AceShowbiz - Margaret Josephs has opened up about her decision to leave The Real Housewives of New Jersey ahead of the new season’s production. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis Live, she revealed that her departure had been planned since December, months before test filming took place in August with potential new cast members.

Margaret Josephs explained that her exit stemmed from discomfort with certain cast members and the direction the show was heading. She stated, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." Emphasizing her desire to protect her reputation and well-being, she said she wasn’t willing to continue working alongside people she no longer trusted, especially since she feels she has more to lose than they do.

Despite her departure, Margaret confirmed she remains close friends with returning cast members Melissa Gorga and Dolores Catania. However, the overall tone and trajectory of the show no longer aligned with her values or personality.

One key reason for her decision was distancing herself from Teresa Giudice. Margaret Josephs described Teresa as "not my people," while still wishing her well as a mother but making it clear that their relationship was not one she wanted to mend. She also revealed that during filming, a new cast member attempted to persuade her to reconcile with Teresa Giudice, but she declined.

Ultimately, Margaret Josephs chose to step away rather than compromise her boundaries or participate in a dynamic she found incompatible with her own principles. Her candid remarks shed light on the evolving cast dynamics and personal decisions behind the scenes of RHONJ.