“I Just Got Annihilated”: Tamra Judge Opens Up on Her Autism Claim Fallout

July 11, 2025: Tamra Judge is getting candid about her mental health journey, past trauma, and the fallout from a controversial comment she made about being “on the spectrum.” On the July 10 season 19 premiere of The Real Housewives of Orange County, the 57-year-old reality star broke down in tears during a therapy session, revealing how difficult the last few months have been. “I’ve been crying since last week’s session,” Tamra admitted. “I realized you have to dig up those things that are buried deep inside, because those are the things that come out when you get angry.”

She opened up about long-standing emotional wounds, including a painful custody battle with her ex-husband Simon Barney, her estranged relationship with daughter Sidney, and growing up without her father. “My sensory issues are heightened, my intrusive thoughts are out of control right now,” she said.

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Tamra’s therapist mentioned that some symptoms could overlap with those on the autism spectrum but clarified that it’s difficult to determine without a formal assessment.

This prompted Tamra to reflect on the backlash she faced in October 2024 when she publicly stated she was “on the spectrum” after just one therapy session and without a diagnosis. “I misspoke,” she admitted. “I just got annihilated. Publicly annihilated. I had a really sh—- last year.”

She clarified that she had no time to process what she was feeling before recording that podcast and didn’t fully understand what being on the spectrum meant. “It was really hurtful,” she added. “People think that I don’t have feelings, and it’s not true.”

Tamra went on to explain how years of trauma shaped her defensive nature and trust issues. “I keep a wall up so people don’t get close,” she said. “I don’t nurture my friendships. I think my biggest struggle is trusting people.”

Her goal now? Healing. “I just don’t want to lash out when I’m mad, even if somebody’s done me wrong. I want to fix things.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.