Andy Cohen recently offered insight into Tamra Judge’s unexpected departure from
The Real Housewives of Orange County, suggesting that her exit may be tied to a deeply personal and emotional situation. Judge, 57, shocked fans when she announced on Sunday night during a cast trip to New Orleans that she would be leaving the Bravo reality series.
Her decision immediately sparked speculation, prompting Cohen to address the situation on his Radio Andy show.
While Cohen, 56, was careful not to divulge too many details due to the ongoing filming of RHOC, he hinted that Judge’s exit was connected to the serious health struggles of someone very close to her. “I got the report of what happened last night,” Cohen stated on Monday’s broadcast. “All I will say is this — I can’t comment on what’s going on while we’re filming shows. I guess the only thing that is at the top of my mind is that one of her best friends — if not her best friend — is going through an incredibly intense health crisis. So maybe keep that in mind.”
His comments immediately drew attention to Judge’s close friendship with her Two Ts in a Pod podcast co-host Teddi Mellencamp, who has been facing a severe health battle. Mellencamp, 43, is currently dealing with metastatic skin cancer, which has spread to her brain and lungs. Her condition has been widely publicized, with the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum keeping fans updated on her health journey through social media.
Mellencamp first revealed the severity of her condition last month when she shared that she had been suffering from debilitating headaches for several weeks. The pain had reached an unbearable level, forcing her to seek medical attention. Following a series of scans, doctors discovered multiple tumors on her brain, which they estimated had been growing for at least six months. She disclosed the frightening news on Instagram, explaining that she would undergo emergency brain surgery to remove two of the tumors, while smaller ones would be treated with radiation at a later time.
Just two weeks after her surgery, Mellencamp provided an update, revealing that doctors had actually removed more tumors than expected—four in total. Though she acknowledged that her battle was far from over, she expressed gratitude for her medical team, family, friends, and supporters. She remained determined and hopeful, calling the successful surgery a small victory in her ongoing fight.
However, in another heartbreaking update last week, Mellencamp disclosed that her most recent scans had detected additional tumors. She announced that three more tumors had appeared in her brain, along with two in her lungs. “These are all a direct result of my melanoma,” she explained, referencing her original stage 2 melanoma diagnosis from October 2022. Since that diagnosis, Mellencamp has undergone approximately 20 surgeries in an effort to combat the aggressive cancer. Despite these new challenges, she remained optimistic, stating that her doctors were hopeful that immunotherapy could effectively target the remaining tumors.
Mellencamp ended her post with a determined message, quoting Andy Cohen’s signature catchphrase in an attempt to keep spirits high: “Now, as @bravoandy would say: with all due… f*** off, cancer!”
In light of Mellencamp’s ongoing health crisis, it seems likely that Judge’s abrupt departure from RHOC was influenced by her friend’s condition. While Judge did not explicitly confirm the reason behind her decision to leave the show, her Instagram Story post on Sunday night hinted at a deeper, more personal reason. “It was a long run! When life gives you real problems this reality s–t doesn’t make sense. Peace out ✌️. Im out,” she wrote.
Shortly after her post, the fan account @tasteof_reality shared a screenshot of her message, asking followers, “Is Tamra quitting??” Judge then confirmed her departure in the comments, simply replying, “Yes!!!”
Her choice of words suggests that she is prioritizing real-life concerns over reality television drama. Given the severity of Mellencamp’s health struggles, it is possible that Judge felt the need to step back from the show in order to support her friend during this incredibly difficult time.
Although Judge’s exit from RHOC may have come as a shock to viewers, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, personal hardships take precedence over professional commitments. As Mellencamp continues her fight against cancer, Judge’s decision to walk away from the show appears to reflect her shifting priorities, focusing on what truly matters—being there for the people she loves.
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