After weeks of silence, Ashlee Holmes, the 34-year-old Real Housewives of New Jersey alum, has made a triumphant return to social media with a heartfelt and raw post that’s capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. In a candid Instagram update on June 23, Ashlee, who bravely confirmed her bipolar diagnosis in 2022, opened up about the physical and mental health struggles that led to her unexpected hiatus, including a significant 18kg weight gain that left her grappling with mild depression.
“Hi. It’s Ashlee. The good news? Family is great. Career is great. The ‘bad’ news? Due to some health issues I’m still navigating, alongside personal stressors, I’ve gained roughly 40lbs since December — and even more over the last year,” she shared, laying bare the challenges that caused her to step back from the public eye. “It’s made me pretty reclusive, and although my mental health has been in a good space overall, I’ve been battling some mild depression because of it.”
Ashlee’s vulnerability didn’t stop there. She revealed that her weight gain, tied to health issues hinted at through hashtags like #AutoimmuneDisorder, #ThyroidHealth, and #PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—a hormonal condition often linked to weight gain), had shaken her confidence. Yet, with the support of her faith, family, friends, and inspiring body-positive influencers, she’s learned to embrace her body “in every stage.” Returning to social media, a space often rife with criticism, was no small feat, but Ashlee is ready to face it all.
“I finally feel a level of safety and confidence to return to social media the way I used to show up for you guys, without fear of criticism from the keyboard warriors out there,” she declared boldly. “Trolls are always gonna troll, but I’m so grateful for those of you who have stuck with me over the years. I’m back.” Promising to take fans along on her journey to “get healthy from the inside out,” Ashlee’s post radiates resilience and hope.
The response from her loved ones was immediate and powerful. Her mother, RHONJ veteran Jacqueline Laurita, 55, flooded the comments with love and support, standing firmly by her daughter’s side. Fans and followers echoed Jacqueline’s sentiments, showering Ashlee with praise for her courage and authenticity. “You’re an inspiration!” one commenter wrote, while another added, “Thank you for being so real. We’re rooting for you!”
For those familiar with Ashlee’s story, the former reality star has always been open about her life’s highs and lows. A mother to her son Camden, born in August 2016 with ex-husband Pete Malleo, Ashlee navigated single motherhood after their 2020 separation. Alongside her family, including Jacqueline, she became a fan favorite during their time on The Real Housewives of New Jersey across its first five seasons, with a brief return in season seven.
Ashlee’s comeback post is more than just a return—it’s a powerful statement of self-acceptance and determination. As she embarks on this new chapter, inviting fans to “come along for the ride,” one thing is clear: Ashlee Holmes is back, stronger than ever, and ready to silence the trolls with her unapologetic spirit.