‘RHOC’ Star Vicki Gunvalson Wanted Out Of Season 11 Over Cancer Scammer Brooks Ayers Drama

Vicki Gunvalson almost called it quits after Season 10 of the Real Housewives of Orange County.

In an interview with E! Online, the reality star admitted that Brooks Ayers’ cancer scandal and the death of her mother pushed her to the brink of quitting.

As fans will recall, Gunvalson’s then boyfriend created a lot of controversy after he was caught lying about having cancer. The level of betrayal got so bad that Gunvalson almost couldn’t take it anymore.

“I didn’t [think I’d return.] I didn’t think I had the strength… But you know what, my story wasn’t finished. I’m not gonna end as a victim.”

Gunvalson wanted to return to RHOC so that she could defend herself on camera.

“I’m not going to let these women have the last say-so in what they believe the truth was,” Gunvalson stated. “I know my truth.”

Gunvalson defended Ayers throughout the majority of the cancer scandal, leaving many to speculate that she knew about the lies but didn’t speak up.

With the cancer lies still hanging over Gunvalson and the rest of the cast, the new season is likely going to start off on an awkward note. Even still, Gunvalson sounded optimistic about getting back into the drama with Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Meghan King Edmonds, and Shannon Beador.

“I think what we’re gonna see this season is it definitely starts off very awkward, but the best part of this season is we have a new cast member,” Gunvalson said, referencing Kelly Meza-Dodd. “She brings a whole lot of opinions and I love her. We have a great relationship.”

Despite the optimism, Vicki Gunvalson told People that her relationship with the other women on the show is never going to be the same.

Although some of her friendships are permanently damaged, Gunvalson admitted that she is fine with how things played out this season.

“But I’m okay with it. I’m really okay with it and they’re going to think what they want to think, and I’m going to think about them what I want to think, and I hope everyone’s good and happy, and we work together basically,” she stated.

Apparently, Gunvalson is determined to stay out of everyone else’s “business” this time around.

“You know we are friends, and I am not in their business the way that they were in mine. I really don’t care. They care a lot,” she added. “I always think this, ‘If they’re not talking about you. You got something to worry about.’ So they’re talking about me, so I’m okay with it.”

Apart from the Ayers cancer scandal, Gunvalson also lost her mother last year.

Despite all the emotional hardships, Gunvalson has managed to find romance and comfort with Steve Chavez, her new boyfriend.

Although Gunvalson’s family didn’t like Ayers, her daughter, Briana Culberson, has already warmed up to Chavez.

“Briana loves him!” Gunvalson explained in an interview with Us Magazine. “They do wine night together when I’m working or traveling. She calls him and says, ‘Steve, are you coming over?’ It’s so funny!”

The fact that Briana likes Chavez is a good sign, especially considering how much he hated Ayers.

With her daughter’s full support, Gunvalson is more than happy with her new beau. Things are going so well that Gunvalson has plans to take vacations with Chavez and the rest of her family.

Whether or not her fellow co-stars will take a liking to Chavez is yet to be seen.

Given how things ended last season, Gunvalson has an uphill battle ahead of her.

The new season of the Real Housewives of Orange County kicks off Monday night on Bravo.

Tell us! Do you think Vicki Gunvalson can mend her friendships this season? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via Bravo]