Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Monyetta Shaw-Carter, 45, Reveals She Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Monyetta Shaw-Carter, 45, Reveals She Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
“This is the fight of my life — and I’m ready.”
In an emotional, never-before-seen confessional airing at the end of next week’s explosive episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Monyetta Shaw-Carter, 45, bravely reveals that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The heartbreaking moment was filmed in real time just weeks after the mother-of-two discovered a lump during a routine self-examination. “I knew something was off,” Monyetta says, her voice trembling. “And deep down, I was scared to go to the doctor because I felt like… I already knew.”
In an exclusive interview with BravoInsider, Monyetta opened up further about her journey, describing the moment her doctor confirmed the diagnosis as “earth-shattering.” “I was alone in the room when she said the words ‘You have cancer,’” Monyetta shares. “My first thought wasn’t about myself — it was about my kids.”
Best known for her elegance, composed demeanor, and philanthropic work, the news came as a gut punch to fans who have watched Monyetta maintain a strong presence on RHOA. But behind the glam and grace, Shaw-Carter admits she had been hiding her fear for weeks.
“I didn’t want to worry the girls,” she said of her fellow Housewives. “We were filming. Everyone was dealing with drama — I didn’t want to add more. But I couldn’t keep silent anymore.”
The reality star, who joined the cast as a friend and quickly grew into a fan favorite, reveals that she has already started chemotherapy. “My hair started falling out on the second week,” she says. “I cried in the shower. Not because of vanity — but because that’s when it really hit me.”
In a scene teased for next week’s RHOA, co-stars Kenya Moore and Kandi Burruss are seen tearing up as Monyetta shares the news with the group at a private brunch hosted by Cynthia Bailey. “I need your prayers,” she tells them. “But I also need your joy — I don’t want this to define me.”
Online support has poured in since the first clips surfaced, with thousands of fans and celebrities alike flooding her social media with messages of love and solidarity. Among them, Ne-Yo — Monyetta’s ex-fiancé and father of her two children — posted a rare tribute on Instagram: “You are the strongest woman I know. Our kids have a hero in their mother.”
Despite the diagnosis, Monyetta insists she’s not stepping away from filming. “This is my story now,” she affirms. “And if sharing it helps one woman catch something early, then it’s worth it.”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo
