Why Shannon Beador is undecided about ‘RHOC’ return after ‘very difficult’ season

Shannon Beador admitted she is undecided about whether she will return to “The Real Housewives of Orange County” after a “very difficult” season.

“[It] depends on who I would be on the season with,” she told People in an interview published Thursday. “And I’m not saying that in a threatening way. I experienced some time with people that were very unhealthy for me to be around.”

The Bravolebrity, 60, emphasized how “important” it is for her to “make healthy choices” and “separate” herself from “toxic situations” at this point in her life.

Shannon Beador is undecided about returning for Season 19 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” Nicole Weingart/Bravo The Bravolebrity told People in an interview published Thursday that her decision will depend on her co-stars. Sean Gleason/Bravo

Beador, who has starred on the reality show since 2014, was already going through a turbulent time when she started filming Season 18, which is currently airing, earlier this year.

She was arrested for driving under the influence in September 2023, and shortly after, her ex-boyfriend John Janssen began dating “RHOC” alum Alexis Bellino.

The drama intensified when Bellino, 47, returned to “RHOC” as a “friend of the ‘Housewives,'” forcing Beador to work with her ex’s now-fiancée.

The feud came to a head in March when Janssen, 62, sued Beador for $75,000 that he claimed to have lent her for a facelift. She responded by alleging that the money was a gift and not a loan.

Beador butted heads with Alexis Bellino, pictured here in the Page Six studio in September, throughout Season 18. Annie Wermiel/NY Post Bellino is currently engaged to Beador’s ex-boyfriend John Janssen. shannonbeador/Instagram

Despite her rough season, Beador wants viewers to see that she has tried to better herself since her DUI arrest.

“I hope that people say, ‘OK, she’s working on herself, so good for her,’ but I don’t need pats on the back,” she told People. “I don’t need sympathy.”

Beador shared that she is “happy” now and doing whatever she can to “become a better person.”

Beador was arrested for DUI last year. Charles Sykes/Bravo The Season 18 cast consisted of Katie Ginella, Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, Beador, Tamra Judge, Emily Simpson and Jennifer Pedranti (left to right). Sami Drasin/Bravo

The “RHOC” Season 18 finale aired Thursday, but the cast will continue to hash out their issues during the three-part reunion, which begins next week.

In the trailer, Beador and Bellino get into at least one heated confrontation that ends with the former calling the latter an “a–hole.”

Bravo has not yet announced casting for Season 19 and historically does not comment on rumors.