“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Stacey Rusch was certainly one of the select few reality stars honored with a recent cover story. Now, following the milestone, certainly one of the previous “RHOP” solid members, Candiace Dillard Bassett, is complimenting her and throwing a subtle jab on the veterans on the show who weren’t featured.
Dillard-Bassett took to her “Undomesticated” podcast in May 2026 to react to Rusch’s inclusion in Vulture’s “The Mastermind of Reality TV” issue. Notably, Rusch joined the show in 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite.
Regarding the glory, she said, “I actually have to present flowers to the people. Shout out to Stacey “QVC” Rusch. She was with the Vulture people.” After that, the brand new mom said, “I like Stacey. I like that she’s getting her flowers. I like that she’s getting her flowers.”
From there, the beloved reality star revealed that her husband, Chris Bassett, had identified that a more recent solid member had been included as an alternative of a veteran. In accordance with her, “Where were they? Y’all let the brand new girl are available and get on the quilt before ya’ll get on the quilt.”
Dillard-Bassett Says Stacey Isn’t Faking Drama For ‘RHOP’
The commentary about “RHOP” continued with Dillard-Bassett’s cohost, Michael Arceneaux, noting that “Stacey has breathed latest life into the show since other favorites have left, and he or she’s actually why I watch the show.”
The previous Bravo star went on, “Plenty of people love her. And he or she’s so easy-going about it. She’s so chill,” before stating that Rusch appears to be “having a great time.”
Later, she acknowledged that Rusch doesn’t appear to be “manufacturing the drama,” subtly hinting that it is a tactic taken up by other ladies on the show. She added, “If you just let it go and let it flow, you get the covers.
‘RHOP’ Fans Are Reacting
Following Dillard-Bassett’s comments about Rusch and “RHOP,” fans of the show weighed in. While some were positive, others accused the previous solid member of being jealous. One person said, “Candiace and Stacey would get along so well. Aries and Sagittarius together is the proper storm.”
A distinct fan claimed on X, “This girl swears she never watches anything #RHOP related, but she sure is leaving her commentary every week! Also, yeah, they’re on the eleventh season… something you ain’t a part of no more, honey boo boo.”
Another person stated, “This woman was on the show for a lot of seasons and never got a feature, either she must shut up.” A distinct social media user wrote, “And comments like these are the rationale why everyone hates her.”
Lastly, one other fan remarked, “Nothing for Ashley or Gizelle. Stacey deserves honesty.”
Candiace Left ‘RHOP’ In 2024
Dillard-Bassett joined “The Real Housewives of Potomac” in 2018 for its third season. She quickly became a fan favorite before departing in March 2024 ahead of the show’s ninth season.
She told PEOPLE, “As I embark on a brand new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I’m full of gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth, and moments of introspection which have defined this journey.”
The fact star added, “With a whirlwind of latest opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I actually have decided to take a break from ‘RHOP.’ This shouldn’t be a farewell, but a ‘so long.’”
Roughly a month later, the “Driveback” singer announced that she and her husband were expecting their first child. She later admitted to Entertainment Tonight that her pregnancy was “95%” of the rationale she left the show.
Dillard-Bassett stated, “I used to be really adamant about making a space for not only the infant, but for me — for us — for this time in our lives. I wanted the space around us and around our child to feel peaceful and to be happy and to feel positive.”
She Recently Opened Up About Her Recent Music
Dillard-Bassett pursued her singing profession while on “RHOP.” This led to her debut album, “Deep Space,” released in 2021, featuring the much-buzzed-about “Driveback.” Now, years later, she has a brand new single, “If Only,” which was released in February 2026.
Currently, she’s hard at work on her second studio album and preparing to affix Tamar Braxton for a summer tour on select dates.