Stacey Rusch, a star of *The Real Housewives of Potomac*, has addressed persistent rumors regarding her relationship with Chris Samuels. In an exclusive interview with *Us Weekly* on October 24, 2024, Stacey emphasized that her connection with Chris is purely social. “I know Chris socially, and that’s it,” she stated, aiming to set the record straight amidst ongoing speculation.
The rumors, partly fueled by fellow cast member Ashley Darby’s remarks, suggested a romantic involvement between Stacey and Chris, who is the ex-husband of Monique Samuels. “We can talk about accusations all day long. But again, I know who I am. I know my relationships with my friends, and he’s a friend,” Stacey asserted, reinforcing her stance against what she described as unfounded claims.
New Season of Drama and New Cast Members
As the new season unfolds, viewers can expect a plethora of dramatic moments. Stacey expressed that the upcoming episodes will reveal the complexities of the relationships within the cast. She described Chris as a “great guy” and shared insights about filming alongside Monique, stating, “She’s a lot of fun. I didn’t have the opportunity to meet her until we started filming together, and, yeah, she’s a good time.”
Stacey also welcomed new cast members Angel Massie and Tia Glover, describing them as a positive addition to the show. “I love the new girls. I think that they have beautiful stories to be told. I think they have adorable families, and I think that people will fall in love with them the more they get to meet them,” she said.
Despite the excitement of new faces, the absence of veteran cast member Karen Huger has been notable. Karen was not present during the early episodes of the current season following her 2024 DUI conviction related to a solo crash near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac. Stacey reflected on Karen’s absence, stating, “Potomac is not Potomac without Karen Huger. So, I don’t know what her decisions are, but I think it’s safe to say that we would all be happy and welcome her back.”
Stacey has not had any recent communication with Karen, who was released from prison in September 2025 after serving a one-year sentence. “I have not spoken with her,” Stacey mentioned. “I couldn’t say that I miss her friendship. Listen, you can want the best for someone and respect where you are.”
Standing Up Amidst the Gossip
The new season promises to be filled with conflict and unexpected twists, a hallmark of the series. Stacey, known for her calm demeanor, stated, “I am a very pleasant and peaceful woman, but, you know, I’m going to stand up for myself. So if you want to throw it at me, sometimes, you know, I catch it and throw it right back and you will receive it right in your hand.”
As *The Real Housewives of Potomac* continues to captivate audiences, Stacey Rusch remains a central figure, navigating both the drama of reality television and her personal relationships with poise. The dynamic between the cast members and their evolving stories are sure to keep fans engaged as the season progresses.
