RHOP star Wendy Osefo’s indictment prompts Bravo to put hold on ‘Wife Swap: Real Housewives Edition’

Wendy Osefo and husband face fraud charges, prompting Bravo to postpone 'Wife Swap: Real Housewives Edition' premiere

“The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Wendy Osefo and her husband, Eddie Osefo, were indicted on multiple fraud charges in Carroll County, Maryland, on October 9. Following the announcement, Bravo delayed the premiere of “Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition,” which was originally set for October 14, pushing it back to October 21. The Osefos were scheduled to appear in the series’ first episode, where cast members swap lives with ordinary civilians.

According to court documents obtained by Variety, the couple allegedly made false insurance claims after reporting a burglary at their home in April 2024. The Osefos claimed that designer bags and jewelry worth approximately $450,000 were stolen. However, investigators found that many of the items were purchased and later returned before the alleged burglary. Additionally, Wendy Osefo was seen wearing a ring on social media that she had reported as stolen.

Wendy Osefo faces 16 charges, including seven counts of insurance fraud, eight counts of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, and one count of making a false statement to a police officer. Eddie Osefo is charged with 18 counts, with additional insurance fraud and conspiracy charges. The couple was arrested earlier this month and subsequently released on bond.

At a press conference, Carroll County Sheriff James T. DeWees emphasized that Osefo’s status as a reality star did not influence the investigation. “I don’t care if she’s real housewife, fake housewife, or whatever she is — we would handle it the same way,” DeWees said.

Wendy Osefo, who joined “The Real Housewives of Potomac” in 2020, is known for her academic background as an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins and for holding multiple degrees. The couple married in 2011 and have three children.

The Osefos’ court appearance is scheduled for November 7. In light of the controversy, Bravo replaced them with “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Angie Katsanevas for the upcoming “Wife Swap” episode.

This legal issue marks another challenge for the “Potomac” cast, following Karen Huger’s DUI conviction and prison sentence earlier this year.