I know everyone keeps pointing out that Shannon Beador has had one hell of a couple of years. But the more I watch Season 18, the more I have to agree with this point of view. Shannon was stuck in a loveless marriage with David Beador, who did a number on her self-esteem. She was cheated on and then dragged through a very long and messy divorce process. The Real for Real founder then thought she had found the true love of her life in John Janssen. And, well … we’ve all seen how that has turned out.
Watching Shannon struggle in the beginning was entertaining. She would party with the Tres Amigas, cry, and then fumble while taking off both layers of Spanx. But the newest season of The Real Housewives of Orange County has me shedding actual tears for the mother of three. Shannon is hurting, and I can’t help but think her struggles might not be the best thing to be in front of Bravo cameras.
Shannon Beador opened up in La Quinta
I didn’t think I would see Shannon confiding in Heather Dubrow or Gina Kirschenheiter after all their troubles. Shannon was kicked out of Fancy Pants’ home years ago, and spread rumors that CPS almost took Gina’s children after her own DUI. But somehow, the women have worked towards what looks to be a healthy friendship.
During their brunch, which was complete with hollowed-out pineapple, Shannon broke down. And I don’t mean she shed some fake tear. The blonde sobbed into Emily Simpson, and it left me reaching for the tissues. I was pleasantly surprised to see the women rally around her. Gina noted, “We will support you. And you will get through this.” It’s a far cry from how Shannon treated Gina.
Sometimes, a few kind words are all somebody needs to know: there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel. But what broke me was hearing Shannon release her pain. The tears were real and flowed out of her like a fountain. As she sat shaking, Shannon explained, “You don’t understand how overwhelmed I am with love right now. You guys are so kind, and I feel like I don’t deserve it.” This moment is what upset me as a viewer. Love her or hate her, Shannon genuinely felt as if she was worthless, and it wasn’t nice to watch her unravel.
Shannon Beador questions her past with John Janssen
As Heather pointed out in her recent confessional, Shannon has been upset because she finally had to question whether John was ever really committed to her. For multiple seasons, Shannon has alleged that she always picked up meals and flights. But her newest revelation really painted her as quite the girlfriend.
Shannon shared a moment regarding John’s eldest daughter. The entire family had driven down to LA to celebrate her birthday, with Shannon covering the hotel bill, which was an excess of $10,000. Shannon broke down in tears, stating, “That’s how generous I was. And now he’s trying to claim that I owe him money.”
So many viewers have dealt with those same feelings of unrequited love. And when you’re in a relationship with someone, it feels like all the money is in the same pot. I think Shannon’s only crime was being in love with Johnny J. Shannon had me feeling major empathy when she snapped at Emily for suggesting she just paid him a lump sum. She retorted, “Out of principle, I don’t want to give him a dollar.” Girl, I get it.
Shannon Beador has dealt with a lawsuit before
For Shannon, the legal issues with John are triggering PTSD memories of the lawsuit with Jim Bellino. In 2018, Jim sued Tamra Judge and Shannon over comments they made about his business during a podcast taping. In 2020, the case was dismissed, and Shannon was awarded $137,340.25 for her legal fees, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Sadly, Shannon has been living all these terrible moments in her head, alone as she tries her best to navigate a path forward. The kindness that the rest of the women at the table showed her proved to me, as a fan, that the franchise chose the right cast. Even though Shannon has a lot of hurdles ahead of her, I’m rooting for her to come out on top.
The Real Housewives of Orange County is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US — WHAT DID YOU THINK OF SHANNON’S LA QUINTA SAGA? ARE THE WOMEN BEING SUPPORTIVE ENOUGH?
