Emily Simpson nearly left her role on The Real Housewives of Orange County amid the series’ 19th season.
After being seen opening up about the “mom guilt” she experienced on the show, which was filmed as her son Luke faced a health crisis, Emily, 49, spoke to
Tamra Judge, 58, about a conversation she had with her husband, Shane Simpson, 50, as she applauded her castmates, including Gina Kirschenheiter, 41, and Heather Dubrow, 56, for the support they offered her amid her family challenges.
“I remember having an off-camera conversation with you, and you were like, ‘Should I quit? Like I’m thinking maybe I should quit,’” Tamra recalled on the October 30 episode of the
RHOC: After Show. “I said, ‘Maybe you need to learn how to deal with this situation and learn more about what’s going on with him before you make a decision like that.’”
While Emily was weighed down by Luke’s struggles, Shane ultimately convinced her that leaving RHOC wouldn’t fix his problems.
“He said, ‘You know, Emily, you know if you quit you’re basically just giving in to his wants and needs and he’s not learning how to cope,’” Emily shared. “‘He has to learn how to cope because lots of moms work, and have to leave, and have to go to an office, or have to go to a job. And so you just quitting and being home with him all the time is not going to help him. He’s not learning how to cope. And that’s not helpful.’”
During the cast’s trip to Amsterdam, Emily got a call from a frustrated Shane, who was weighed down not only by Luke’s hardships but also by the other responsibilities he was forced to take on amid his wife’s absence.
“Shane’s never lost it, when it comes to the kids. So, for him to just f*cking lose it, and I’m here, I feel like such a sh*tty mom. I’m not even at home, I’m here,” Emily admitted to Gina at the time, via Bravo’s The Daily Dish.
Meanwhile, Gina immediately offered encouragement to her co-star.
“You have to take care of yourself, too, Emily. And so does Shane, and you cannot let it break you guys,” she stated.
