Why Briana Culberson Told Andy Cohen to ‘Lose Her Number’: The High Cost of RHOC Fame

For two decades, Vicki Gunvalson has been the undisputed “OG of the OC,” anchoring the Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) since its inception. However, as the franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, the glitz and glamour of reality TV have left some deep, lasting scars on Gunvalson’s family.

The Clash with Andy Cohen: A Daughter’s Firm ‘No’

While Vicki has embraced her return to the spotlight, her daughter, Briana Culberson, is staying far away from the cameras. In a surprising revelation, Gunvalson admitted that Briana has no interest in returning to the network, despite attempts from the Bravo patriarch himself.

According to Vicki, when Andy Cohen reached out to Briana to discuss a special appearance for the current season, the response was blunt and final: “Please lose my number.”

Why the Tension?

The rift isn’t just about a lack of interest; it’s about protection. Briana’s husband, a Marine Corps veteran who served six tours overseas, was portrayed in a light that the family found unfair and damaging, especially considering his struggle with PTSD. For Briana, the decision to distance herself from Andy Cohen and the production is a matter of safeguarding her marriage and her children.

A Family Divided by Fame

The impact of reality TV extends beyond Briana. The emotional toll has created a geographic and emotional gap between Vicki’s children. Recently, Vicki’s son, Michael, revealed in an episode of RHOC that he hadn’t seen his sister in eight years—meaning he hasn’t even met two of his nieces and nephews.

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• Michael: Currently residing in Spain.
• Briana: Living in Oklahoma with her husband and four children.

“It absolutely sucks that my kids live far away,” Vicki confessed, noting the painful contrast between her life and the “Sunday dinners” she sees other families enjoying.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Marriage vs. The Spotlight

Perhaps the most poignant reflection is Vicki’s admission regarding her first marriage. Years ago, her then-husband, Donn Gunvalson, gave her a stark ultimatum: choose the marriage or the show.

“He was like, ‘Anybody that goes on TV is going to get divorced.’ I’m like, ‘We’re not going to get divorced. We’re fine.’ And obviously, fast-forward, we got divorced.”

Looking back, Vicki admits that the decision to pursue the pilot program created by Scott Dunlop essentially “killed” her marriage. This sentiment was echoed by fellow housewife Porsha Williams, who suggested that while shows can strain a marriage, they often reveal existing weaknesses that were already there.

Conclusion: The Reality Behind the Reality Show

The story of Vicki Gunvalson serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of private life and public entertainment. While Andy Cohen continues to build a reality empire, for some, the price of admission is simply too high. For Briana Culberson, peace and privacy are far more valuable than any cameo on the world’s most famous Housewives franchise.

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