and she knows what to say,” Stacey explained noting that her presentation comes from years of professional experience, not an attempt to conceal her personality.
“I can’t help who I am based upon my previous experience. But this season, I really try to shed layers and show who I am behind, or I should say beyond the television persona.”
That includes opening up about her childhood, introducing viewers to her mother and discussing a deeply personal family struggle.
“I talk about my struggles with secondary infertility, which was really painful for me and my family,” she revealed. “I’m just hoping that people will get to know me beyond the television personality. Because I’m revealing my heart and also revealing my desire to really grow in my friendships with the women on the show.”
Stacey Shares Support For Wendy Osefo And Karen Huger Amid Their Personal Challenges
And although Stacey isn’t seeing eye to eye with every Housewife, she told BOSSIP that she’s standing by two of her fellow castmates.
During the Season 11 premiere, Stacey supported Wendy Osefo’s decision to treat herself to a luxury vehicle, a purchase that has drawn additional scrutiny amid Wendy’s ongoing legal troubles.
Source: Shannon Finney / Bravo
Asked about the moment, Stacey said she isn’t interested in policing how her friend spends her money.
“We should all treat ourselves and do what we need to do to feel good,” she explained. “I don’t comment on what other people should or shouldn’t do. That’s not my place. My place is to support my friend.”
Stacey expressed similar sentiments about Karen Huger, who returned to the show following her incarceration.
“We’re all supporting Karen. We want what’s best for her,” she said.
“To go to jail and to come back is not something to be taken lightly. That is a life-altering experience.”
According to Stacey, the women wanted to support Karen as she navigated sobriety and adjusted to life following her release.
“She is a changed woman because of that,” Stacey said.
Source: Bravo / Bravo
Stacey Celebrates Her Shayo Expansion And Congressional Advocacy
Outside of the Bravo bubble, Stacey is continuing to make moves in business.
The entrepreneur revealed that her gummy brand, Shayo, has expanded from Virginia into Nevada, while her work in the cannabis industry has opened doors for advocacy on Capitol Hill.
“I’ve been invited to two congressional hearings to talk about women’s wellness regarding the reclassification of cannabis,” she told BOSSIP. “I think all the ladies on my show need a gummy, right?” she added with a laugh.
Watch our exclusive with Stacey Rusch below!
