Noella Bergener and Dr. Jennifer Armstrong will be added to Bravo’s shortlist of one-hit wonders.
The stars of “Real Housewives of Orange County” announced Friday that they will be leaving the show after their season 16 debut.
Both posted about their respective departures via Instagram, with only Bergener hinting that she had been fired.
“After a wild season of ups and downs, I won’t be returning to the ‘Real Housewives of Orange County,'” the 36-year-old mother of two wrote on her IG Story, then went on to thank those who showed her. love and support during perhaps the hardest year of [her] to live.”
In the months just before, during, and immediately after filming, Bergener was diagnosed with autism from her son, received divorce papers from her now ex-husband, James Bergener, and learned that her estranged father — whom she tried to reconnect with. – had died.
“Looking forward to clearer skies ahead and can’t wait to share what’s next,” she concluded.
Shortly after, Noella — who made history as the franchise’s first black cast member — reposted messages from a handful of disappointed fans.
“JUSTICE FOR @noellarhoc,” one post read. “She is the FIRST black housewife on RHOC. The entire past season revolved around her. … Obviously there is a problem when the first black housewife is fired after one season. Someone has too much power and is ruining the integrity that Bravo constantly claims to protect.”
Echoing those sentiments, another upset viewer thought the network had made “a TERRIBLE decision”, adding, “She’s the first black housewife and she’s been fired? Not looking good, bravo.”
Meanwhile, 42-year-old Armstrong – who has three children – explained that she “stepped away” from the show to focus on her family and her job.
The cosmetic doctor thanked Bravo and Evolution Media for the opportunity to be open about “being a working mom” and said she was “forever grateful” for the friends she had made.
“Women can really have anything if you work for it,” she noted. “I believe in you, and I’ll still be there to talk to you about it ♥️♥️ I love inspiring people to do their best.”
Although season 16 of “RHOC” also documented Armstrong’s marital problems, she filed for legal separation from Ryne Holliday only after the season ended.
Bravo did not immediately respond to Vidak For Congress’s request for comment.