Roxanne 
Vicki Gunvalson’s daughter Briana Culberson was not exactly thrilled about her mom returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County.
As RHOC celebrates its milestone 20th season, Vicki is back in the mix — but according to the OG of the OC, Briana had some serious concerns before she agreed to film again.
During a recent panel discussion celebrating the RHOC Season 20 premiere, Vicki revealed that Briana warned her against returning to the show.
“Briana said, ‘No, Mom. The show has never been good for you. You’ve always lost relationships,’” Vicki shared.
Briana’s concern makes sense considering how much of Vicki’s personal life has played out on RHOC over the years. Fans have watched Vicki go through divorce, heartbreak, major friendship fallout and some of the most controversial relationships in franchise history.
Before RHOC’s return on Thursday, July 9, Vicki also told Us Weekly that Briana was worried about how filming could affect her current relationship with boyfriend Michael Smith, whom Vicki began dating in 2022.
“My daughter is very protective over me, and she just said, ‘Please don’t ruin this relationship by putting Michael on [the show], because Lord knows it’s not easy for these guys,’” Vicki recalled.
Vicki said she reassured Briana that things were okay.
“And I said, ‘I think we’re OK.’ And Michael is very supportive. I got incredible kids, and they got their lives.”
Vicki shares Briana and her son Michael Wolfsmith with her first husband, Michael J. Wolfsmith. Vicki was married to Michael from 1982 to 1991. She later married Don Gunvalson, and the two were married from 1994 until 2014.
Over the years, RHOC viewers have seen how protective Briana is over her mom, especially when it comes to Vicki’s romantic relationships. Briana was famously outspoken during Vicki’s relationship with Brooks Ayers, which became one of the most controversial storylines in Housewives history.
This time around, Briana seems to want her mom to protect her peace — and protect her relationship with Michael.
Vicki said she ultimately agreed to keep her relationship with Michael mostly off camera, though he does make a small appearance this season.
“[He] did appear a little bit this year,” Vicki teased.
Despite Briana’s reservations, Vicki said she was excited to return to RHOC and reconnect with the women.
“I was excited about being back and being with my girlfriends and showing everybody what I’ve been up to,” Vicki said. “I’m still really good friends with Shannon [Beador] on and off camera, Tamra [Judge] as well. It was easy.”
Vicki’s return is a full-circle moment for RHOC. As one of the original women who helped launch the Real Housewives franchise, her presence continues to be tied to the history of the show.
