‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ season 5: Is Caroline Manzo really leaving, and why?

Get ready -Earlier this year, the rumors first came out that Caroline Manzo was done with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” and would be giving a massive “peace out” when it was over to potentially star in her own “Manzo’d with Children” pilot over at Bravo. What we thought could always be a possibility was that she would try to get her own pilot, only to then fall back on the flagship show if that didn’t quite work out.

However, that’s not what is going on here in the slightest. Instead, Caroline confirmed on her Bravo blog last night that regardless of what happens with this spin-off show, she is still going to be saying goodbye to her flaghship show. Her explanation actually seems to also make a ton of sense, as she doesn’t want to be associated with something anymore than has become nothing other than a giant cesspool of negativity:

“When we started filming Housewives so long ago, Al made me promise him one thing. He said, ‘Just be yourself and have fun with it.’ I’ve always prided myself on giving you the truth of who I really am, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Over the past few years my outlook on the show has changed from something I couldn’t wait to show my future grandchildren to something I hope my future grandchildren never see. I’ve always prided myself on being a good example for my children and my decision to leave is based on advice I’ve always given them: ‘Be true to yourself and be proud of who you are, you are born with a name and you die with a name, don’t dirty it up.’ Going back to film another season of Housewives would only make me a hypocrite. For me, peace and integrity cannot be bought with money or fame. I practice what I preach, and as I said on the reunion, I’m done.I simply feel that my role has run its course and I have nothing more to give.”

Yes, there is some irony in saying that because “Manzo’d with Children” could potentially give her more money and fame if it takes off, since she’ll be the star of the show and not have to split up as much of the screen time. But, we totally get where she is coming from, since this show is supposed to be fun and more like a New Jersey “Duck Dynasty” than something that is going to feature constant screaming fights and accusations from people desperate for screen time.

Regardless of if her spin-off works, do you think Caroline is making the right move leaving “The Real Housewives of New Jersey”? Click here if you want to read our full review of last night’s reunion show, where we recommend that either Melissa Gorga or Kathy Wakile should also goodbye to the show.

Photo: Bravo

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