Why is Monica Garcia leaving ‘RHOSLC’? Andy Cohen reveals Bravo star considering taking 'break' from Season 5
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Monica Garcia won't be returning for 'RHOSLC' Season 5. Recently, Andy Cohen, who hosted all three reunion episodes of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' Season 4, revealed insights into Monica's future on Bravo's show. During an episode of SiriusXM’s 'Andy Cohen Live,' disclosed that Monica won't feature in the upcoming fifth season.
When asked about Garcia's exit, Cohen remarked, "I guess, you know, look, the big question since the Reality Von Tease reveal has been, 'Will you keep Monica on the show?' and the news is out that we are gonna have a cooling off period. I think." He suggested that Garcia's departure could be interpreted as a "break."
Soon after, John Hill asked Cohen, "What does that mean?" to which Cohen replied, "Well, here's the thing. I think the reunion is the chance to come out, say why you did what you did on the season. It's the Supreme Court of public opinion, and so Monica I think had the opportunity not only to explain herself to the audience, but way more importantly in this case to the other women and I don't think she successfully swayed any of them to her side."
Cohen further added, "She didn't and at the end, I really went around because I was thinking, 'Okay, well let's hear it from them all right now. Where do you stand with her?' and they all expressed that they very much did not trust her, which is a difficult way for her, basically it was, what I was also asking is, 'Is there a path forward for you and Monica?' and the answer was no all the way around, so I think that it's best, you know, we all discussed it ad nauseum that it would be best to kind of let this one breathe for a while. "
He continued, "She's obviously really compelling television. Maybe she'll be able to build some inroads with some of the women on her own off camera and, you know, we'll see if that happens."
Monica Garcia, the inaugural Latina cast member and a mother of four, has received widespread acclaim for infusing fresh energy into 'RHOSLC.' Even Bravo superfan Jennifer Lawrence highlighted Garcia's performance at the Golden Globes, suggesting that it was deserving of an Oscar.
Was ‘RHOSLC’ star Monica Garcia behind Reality Von Tease scandal?
Garcia's departure was announced shortly before the third part of the 'RHOSLC' reunion, where she addressed her connection to Reality Von Tease, an Instagram account known for posting derogatory content about the 'RHOSLC' cast. During the reunion, Garcia admitted her involvement in the account's creation and authored some posts. However, she clarified that she did not set up the account or choose its name.
The Bravo star began posting on the account in 2021 after providing information to the FBI about Jen Shah, a former housewife on 'RHOSLC.' Garcia claimed the account was initially created to criticize Shah for mistreating her employees. “You guys brought her knowing that she wanted to f*****g take every single one of us out and nobody gives a f**k,” Barlow exclaimed during the reunion part 3.
Cohen denied having any knowledge about Garcia's involvement in a social media account targeting him, production, and Bravo. However, Garcia claimed that some members of the production team were aware of her actions as she disclosed it during her initial interview at her house. Monica also revealed that she wasn't the sole person behind the Instagram account. She stated that Heather Gay's stylist Tenesha Luckett was allegedly involved with the account.
After Monica was confronted, she said, “Tenesha started the account … that was Tenesha’s account!” Shortly afterward, Tenesha shared her side of the story in an Instagram video where she said, "This girl [Monica] lies through her teeth and I cannot wait to start posting receipts. She didn’t partially run that account, she ran that account.” The hairstylist further added, “Monica, she hated Jen and now she is Jen 2.0. She is a liar and a deceiver. Comfortable sitting there lying. That’s okay. I’ve got a receipt to back up everything I’ve ever dealt with for this woman. Ever.”
What happened between Monica Garcia and Jen Shah?
Monica, formerly seen as Jen Shah's assistant, transitioned to a cast member at the start of Season 4, becoming a polarizing figure among fans. Her addition brought a significant change to the show, evoking both admiration and disdain from viewers. During the season finale on January 2, the cast embarked on a Bermuda trip for Monica's birthday, where they discovered she had been concealing information about her involvement in the group and how she joined the show.
Heather revealed to her castmates, "Monica is not who she says she is. She's not our friend. She's someone who has schemed and worked to infiltrate our friend group, and the name that you all know her as -- the woman whose birthday we celebrated, who we have been trying to champion and support and defend -- is Reality Von Tease."
In an interview, Monica Garcia alleged that Jen Shah informed her about her telemarketing scheme before Shah's arrest in March 2021. During an interview, Garcia claimed that Shah had shared information about the scam with her while she was working as Shah's assistant, primarily targeting elderly individuals nationwide.
On Andy Cohen's show 'Watch What Happens Live,' Garcia was asked how she discovered the true nature of Shah's activities. In the 'RHOSLC' Season 4 premiere, Garcia disclosed that she had been a witness in Shah's fraud case. After learning about the scheme, she contacted someone in the Secret Service, who advised her to stay away from Shah. In July 2022, Shah admitted to deceiving and cheating individuals, particularly older people.
Will Monica Garcia return to ‘RHOSLC’?
The producers are contemplating bringing Garcia back to the show, acknowledging the challenges it may pose due to the deception and strained relationships among the cast. Heather Gay has firmly stated that she will not film with Garcia again, underlining her position on the matter.
