‘RHOP:’ Which Cast Member Is Dr. Wendy Osefo Closest To?
RHOP viewers are happy to get to know newcomer Dr. Wendy Osefo this season. The award-winning researcher and political analyst is already fitting in with a few of her co-stars. Who Osefo is closest to and who she feuds with during her inaugural season may come as a shock to some fans.
Dr. Wendy Osefo is close friends with Candiace Dillard
Dillard introduces Osefo to fans this season. The two have been friends for a few years. Osefo tells The Washington Post that she and Dillard began hanging out long before Osefo became a housewife.
“Ironically, for Season 4, last season, Candiace invited me to the premiere party…I was there, heavily pregnant, supporting my friend, so we’ve been close,” she says.
In the season 5 trailer, Dillard praises Osefo’s accomplishments, calling Osefo “Black girl magic personified.” She’s also impressed by Osefo’s ability to stand up for herself and go toe to toe with her new co-stars, saying, “She can read a book, and she can read you.”
Related: ‘RHOP’ Candiace Dillard Attended Wendy Osefo’s Sip and See Amid Monique Samuels’ Drama
Despite her friendship with Dillard, Osefo was hesitant to join the cast. She’s accustomed to being in the public eye for her work but understands reality television is a different element.
“At first I was like I’m not sure if I want to do this because it’s so different from what I’m known for,” she says. “But then I realized at the end of the day, my brand is rooted in authenticity and being authentic whether I’m being a professor or a political commentator, and who I am is what you get.”
After some encouragement from her family, participating in the show became a no brainer. Osefo is looking forward to viewer reactions from her this season.
Dr. Wendy Osefo is not fond of Karen Huger and Ashley Darby
While Osefo and Dillard are chummy, the same can’t be said for Osefo’s interactions with Huger and Darby. In season 5’s premiere episode, Huger reveals in her confessional that she knows Osefo through working alongside each other on different non-profit boards.
Huger says she’s “not impressed” by Osefo. Osefo later tells Dillard in another scene that she finds Huger’s attitude toward her irritating.
After the episode aired, Osefo threw jabs at Huger on Twitter in response to Huger’s comments.
Related: ‘RHOP’: Ashley Darby and Newcomer Wendy Osefo Butt Heads in Season 5
“I wouldn’t be impressed with a young, educated BLACK woman, raising her young BLACK boys in today’s America if I were you as well,” Osefo wrote. “I should stop speaking out against injustices against BLACK people and start selling perfume. It makes sense your name is ‘Karen.’”
Huger stands by her assertions that she and Osefo do not know one another. She alleges that she only met Osefo briefly on a red carpet event and spoke via phone while serving on a non-profit board together.
Osefo also isn’t getting along with Darby this season. The trailer shows the two in a war of words during a dinner scene. It’s unclear what leads to their issues.
RHOP airs Sundays on Bravo at 8 PM EST.
