'RHOP' star Stacey Rusch struggles to defend 'friend' TJ Jones over LA trips

'RHOP' Season 9 friend, TJ Jones acts shady at Karen Huger's Love Lagoon
TJ Jones tries to hide his LA life to 'RHOP's Stacey Rusch (Bravotv)
TJ Jones tries to hide his LA life to 'RHOP's Stacey Rusch (Bravotv)

In the recent episode of 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 9, Stacey Rush confronted her boyfriend Thomas Anthony "TJ" Jones about the accusations made against him by Gizelle Bryant and Karen Huger. While he was in Los Angeles, away from Stacey, the two 'RHOP' women accused him of infidelity.

When Stacey asked TJ if he slept with other people in LA, he responded t that he slept with his Bugs Bunny in the bed. Initially, he seemed to play along with their accusations in jest. However, his responses were odd, and he never clearly addressed whether he had cheated.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bravo (@bravotv)


 

TJ sleeping with Bugs Bunny doesn't chuckle bones

As the show's couples sat and talked throughout the event, Stacey mentioned that Gizelle and Karen had mentioned that TJ did his "own thing" while in Los Angeles. Gizelle added that she said it because she believed that TJ and Stacey were not dating before TJ could respond. “I have to agree with them,” TJ responded.

This triggered a series of responses from the women. Ashley Darby yelled and questioned if they were dating or just friends with benefits, while Karen shouted. This prompted Stacey to ask him again whether he was having affairs with other women in Los Angeles, simplifying the topic. “My Bugs Bunny, that’s on my bed,” TJ replied.

TJ seems to be auditioning for future roles with his scenes with 'RHOP' Season 9 newbie, Stacey Rusch (Bravotv)
TJ seems to be auditioning for future roles with his scenes with 'RHOP' Season 9 newbie, Stacey Rusch (Bravotv)

'RHOP' ladies want Stacey Rusch to try other fishes in the sea

The majority of the RHOP cast felt that TJ's response was inadequate. In a confessional, Gizelle stated that no one took TJ seriously, before revealing that she and Karen had encouraged Stacey to find other people to sleep with.

She explained that while she didn't want to offend TJ, she did suggest that Stacey do so for her path. TJ wasn't upset; in fact, he referred to them as wonderful friends for taking such good care of Stacey.

'RHOP' Season 9 newbie Stacey Rusch (Instagram/msstaceyrusch)
'RHOP' Season 9 newbie Stacey Rusch (Instagram/msstaceyrusch)

TJ keeps making fool of 'RHOP' Season 9 newbie Stacey Rusch

Stacey is defensive, but she needs to listen. Gizelle was right about the divorce hearing and Stacey's impulsive relationship with TJ. TJ is out there raising red flags merely as a friend; an actual relationship would be disastrous! Stacey deserved better. His manner, tone, and words do not reflect how women should be taken care of. It's time to chuck that cornball!

'RHOP' Season 9 newbie Stacey Rusch and TJ seem to be going strong (Bravotv)
'RHOP' Season 9 newbie Stacey Rusch and TJ (Bravotv)

'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 9 airs each Sunday at 8/7c on Bravo and the following day on Peacock

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 11 cast has more to unpack, and here’s what to know about catching the reunion before its Netflix release.
2026-11-05T19:30:37.000Z
‘The Amazing Race’ Season 39 heads to Sri Lanka, where a live Double U-Turn vote creates tension and forces teams to fight to stay in the race
2026-11-05T06:20:44.000Z
After a chaotic merge vote in Episode 7, a 27-year-old professional wrestler became the first ‘Survivor 51’ juror
2026-11-05T05:47:05.000Z
A former ‘RHOBH’ star has filmed with the Season 16 cast, but questions remain about her role. Her latest update offers a glimpse of the reunion and the drama ahead.
2026-11-04T20:49:29.000Z
‘Dancing with the Stars’ will host a brand new theme along with a face-off in next week’s episode
2026-11-04T10:25:19.000Z
‘Love Is Blind’ Season 11 finale sees Wilson and Wilnie clash over expectations before splitting
2026-11-04T09:35:45.000Z
Among the engaged couples featured on the show, only one made it to the altar and said ‘I do.’
2026-11-04T08:23:28.000Z
During his recent appearance on Oliver Hudson’s podcast, David Charvet reflected on his feud with Collin
2026-11-04T07:40:50.000Z
Riley Green also struggled to accept the young singer as a ‘human’ after witnessing her latest performance.
2026-11-04T05:48:33.000Z
Aneha and Cam’s ‘Love Is Blind’ wedding preparations take a turn when her sister raises concerns, leaving the bride with more to consider.
2026-11-03T19:46:46.000Z