Even in 2022, we are still witnessing possible occurrences of colorism. Unfortunately, no one is exempt, not even reality TV stars. On the latest episode of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac, scenes played out that left fans scratching their heads. In the episode, cast member Mia Thornton invited the other five ladies to Miami for what she called a “five-star vacation.” When the ladies arrived, they realized the accommodations weren’t up to par, and someone would have to share a room.
After all the rooms were spoken for, Wendy Osefo began questioning where fellow cast member Candiace Dillard Bassett would sleep. The singer did not travel with the group because of prior obligations. Thorton made it clear that she didn’t care about Bassett, and the other ladies shared the same sentiment.
Since no one else offered their space, Dr. Osefo was forced to share her room with Bassett when she arrived. This left the two darker-skinned ladies in a small, windowless room with one bed, while the lighter-skinned women each had their own rooms.
The remaining cast, comprised of Ashley Darby, Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon, laughed at their idea of a prank. As the scene played out, fans pointed out that the mean-girl energy felt more like bullying and colorism.
Viewers had some feelings about how the cast continuously treated the two more melanated members of the cast.
Ashely and Robyn are mean-spirited and evil. The colorism is real. Putting Wendy and Candiace to share a bed is digusting. #RHOP
— 𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚌𝚊. 𝙵𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝. (@MJFINESSELOVER) November 14, 2022
Recognizing that Osefo’s constant grace is rooted in having to face stereotypes against dark-skinned women is sickening to @letiissiiaa.
See what pisses me off is that @WendyOsefo being a dark skin black wmn will still have to carry herself with grace during this whole thing becuz let's be clear she has more to lose and they will paint her with the angry black woman stereotypes so quick. It's truly sickening #rhop https://t.co/dIs3tRs1tt
— goldencoochie (@letiissiiaa) November 14, 2022
The way the group creates Wendy and Candiace I don’t like it 🥴. It’s starting to give bullies & I don’t watch to a bunch of mean girls. #rhop
— Precious ✨ (@classicblanco) November 14, 2022
The optics of GizHell, ROBin & AshLIE lying and disrespecting Wendy and Candiace are not overlooked over here. The micro-aggression of it all🙄 #RHOP pic.twitter.com/1azAzlMLA9
— L.S. (@LSimone5) November 14, 2022
After Twitter dragged them for their questionable ways, Darby jumped on Instagram Live to deny any accusations of colorism.
She didn’t save the livestream, but @TheJasmineBrand posted a clip of her addressing the issue.
View this post on Instagram
Darby said she has had issues with all of the ladies on the show, regardless of skin hue.
She added that her feelings and actions toward fellow cast members have nothing to do with their skin tone but with their attitudes.
No other cast members have made any comments regarding the accusations.
