Tamar Braxton Leaves ‘The Real’ Amidst Drama and Speculation: ‘Watch Your Back’
R&B star and reality TV veteran Tamar Braxton's departure from The Real has shocked and stunned daytime TV fans. The news was announced yesterday (May 22) that the singer would not be returning to the show she co-hosted for two seasons with Adrienne Bailon, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley. Shortly after the story broke, Braxton unfollowed her former colleagues (with the exception of Mowry-Housley) and issued a cryptic declaration--and warning--via Instagram.
Under a snapshot of her being comforted by her older sister Toni Braxton, Tamar wrote: "'I love u all but I have been stabbed in the back by someone I stupidly trusted (not my man or my sisters)."
"I am not about to be tried and tested to snitch and it's not in good taste to tell you who. But as #tamartians you are very smart and can figure things out on your own," she said. "Know that every one who smiles in your face is NOT your friend and is NOT cheering for you and will LIE and try and tear u down to TRY and dim your light."
Her tone then got more confrontational.
"(Remember who u are).... And if you thought for 1 sec u played me...you PLAYED yourself," she wrote. "I will be taking a short break from ALL social media...until then [love] yourself and WATCH YOUR BACK."
The "official" statement from Braxton and the show was a lot more benign.
"The Real and Tamar Braxton have mutually decided that Tamar will not be continuing with the show for its upcoming third season," said the statement via E! News. "She will be leaving in order to concentrate on her solo career. Everyone associated with The Real appreciates Tamar's efforts and the contributions she has made to the show's success, and we wish her all the best for the future."
Braxton's outspoken personality made her a breakout star on her family's sitcom, Braxton Family Values, and the notoriety helped reinvigorate her R&B career, made her a reality television staple and landed her the spot on The Real. She also developed a reputation for online squabbles with other celebrities like K. Michelle and Ciara.