Katie Ginella may be exiting The Real Housewives of Orange County, but she’s making it clear she’s not leaving quietly — or pretending certain relationships won’t be missed.
The reality star confirmed her departure from The Real Housewives of Orange County after two seasons, revealing that Bravo has decided to move forward without her for season 20.
“After two seasons as a cast member on RHOC, the network has decided to move forward with season 20 without me,” Katie wrote on Instagram on January 9. “While disappointing, it’s not entirely surprising after seeing how season 19 played out.”
Ginella went on to reflect on her experience and the response she received from viewers.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support I received — it was seen, felt and deeply appreciated,” she continued. “Representation matters, and I’m proud to have shown up authentically, even when it wasn’t easy. This chapter may be closing, but my voice and my story don’t end here. Love, Katie.”
Fans were first introduced to Ginella during season 18, when she joined the show as a friend of Gina Kirschenheiter. But by season 19, her standing within the group had shifted dramatically. Katie found herself on the outside of most alliances, clashing with multiple cast members — and notably missing from several episodes as tensions escalated.
Despite the rocky season, Katie remained hopeful she could turn things around. Just weeks before her firing was made public, she admitted she still wanted another shot.
“I went into the [season 19] reunion thinking I have nothing to lose this year,” Katie told Us Weekly in November 2025. “If they don’t ask me back, they don’t want me, and that’s OK.”
She added, “I feel like I said my peace and I was done. I would love to come back to prove to these ladies that I deserve a spot just as much as they do.”
But once the decision became official, Katie appeared to find clarity — and even humor — in the outcome.
Shortly after announcing her exit, Katie shared a TikTok video revealing how she broke the news to her son. According to Katie, his reaction instantly reframed the situation for her.
“Mom, maybe this is better,” he told her. “You don’t have to see Emily ever again.”
@katie.ginella Celebratory @tacobell ? original sound – katie.ginella
The comment didn’t go unnoticed by fans, many of whom immediately connected it to Katie’s strained dynamic with Emily Simpson — a relationship that had visibly deteriorated on-screen and never fully recovered.
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