Top 10 Most Savage Reality Show Clapbacks
#10: “You Are a Liar” “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” (2010-)
There have been a plethora of iconic “Real Housewives” clapbacks in Beverly Hills over the years, and the Richards sisters are a big part of why. To this day, their tense season 1 limousine argument stands out as one of the franchise’s most heated moments. That’s largely because the fight culminates in Kyle accusing Kim of being an alcoholic, among other pretty serious things. It’s not a particularly clever or witty statement. It’s more like some good, old-fashioned truth-telling. The moment represents the best and worst of the show, as we finally see the façades drop long enough to get a heartbreaking glimpse of what’s really going on.
#9: “This B**** Is Shaking the Table!” “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” (2012-)
There’s nothing like a friendly meeting of the minds to settle a feud. At least that’s what Mimi Faust presumably thought when she set up a lunch between herself, K. Michelle, and Karlie Redd. But as soon as Karlie arrived, K. set her straight, telling her she looked like she was dressed for a knock-off Grammys red carpet. The quips began to fly and soon, so did the threats. When the angry Karlie shook the table between them, K. Michelle was unimpressed. Her reply was sarcastic, cutting, and showed just how little respect she had for the woman sitting across from her.
#8: “Go Back to Party City” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (2009-)
Top 10 Most Savage Insults on RuPaul’s Drag Race
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” has brought us so many epic rivalries over the years, but the season-long feud between Phi Phi O’Hara and eventual winner Sharon Needles was a sight to behold. When Sharon offered critiques of Phi Phi’s leadership in the previous week’s challenge, the notoriously competitive queen had a lot to say in response. Accusations and cutting critiques flew across the werk room. Sharon accused Phi Phi of being a “tired-ass showgirl,” and O’Hara’s fiery response quickly became the stuff of legend. Although the two had a lot of animosity throughout the season, Phi Phi later confessed that they played up many of their conflicts for the cameras. And we thank them for it!
#7: “Fix Your Hair” "Dance Moms” (2011-19)
Top 10 Dark Truths About Dance Moms
Out of all the moms that passed through the Abby Lee Dance Company, Dr. Holly was by far the most poised and elegant. She often rose above the drama, chaos, confusion, and madness. But every once in a while, Abby Lee Miller’s borderline sadistic teaching methods got to her. When the controversial dance teacher went after her daughter Nia’s hair, Holly gave Abby some pointed tips of her own. Considering how much Miller put her and her child through over the years, it was long overdue. And to be honest, the retort doubles as some pretty useful advice.
#6: “Beyoncé?” “Flavor of Love” (2006-08)
Tiffany “New York” Pollard was the reality TV gift that kept on giving. Whether it was shouting down a rival or cutting down the competition, she always had a way with words. In this classic “Flavor of Love” scene, the lovably obtuse “Hottie” said her fellow contestants were jealous of the fact that she looked like Queen Bey. New York quickly dispelled her of this notion, comparing her to another music icon instead. The hilarious reaction continues to make the rounds on the Internet all these years later, and it’s not hard to see why!
#5: “You’re a Sad Pathetic Person” “The Hills” (2006-10)
Top 10 Times Contestants Clapped Back at Reality Show Hosts
This MTV reality series about rich youth navigating the fashion world was constantly criticized for its alleged scripting and planning of storylines. But the show took it up several notches when Lauren accused Heidi and Spencer of spreading a rumor involving her and a sex tape. The couple denied doing so, and there was no just mending the fence from there. Conrad’s infamous fighting words at their friend Frankie’s birthday celebration were harsh, to be sure. But more than that, they effectively signaled the point of no return in a relationship that many fans had grown invested in. The two ultimately had a devastating friend break-up, and that was it.
#4: “Close Your Legs to Married Men” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (2008-)
When “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” premiered in 2008, it catapulted NeNe Leakes to reality TV stardom. It wasn’t long before her clapbacks made her one of the most GIF-able Housewives around. And her rocky relationship with original castmate Kim Zolciak gave us some of her most memorable moments. When Kim’s rocky romance with a married man dubbed Big Poppa became a hot topic of discussion at the first reunion, NeNe couldn’t contain herself. When Zolciak pressed her further, Leakes offered up some sound, if unwelcome, advice. Reunions are full of good times, loyal friends, and warm memories - unless you’re on “The Real Housewives”, that is!
#3: “I Don’t HAVE a Sugar Daddy” “RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!” (2010-)
Top 10 Worst Decisions in RuPaul's Drag Race
Facing harsh feedback from her fellow queens, "Drag Race” season 3 contestant Mimi Imfurst accused Shangela of having a sugar daddy when the latter critiqued her lackluster runway look. Needless to say, it didn’t go well for Mimi. Shangela launched into what was essentially a five paragraph essay about how she does NOT, nay, has NEVER had someone taking care of her financially. It wasn’t just a clapback - it was a monologue worthy of a Tony Award. Unfortunately, they don't give Tonys to TV shows, but that doesn’t diminish Shangela’s moment. It’s since been said that the altercation was far worse than what viewers saw, which is hard to imagine!
#2: “Prostitution W***e” “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (2009-)
You’d think we'd be tired of this moment after all these years, but it simply never gets old. It was the fight that launched a thousand table flips, after all. In what just might be the wildest moment in “Real Housewives" history, this episode saw Teresa Giudice go up against co-star Danielle Staub. Her tirade included one of the most instantly quotable insults television has ever seen. The moment is even funnier given the fact that Giudice’s response doesn't seem all that proportional to the situation. Of course, that just makes it all the better!
#1: “I Was Rooting for You” “America's Next Top Model” (2003-18)
Top 20 Craziest Reality TV Show Meltdowns
When it comes to reality competition shows, it’s often the contestants who end up fighting. But not on “America’s Next Top Model.” During Cycle 4 of the show, supermodel and host extraordinaire Tyra Banks infamously lost it on contestant Tiffany Richardson. A sensible person would probably wonder what Tiffany could’ve possibly done to deserve this tongue-lashing. Well, Tyra decided she wasn’t sad enough about being eliminated. Sure, maybe this reaction was over-the-top and unreasonable, but isn’t that what reality TV is all about? To this day, the words “rooting for you” conjure up this moment in our minds, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
