Friend’s cancer battle forces TV star to quit show
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Tamra Judge is reportedly experiencing emotional turmoil due to her close friend Teddi Mellencamp’s ongoing health battles, leading to her departure from “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”
According to a source who spoke with the US Sun, Judge’s emotional state has been significantly impacted by her podcast co-host’s cancer diagnosis. The insider revealed that those close to Judge believe her recent outbursts are directly connected to the distress she’s experiencing over Mellencamp’s condition.
The source explained that while some cast members have shown understanding towards Judge’s situation, acknowledging the emotional toll of watching a best friend face such a serious health crisis, others have been less sympathetic. These critics suggest that Judge might be using Mellencamp’s health situation to justify her recent controversial behavior.
Teddi Mellencamp reveals next steps in 'unbearable' brain tumor battle after emergency surgery https://t.co/IYs1Ns3VmA
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) March 12, 2025
Following a heated confrontation with castmates Gretchen Rossi and Shannon Beador during a New Orleans cast trip, Judge announced her departure from the show via Instagram Stories, stating, “It was a long run! When life gives you real problems this reality s–t doesn’t make sense. Peace out ✌️ Im [sic] out.”
Andy Cohen later addressed Judge’s exit on his “Radio Andy” show, suggesting that her decision was influenced by Mellencamp’s health crisis, saying, “I guess the only thing that is at the top of my mind is that one of her best friends — if not her best friend — is going through an incredibly intense health crisis. So maybe keep that in mind.”
Tamra Judge feels ‘unstable’ over Teddi Mellencamp’s health struggles after quitting ‘RHOC’: report https://t.co/t4mzl5rhoy pic.twitter.com/jlLNL8WOAR
— Page Six (@PageSix) March 12, 2025
Judge’s television journey with the franchise began in Season 3, continuing until 2020 when she left after Season 14. She made a comeback for Season 17 in 2023 before this recent departure.
The situation coincides with Mellencamp’s worsening health condition. The former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 43, recently underwent emergency brain surgery and later disclosed the discovery of additional tumors in both her brain and lungs. Due to her ongoing treatment, Mellencamp has temporarily stepped away from the podcast she co-hosts with Judge.
