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Credit: Joey Andrew/startraksphoto.com
Fresh on the heels of Margaret Josephs‘ announcement of her exit from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, a source spilled exclusively to Reality Blurb on what led to her walking away from the hit show after seven seasons.
According to the source, “The decision for Margaret to walk away from the show was not made lightly. It was a mutual decision between her and Bravo.”
As for what led to her deciding to exit, the insider claimed it had to do with Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas.
“Marge made it clear she did not want to film with Teresa and Luis after all the allegations she made against Luis involving her son,” they divulged.
Margaret had accused Luis of allegedly calling her son’s workplace and threatening him, something he vehemently denied.
“Margaret kept telling Bravo she didn’t want to return if Teresa was going to be on the show, which is something she also publicly stated,” the insider continued. “While many thought she may have just been angry and would inevitably return, she held her ground and was firm in her decision.”
“Last summer, they were test filming with her, Melissa Gorga, and Dolores Catania,” they noted. “Had that been the cast, Marge would have definitely come back. Once Teresa was brought back into the mix, though, she just didn’t see a way forward. Through her conversations with the network, they agreed it didn’t make sense for her to continue on the show either, hence the decision being one they both came to agree on.”
The insider concluded by noting that “Margaret is not upset” with the decision, “is at peace,” and “is looking forward to her future projects.”
Margaret officially announced her departure from RHONJ on March 24.
“HI guys, it’s the Marge. I’m dialing in,” she said. “I have to tell you something that might come as a little surprise to you, but not for me.”
“I’ve been thinking about a lot of different things, and I am moving on from the Housewives of New Jersey,” she then stated. “Sorry, I don’t look a little more glamorous for you. I’ve been in the talks with the network and Andy Cohen since December. We’ve discussed it, and I think the timing is right.”
Margaret explained that a “lot of things have changed” in her life, and she told her followers she’s working on a new project.
“I’m on the set right now, and I realized I have to spend more time with my family, work on my designing, and just take a break and move on,” she added.
She then went on to show her appreciation for a bunch of people involved in RHONJ, sharing, “I also wanted to say I want to thank NBCUniversal, Bravo, Andy, our production company, my cast — the good and the bad — I really do love you all. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. This will not be the last you guys see of me on television. That’s not a threat, it’s a promise. And I’m excited for all the new opportunities, and I’m grateful for all of you for supporting me for all these years. And you will see me very, very soon back on your TV screens. Love you.”
After Margaret announced she was leaving the show, Bravo officially confirmed Reality Blurb’s exclusive report that Teresa, Dolores, and Melissa would be returning to the show for season 15.
