During Stacey Rusch’s debut on The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9, she introduced viewers to her then-boyfriend, Thomas Anthony “TJ” Jones. They have since broken up, and it seems there are even more updates to come from Stacey and her relationships on RHOP Season 10.
During a conversation with The Daily Dish on Sept. 29, Stacey hinted that viewers will see more of her love life play out when the new season premieres on October 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.  “I think you need to tune in,” she said with a smile.
In case you need a refresher ahead of Season 10, read on to learn more about Stacey’s relationship with TJ, their breakup, and the allegations she faced during the Season 9 reunion about their relationship.
Who is Thomas Anthony “TJ” Jones?
TJ, according to his Instagram bio, is an “actor, host, athlete” and “altruistic adventurer.”Â
Stacey introduced viewers to her relationship during RHOP Season 9, Episode 2, where she admitted that they had only been dating for “a couple of months.” Due to TJ’s “devout” faith, they had not been “intimate, at all,” and spent their time together going to church and working out “a lot.”
How did Stacey Rusch meet TJ Jones?
Stacey revealed to producers during Season 9, Episode 2 that she and TJ first met at work, and started out as friends. “TJ and I met on his audition to become a host at QVC,” she explained. “It was this genuine friendship and then, after about six months, we just both couldn’t deny that we wanted to be a part of each other’s lives.”
During the episode, Stacey also revealed to RHOP cast member Ashley Darby that she and TJ were on the “journey” to marriage.
Stacey Rusch opens up about her relationship with TJ Jones
Stacey opened up about how happy she was in their relationship in an exclusive interview with The Daily Dish in November 2024. “He’s my best friend,” she said. “He is one of the best people that I’ve ever met in my life.”
“And I’m so happy to be with someone that really loves me and really supports me. And that, for me, is enough,” she continued. “That’s more than enough, quite frankly.”
She also admitted that they weren’t rushing into marriage. “We just love each other. We’re having a great time,” she noted. “There’s no rush to go anywhere.”
Stacey Rusch reveals why she and TJ Jones were celibate
During a Nov. 10 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Stacey revealed why she and TJ chose to abstain from being intimate with each other. “Our relationship is grounded in faith and God, and we’re choosing to take things slowly,” she said.
When asked if Stacey would want to “test” out TJ, she replied that she didn’t need to. “I mean, look at him,” she said. “I think we’re gonna be just fine.”
Why did Stacey Rusch and TJ Jones break up?
Stacey and TJ ended RHOP Season 9 still in a relationship. But, during Part 2 of the RHOP Season 9 reunion, Stacey admitted that they had broken up. “As I’ve said consistently, TJ is one of the best people I know; however, it was just a lot of pressure,” she said.
TJ Jones reveals why he wasn’t at the RHOP Season 9 reunion
TJ made a statement of his own about the breakup during a FaceTime call with Wendy Osefo’s husband, Eddie Osefo, at Part 2 of the reunion, saying he did not want to be around “fake” people.Â
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TJ Jones alleges Stacey Rusch “paid” him to be on RHOP Season 9
During Part 3 of the reunion, it was revealed that TJ had dropped a bombshell to Eddie backstage, saying that Stacey paid him to be on RHOPÂ Season 9.
“TJ let Eddie know that you actually paid him to be your love interest this season,” Wendy said. “She hired TJ. She paid him some money, and still owes him a lot of money.”
But, Stacey denied that she had ever paid TJ. “Let me say this right now, I absolutely do not believe anything you’re saying,” she told Wendy. “Why on Earth would I say, like, less than an hour ago, he’s one of the best people that I know.”
Stacey Rusch reveals that she and TJ Jones are finished
After cameras replayed the phone call during Part 3 of the RHOP Season 9 reunion, Stacey declared that she was done with TJ. “I can’t believe someone who prides themselves on being a man of God and being honest, and someone who I would think loves me, even if we’re not together, to say that — I’ve never paid TJ a dime,” she admitted. “And I’ve never owed him anything, and to see that is so, so hurtful. I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me. I don’t know what to say.”
“I lost my best friend tonight. It’s horrible,” she admitted. “But, still I rise. I’ll be alright.”
Did Stacey Rusch talk to TJ Jones after the RHOP Season 9 reunion?
During an appearance on WWHL on March 2, Stacey admitted that she had called TJ immediately after the reunion. “He was very remorseful, he was very emotional, and it was a hard call to have,” she said.
Stacey Rusch says her relationship with TJ was a “real relationship”
She also set the record straight on her relationship with TJ during that same appearance on WWHL. “I did not pay him,” she said. “I was in a real relationship with him and he treated me very poorly to see that — to see him being so disrespectful and to see him be definitely unchristian and do this to me at the reunion — it was jarring, quite frankly. It’s so obvious to me, and I hate to say this, the ladies were right; he’s not the man for me. I was looking for love and he was in love with being in front of the camera.”
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“It was a blessing in disguise, and I’m a better woman for it,” she added. “My life is full, I am happy, I’m loved, and I’m moving forward.”
Who is Stacey Rusch’s ex-husband?
Although Stacey was dating TJ during RHOP Season 9, she admitted that she was still living with her ex-husband, Thiemo Rusch, amidst their divorce. Thiemo is the father of her daughter, Arabella, and was married to Stacey for 16 years before their separation.
Stacey Rusch opens up about her unique living situation with Thiemo Rusch
Stacey opened up about her living situation during RHOPÂ Season 9.
“Now that my husband and I are separated, we have agreed to approach our divorce with class. We are still living together as a family,” she said. “We do sleep in separate bedrooms, and, you know, our focus is our daughter. That’s what we’re doing in the same home while we’re getting a divorce.”
During a Nov. 10 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Stacey admitted that Thiemo was not watching RHOP Season 9. “I mean, he’s happy for me, he’s happy that Arabella is happy,” she said. “He doesn’t really watch.”
Stacey Rusch’s relationships on RHOP Season 10
Stacey’s relationships will be a focus on this upcoming season of RHOP. In a preview for RHOP Season 10, Ashley can be seen questioning Stacey about the validity of her relationship with TJ and her divorce from Thiemo.
In the RHOP Season 10 trailer, Stacey can be seen sitting down with Thiemo, making a bold declaration about their relationship. “I’m committed to you and I’m committed to our family,” she said.
Later on in the trailer, Ashley can be seen accusing Stacey of “trying to get with” RHOP Season 10 friend, Monique Samuels’ ex-husband, Chris Samuels. “Yeah, my ex-husband? No, we’re not doing that,” Monique said in the trailer.
Learn more about what to expect from RHOP Season 10.
