Star of The Real Housewives of Orange County Shannon Beador and her husband David have split, separating after 17 years together.
We’ve described what was an amicable separation, in which the couple was putting their children first. That was so admirable.
In the space of just one month, however, that arrangement has devolved into a very contentious divorce.
Shannon Beador has been having a rough go of it in recent years.
Back in 2015, David Beador cheated on Shannon. That’s not speculation — they’ve both spoken about it. David admitted to it.
(As we say every time, folks, if you don’t want to live monogamously, either don’t enter a committed relationship or enter a relationship with one or more people who don’t demand monogamy. Otherwise, you’re just being a jerk)
But what should have been the low point that led to an end to their problems wasn’t the end of their marriage’s troubles.
The Real Housewives of Orange County costar Vicki Gunvalson spread nasty rumors about Shannon Beador’s marriage.
Shannon then blamed Vicki for her weight gain, as she responded to the situation by stress-eating.
(Yes, Shannon later apologized, admitting that Vicki was not in fact some sort of witch who had cursed her to grow a softer tummy)
Other costars’ reactions to Shannon’s weight gain ranged from sympathy to fitness guru Tamra Judge’s fear that Shannon might die.
The biggest reaction to Shannon’s weight wasn’t a costar or her fans, though.
To hear her tell it, David Beador stopped loving Shannon when she got “fat.” He wouldn’t touch her and apparently couldn’t stand to look at her.
But, as we’ve described, Shannon and David have been keeping things amicable since their separation in October.
Though David moved out and began dating other women, the two have continued to to do regular family gatherings for the sake of their children.
Going out to dinner or to sportsball games, they’ve been smiling and making it clear that their children come first.
Some wondered if their separation would continue until their children were all a few years older and could grow accustomed to the idea.
RadarOnline reports that this has now changed.
Apparently, Shannon Beador has filed court documents of “dissolution with child.”
(That, to be clear, means that she wants to dissolve the marriage, not their three children)
Shannon also filed a custody declaration, an income declaration, and an expense declaration.
(RadarOnline‘s sources tell them that Shannon’s seeking full custody, and “generous” spousal support and child support. But that’s usually how divorces go)
She filed these documents last Friday, which just so happened to be the first of December.
As it turns out, that was not a coincidence. …
According to another RadarOnline report, Shannon Beador is done playing nice with David.
Their insider explains why Shannon filed these documents on December first:
“Shannon wanted to give David an early Christmas present, so she waited until December to drop the bomb on him.”
Dang. That sounds intense.
“She’s going after full custody and hopes to take him for everything he’s got.”
Are those war drums that we hear in the distance?
“She has so much support right now from all of her cast members and friends.”
That makes sense.
“They all hated David so much and are just beyond thrilled that she finally got rid of him.”
While we don’t expect for The Real Housewives of Orange County cameras to actually follow their divorce proceedings, we’re sure that it will be a big part of Shannon Beador’s future storyline.
But we don’t imagine that we’ll see David. The series is about housewives, not ex-husbands.
While we don’t know yet who will triumph in the divorce battle, we know who’s losing out when the parents begin a no-holds-barred war:
The couple’s three children.
To be clear, we’re not suggesting that they stay together or stay married for the sake of their kids. That’s a recipe for a toxic home environment and children who blame themselves for the misery of their parents.
But an amicable divorce is good for everyone involved. As satisfying as this upcoming court drama might be for fans and viewers, it’s going to take its toll on the Beador kids.
That said … sometimes, there’s just no choice.
