Stacey Rusch, a star of Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP), is making headlines with her latest venture, but not without stirring up drama among fans. Just three months after denying rumors at the season nine reunion, Stacey announced she’s launching Shayo, a cannabis-infused wellness brand, in partnership with Jushi Holdings. The move has sparked a firestorm of reactions, with many RHOP viewers rallying behind Gizelle Bryant’s reunion claims that Stacey was working on her “own Happy Eddie” line, akin to Wendy Osefo’s husband Eddie Osefo’s cannabis brand.
On June 19, 2025, Stacey took to Instagram to share the news, proudly tying the announcement to Juneteenth. “I’m so proud to celebrate the historical legacy of this day and also make history,” she wrote, revealing that Shayo—named after a Nigerian term meaning “to be joyous and happy”—marks her as the first African American woman to launch a cannabis brand in Virginia. The press release described Shayo as a “one-of-a-kind edible experience” focused on “joy, rhythm, and living life fully.” Stacey emphasized her passion for wellness and cultural exploration, stating, “I’m so proud to bring this brand to my home state and help people discover a delicious new path to wellness.”
The announcement, however, didn’t go unnoticed by RHOP fans, who quickly recalled the heated exchange at the season nine reunion, aired in March 2025. During the reunion, Wendy praised Eddie’s thriving cannabis line, prompting Gizelle, 54, to ask Stacey, 40, “Aren’t you trying to start your own Happy Eddie?” Wendy, 41, chimed in, “Oh, are you?” Stacey firmly denied the accusation, responding, “No,” and doubling down with, “Absolutely not,” when Gizelle pressed further. Unfazed, Gizelle warned, “When she comes out with Happy Stacey next season, don’t be surprised.”
Stacey’s Shayo announcement has left fans divided, with many feeling vindicated on Gizelle’s behalf. Social media erupted with comments calling out Stacey’s reunion denials. “I thought you said at the reunion Gizelle was lying? Omg!” one fan exclaimed. Others declared that Gizelle “wasn’t lying” and “never lies,” with one commenter noting, “Like, girl!!! I’m so confused.” Another fan recapped the reunion drama in detail: “When Gizelle brought this up, you had no idea what she was talking about? Wendy said, ‘I would hope you would tell me about this’ … and you said … no you’re not starting a cannabis line … but now here we are and you ARE starting or buying into or promoting a cannabis line!”
While some fans celebrated Stacey’s historic achievement, others couldn’t overlook the apparent contradiction. “So [Gizelle Bryant] was right,” one viewer concluded. The backlash has painted Stacey as both a trailblazer and a potential RHOP villain, with Gizelle’s foresight earning her loyalty among fans who see her as the reunion’s truth-teller.
As Stacey steps into the spotlight with Shayo, the question remains: will her groundbreaking brand solidify her as a cannabis queen, or will the shadow of her reunion denials cement her as RHOP’s latest antagonist? One thing is clear—Gizelle’s “undeniable” reunion truth has fans talking, and the drama is far from over.