Vicki Gunvalson's emotional response to mom's death on RHOC in 2015

In July 2015, Vicki Gunvalson experienced a deeply traumatic moment when filming an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County. During this filming, she learned of her mother, Joanne Steinmetz’s death. Gunvalson dramatically collapsed upon receiving the news, revealing the raw emotional impact of the situation. Interestingly, Bravo television network had known about her mother’s death for an hour prior to telling her, aiming to capture her authentic reaction on camera. Gunvalson expressed her anger and disbelief regarding Bravo's decision to delay informing her, feeling that they prioritized entertainment over her well-being. In a clip from The Dark Side of Reality TV, she stated that her family was desperately trying to reach her during the filming while she was unaware of the tragedy unfolding. Her reaction was visceral; she became overwhelmed, falling to the kitchen floor in agony, highlighting the intense emotional trauma she endured in that moment. Despite the painful circumstances surrounding her mother’s death, Gunvalson later stated that she does not hold resentment towards Bravo. She acknowledged that she signed up for a reality show where all facets of her life, including the painful experiences, would be showcased. Ultimately, Gunvalson’s perspective on her personal loss has evolved. While acknowledging the distressing nature of the event, she recognizes it as part of her reality and has opted to not dwell on the actions of the production team.