Ex-Producer Accuses Andy Cohen of ‘Rewriting the Narrative’ About Candiace Dillard’s ‘RHOP’ Exit

A former Bravo producer is weighing in on Candiace Dillard’s exit from The Real Housewives of Potomac. 

At Bravo Fan Fest over the weekend, Andy Cohen was asked during a panel discussion how many Housewives had decided to walk away from the show on their own accord. 

“There’ve been a few,” the Watch What Happens Live host said, calling out The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Caroline Manzo as one of the people who’ve departed the franchise voluntarily. 

“Candiace Dillard?” someone asked. 

“There’ve been a few,” Cohen said after a pause, as the audience laughed. 

While the Housewives executive producer didn’t explicitly confirm that Candiace had been fired, that was the implication. However, a RHOP producer has chimed in to say that Candiace was the one who made the choice to walk away from the show.

“Former RHOP producer here that worked on Candiace’s final 2 seasons,” Patrick McDonald commented on an Instagram post highlighting Cohen’s comments. “It’s so interesting that Andy Cohen would imply that Candiace’s exit was entirely Bravo’s idea when that could not be further from the truth.” 

McDonald went on to say that during Candiace’s final season, he “vividly” remembered her “weighing the pros & cons about whether or not she wanted to return to the show.”

“She was very much considering leaving the show during that final season,” he continued. “And I also remember chatting with her when she ultimately decided that returning wasn’t worth it to her and her family. So if Bravo didn’t want her to return, the parting of ways was mutual at its most scandalous. You cannot fire someone who is vocally and openly considering leaving their position.”

“This is just another example of Andy Cohen re-writing the narrative after the fact and trying to tarnish the word & reputation of yet another woman of color in an effort to discredit her for not towing the company line,” McDonald added. 

Candiace joined RHOP in season 3. She announced her departure in March 2024 after six seasons. 

“With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP,” she told People at the time. She also hinted she might be open to returning to the show in the future. 

“This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later,’” she said.

The Real Housewives of Potomac is streaming on Peacock.