Ryan Culberson is speaking out after a deeply personal family rift became a major topic on “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”
During a recent RHOC episode, Vicki Gunvalson’s son, Michael Wolfsmith, opened up about his strained relationship with sister Briana Culberson, revealing that he hasn’t seen her in eight years and has only met two of her four children. He later expanded on those comments on social media, where he suggested Ryan played a role in the family’s estrangement.
Now, this week, Ryan shared a pair of messages on Instagram that many fans viewed as a response to the conversation unfolding online. Although he never mentioned Michael, Briana or Vicki by name, the timing quickly caught the attention of RHOC viewers.
Ryan Culberson Shares Emotional Message About His Past
Ryan first posted a lengthy statement to his Instagram Stories centered on accountability and resilience.
“No one can use my past against me. I’ll sit at the table, look you in the eye, and tell my story from beginning to end – no edits, no filters.
“I own every mistake, every failure, every scar I picked up along the way.
“I’ve already faced the darkest chapters of my life and made peace with them. They don’t control me anymore – they built me. What’s tea for you is my testimony. What you whisper about, I’ve already survived!
“And what tried to break me is the very proof that I’m still standing.
“I am not ashamed of where I’ve been.
“I’m proud of how I made it out.”
The post arrived shortly after RHOC viewers watched Michael discuss his relationship with Briana during a conversation with Vicki.
On the episode, Michael revealed he had not seen his sister in eight years and said he has only met two of her four children. After the episode aired, he also responded to a fan on Instagram who asked why he and Briana no longer had a relationship.
Michael said he had never been invited to Briana and Ryan’s home in Oklahoma. He added that he had once hoped to visit when the family lived there years ago but claimed Briana told him it wasn’t a good time because Ryan didn’t get along with him.
Ryan Followed Up With Another Cryptic Post
Ryan later returned to Instagram Stories with a much shorter message that appeared to reinforce his outlook.
“DON’T LET WHACK PEOPLE MESS WITH YOUR DOPE ENERGY!”
“Protect your energy like your future depends on it. STAY BLESSED!”
Like his earlier statement, Ryan did not directly reference Michael or any member of the Gunvalson family.
The online exchange came as RHOC viewers continued discussing the emotional family dynamic that unfolded during Thursday’s episode.
Vicki also addressed Briana’s decision to step away from the Bravo series, saying her daughter no longer wanted to participate because appearing on the show had become difficult for their family.
“My daughter wants nothing to do with the show,” Vicki said on the episode. “In a past season, her husband just got back from the Marine Corps, six tours overseas, and he’s got some PTSD, and they really showed a bad light of him.”
She added, “What the show did to their family was not good.”
The latest social media posts suggest the emotional conversation surrounding the Culberson and Gunvalson families is far from over, with Ryan now offering his own perspective, even if he stopped short of addressing the situation directly.
