Monique: I Actually Did Gizelle a Favor by Not Inviting Her
Monique Samuels explains daughter Milani's over-the-top birthday party, and why fellow castmate Gizelle Bryant was not invited.
Bravotv.com: What were you thinking going into this lunch withGizelle Bryant? What were you thinking when she "shut you up"?
Monique Samuels: I was thinking, “Here we go wasting my time once again!” But I tried to remain open-minded. It’s hard to deal with people who don’t know the difference between a lie and the truth. She constantly over exaggerates every detail. She tried once again to be demeaning, but this time, God had enough! She choked on her lies. Literally!
Bravotv.com: What do you say to people who may say this was too much for a one year old’s birthday?
MS: I love to celebrate, especially when it comes to my kids and their major milestones. This was not just Milani’s 1st birthday celebration, but also her christening ceremony. Chris and I have a lot of family and friends so it’s hard to plan our events without including everyone. The more people we have, the higher the cost of the celebration. My children are worth it. In my house growing up, we always celebrated everything, so I do the same for my kids. I’m an over-the-top type of person, so I enjoy taking things to the next level. Even though it’s a child’s party, I always make sure the adults have something to enjoy as well. It was really like two parties all bundled into one! That night following the festivities for the children, I had nannies available so that all of the parents could relax and enjoy themselves as well. The kids can’t always have all of the fun!
Bravotv.com: What do you think about your dad’s advice to Ashley Darby?
MS: I thought the advice my dad gave to Ashley was right on point with the marital issues she was experiencing. Marriage shouldn’t revolve around constantly fighting with each other. It should be about building something together and being a team so you can fight against the world together. Those who do not understand that will end up divorced. My dad was speaking from experience and hopefully, Ashley will make some changes that will turn her marriage around for the better.
Bravotv.com: What do you think of Charrisse Jackson Jordan and tension?
MS: I was so confused as to why there was any tension at all. I thought the Bermuda trip was suggested by Charrisse and that both she and Karen would come up with a plan for the entire group. After watching the episode I felt that maybe Karen’s upcoming move may have left a void in her place within Potomac society and now she’s taking it out on Charrisse. A major power struggle was going on and I don’t think Charrisse saw it coming! I was very surprised at the way Karen kept mouthing off towards her at Milani’s party. Either way, I don’t think the two should be trying to plan anything together!
Bravotv.com: Why didn’t you invite Gizelle? What do you think about her saying she wouldn’t have come to Milani’s party?
MS: Gizelle and I have not meshed by any means, so why would I invite her to a special event of this magnitude? There was no way I would have any negativity at my daughter’s first birthday and christening party. I actually did her a favor by not inviting her, since this particular home was a two hour drive from Potomac. That would have been a long drive home if she got kicked out again! On top of that, my family from New Jersey does not play. The way she conducted herself at my Vienna home was so ratchet and classless. There was no reason for me to allow her demons into my residence, which is my place of relaxation and peace. She can keep her negative energy on the other side of Maryland. I’m sure Gizelle would have come even though she said she wouldn’t because she loves attention and she’s nosey. She keeps wondering what my other homes look like, so I doubt she would have missed the opportunity to try and pick this one apart.
