Emily Simpson has been open on The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 19 about her son Luke’s struggles after being diagnosed with a “rare medical condition,” and navigating several other health issues. But now, Tamra Judge has revealed that Emily’s difficulties at home almost led her to a breaking point with the show.
“I remember having an off-camera conversation with you, and you were like, ‘Should I quit? Like I’m thinking maybe I should quit,’” Tamra shared during The Real Housewives of Orange County After Show. “I said, ‘Maybe you need to learn how to deal with this situation and learn more about what’s going on with him before you make a decision like that.’”
During Season 19, Emily described that one of the more severe issues her son Luke is facing is separation anxiety, and shared that it gives her “mom guilt” to film RHOC. She revealed more of her conversation with her husband Shane Simpson about possibly quitting.
“He said, ‘You know, Emily, you know if you quit you’re basically just giving in to his wants and needs and he’s not learning how to cope,’” Emily shared on the After Show. “‘He has to learn how to cope because lots of moms work, and have to leave, and have to go to an office, or have to go to a job. And so you just quitting and being home with him all the time is not going to help him. He’s not learning how to cope. And that’s not helpful.’”
During a July 17 visit to Bravo HQ, Emily described how she handled filming after she and Shane talked. “I tried to navigate it as best as I could. I tried to be the best mom I could, while also having my own identity as filming a show,” she said.
Emily Simpson opens up about a challenging moment filming the RHOC cast trip to Amsterdam
While Emily, Tamra and the other ‘Wives were on a cast trip to Amsterdam, producers revealed Emily was woken up by a call from Shane in Episode 17.
“Shane calls, and like, he’s so f—king frustrated,” Emily told Gina Kirschenheiter the next morning. “And I get it, because I’ve been in the situation. Annabelle had cheer practice, and he had to go pick her up, and Luke was just losing it.”
The episode showed a flashback to the call, where Shane added, “He doesn’t want to go to soccer. He doesn’t want to do his homework. Started throwing food. So, I lost it.” Emily replied, “You make me feel so bad! What am I supposed to do? I’m in another country!”
RELATED: Emily and Shane Simpson Clash Like Never Before: “You Make It More Difficult”
It was another moment during Season 19 of Shane and Emily clashing over how to best parent Luke. In Episode 2, Emily told a producer, “Shane is a good man and he’s a good dad. But I have a son that’s in crisis, and it’s like we’re not even on the same page. And I just … feel alone in that.”
Emily confessed to Gina in the Oct. 30 episode that she was concerned about Shane while she was away. “Shane’s never lost it, when it comes to the kids. So, for him to just f—king lose it, and I’m here, I feel like such a s—ty mom. I’m not even at home, I’m here,” she admitted.
How the RHOC ‘Wives offered support to Emily Simpson during filming
Gina was quick to reassure Emily in the Oct. 30 episode that she shouldn’t feel any “mom guilt” about being away from her children. “You have to take care of yourself too, Emily. And so does Shane, and you cannot let it break you guys,” she added.
Emily was frank about the toll Luke’s health issues were taking on her and her marriage. “I think what’s so hard is that this is a journey, and it’s a long journey. It’s not like he can just go to therapy and then he’s better. It just makes me feel like I can’t ever go anywhere,” she shared in her confessional interview.
RELATED: Emily Simpson Shares a Back-to-School Update on Her Son Luke
Emily revealed that the ‘Wives have been a sympathetic ear during her struggles, and also offered much-needed support.
“It’s about someone saying, ‘I see you. You’re a good mom,’” she added during the After Show. “There were so many times when like Gina or Heather [Dubrow] or Tamra would just say, ‘You’re doing the best you can. You’re a good mom.’ And that’s really what I needed to hear. It wasn’t about advice or logistically telling me what I should do, it was just saying, ‘You’re a good mom.’”
Emily and Shane’s marriage was tested again as Emily appeared in Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition. Don’t miss why Andy Cohen declared, “this show is blowing me away!”
