A dispute over the naming of a cannabis company has escalated between Real Housewives of Potomac stars Wendy Osefo and Stacey Rusch, with Osefo accusing Rusch of deliberately choosing a name with Nigerian origins as retribution for a confrontation regarding Rusch’s past relationship.
During a preview of the upcoming season 10 reunion, Osefo alleged that Rusch named her cannabis line “SHAYO” – a Nigerian word meaning “to be happy” – as a direct response to Osefo and her husband, Eddie, questioning the authenticity of Rusch’s relationship with Thomas Anthony “TJ” Jones at the season nine reunion. According to Osefo, Rusch’s choice was a calculated act. “Stacey knew what she was doing,” Osefo stated in the clip.
Rusch responded to the accusation by questioning Osefo’s interpretation, asking, “Honoring my Nigerian heritage?” The exchange was further fueled when fellow cast member Tia Glover suggested that “the Nigerians want the name back,” prompting Osefo to reiterate her belief that the naming decision was motivated by revenge. “I think that that was the way for Stacey to get back at Eddie and I for doing the TJ thing,” Osefo explained.
The conflict stems from questions raised about Jones’s role in Rusch’s life and on the show. Jones had suggested he was not genuinely in a relationship with Rusch, but had been compensated for his appearances. This claim surfaced during a FaceTime call with Eddie Osefo, adding another layer to the existing tensions.
The reunion preview likewise touched on Rusch’s previous denials of having a cannabis line. Real Housewives of Potomac host Andy Cohen brought up Rusch’s statements from the season nine reunion, where she denied involvement in the cannabis industry. Rusch clarified that she had been in preliminary discussions. “I can admit that I held many meetings about many business endeavors, and it wasn’t a done deal,” she said. Gizelle Bryant questioned why Rusch hadn’t simply stated she was exploring options, to which Rusch retorted, “As I don’t owe you that, Gizelle.” Bryant pointed out that Rusch had previously denied any competition with Eddie Osefo’s cannabis line, Happy Eddie, only to launch her own brand shortly after.
The season 10 reunion of The Real Housewives of Potomac is scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 15, on Bravo.
