Nidhish Waghmare
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
On a September night in 2023, *Real Housewives of Orange County* star Shannon Beador faced a life-altering moment. Arrested for driving under the influence, Beador crashed her car into a planter box in Newport Beach. Her blood alcohol level was recorded at .24, three times the legal limit. The incident resulted in two misdemeanor charges and a few hours in jail before her release on citation. Beador was later sentenced to three years of probation, including 40 hours of community service and a nine-month alcohol program.
The Shocking Selfie and Personal Reflection
Months after the incident, Beador discovered a bloody selfie on her phone from that night. “I was shocked,” she tells *PEOPLE* exclusively. Seeing the photo for the first time made her realize the severity of the accident. “It felt like I was looking at someone who wasn’t me,” she shares. Despite the trauma, Beador decided to show the photo to her costar Heather Dubrow during the show’s premiere.
“It was a big step for me,” she admits, acknowledging that the image would likely circulate online. However, she believed it was necessary to convey the gravity of the situation.
Public Reaction and Personal Responsibility
The decision to share the photo was not about seeking sympathy. “I’m not asking for sympathy, and I’m not saying, ‘Oh, feel sorry for me, look at that blood,'” Beador clarifies.
She wanted people to understand the seriousness of the incident. “When you see that picture, you’re like, ‘Oh, wow, this was bad.’ And showing it was the only way anyone would understand that.”
Moving Forward
Beador reflects on the incident with a sense of accountability. “I deserved to get hurt,” she states bluntly, acknowledging the gravity of her actions and the potential consequences. “I could have killed someone,” she admits, expressing gratitude that no one else was harmed. Her therapy focuses on overcoming the guilt and shame associated with the event.
“Does this act define my life? It defines a part of it,” she says. Beador is determined to turn this experience into the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Continuing the Journey
Despite the painful memories, Beador is committed to personal growth and transparency. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it,” she confides. Her journey is ongoing, and she aims to use this incident as a catalyst for positive change. As lThe Real Housewives of Orange County airs, viewers will witness her path to recovery and resilience.
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.
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