Dr. Nicole Martin joined The Real Housewives of Miami (RHOM) in Season 4 in 2021. She was a new face who offered a fresh outlook. Younger than the original cast members, she worked as a successful anesthesiologist and was an unmarried mother.
Her calmness during conflicts and ability to express herself made her a favorite among fans. Nicole quickly became known for being right in most drama situations.
She had a great sense of humor, which helped her handle the veterans on the show who were not always friendly. Even though Marysol Patton, Larsa Pippen, and Alexia Nepola often picked on her, Nicole Martin always responded with grace.
Fans found Nicole endearing because she was a successful career woman and a devoted mother. She could stand on her own, with or without the help of reality TV.
Nicole represented a different type of woman on RHOM, one who was financially independent and not relying on a partner for a luxurious life.
Therefore, fans were heartbroken when she announced that she would not return for Season 7. After giving birth to her daughter, Genevieve Nicole, with her fiancé, Anthony Lopez, Nicole experienced postpartum anxiety.
With the stress from the show, her career, and long filming hours, she decided to step back and focus on her growing family. This situation highlights how reality TV does not always support women during significant life changes.
Nicole Martin Brought Diversity to RHOM
Nicole Martin joined RHOM when the show returned after an eight-year break. She saw this opportunity as a chance to add depth to the long-running Real Housewives series. Her calm and career-focused attitude was a refreshing change from the usual drama and extravagant lifestyles presented in the show.
Nicole likely attracted a new audience to RHOM. In her cast bio, she shared that joining the show was a calculated risk she wanted to take. She planned to use her platform to give young women advice about careers and life.
From the start, Nicole’s intentions on RHOM focused on deeper topics rather than petty arguments. She aimed to motivate and inspire viewers.
Nicole’s genuine nature made her relatable. She chose not to marry while raising her family with her fiancé, Anthony Lopez, despite facing criticism from some cast members.
A memorable moment showcasing her strength was when Larsa Pippen made a negative remark about her being a single mother during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
Nicole stood her ground and addressed Larsa’s comment with poise. She demonstrated that her worth was not defined by her marital status. This response earned her respect and admiration from fans who appreciated her strength and authenticity.
Nicole Martin’s Savage Moments on RHOM
Nicole Martin had several unforgettable moments on RHOM, where she stood up for herself against the veteran cast members. She often found herself in disagreements with Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton, and Larsa Pippen, but she handled these situations with poise.
Nicole rarely instigated drama; instead, she responded to her castmates when they treated her unfairly. One memorable moment occurred during Season 5 when Larsa spread rumors that Nicole was involved with her coworkers. Nicole creatively “uninvited” Larsa from her engagement party, leaving everyone shocked.
She sent an engraved mirror that read, “Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the fake one of them all?
Take a good look. I see who you are, do you? See yourself uninvited to our engagement party.” This clever response was fitting since the rumors could have harmed her professional reputation.
Nicole shared in an interview that she sometimes felt out of place compared to her fellow cast members because of their different personalities. There was a moment during a lunch hosted by Alexia Nepola when an attorney was present to answer questions.
When Nicole asked about defamation, Alexia became defensive. Nicole then handed her Black Amex card to the attorney to pay for her question, which upset Alexia. These examples highlight Nicole’s strength in defending herself.
In the same interview, she mentioned finding it amusing that the women often attacked each other’s careers, families, and spouses, creating a negative atmosphere. Nicole believes that genuine apologies can help clear the air in the toxic environment.
Postpartum Anxiety Led Nicole Martin to Leave RHOM
Nicole Martin decided to take a break from RHOM Season 7. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shared that she struggled with severe postpartum anxiety after the premature birth of her daughter, Genevieve Nicole, on March 26, 2024.
Nicole had to undergo a C-section, and her postpartum anxiety made her excessively worried, which was not normal for her. She described feeling overwhelmed, which negatively impacted her mental health. While she loves being a mother, she admitted that coping with anxiety is very challenging.
It is unclear what triggered her postpartum anxiety, but common signs include increased heart rate, lack of appetite, nausea, stomach aches, shortness of breath, difficulty relaxing, and isolation.
This state of mind is not ideal in the high-pressure and often toxic environment of reality TV, prompting Nicole to step back from her full-time role in RHOM Season 7. Although she loves her castmates, she could not ignore the tense atmosphere and the long hours of filming.
She made this decision with her family and her best interests in mind. On Instagram, she shared her choice to take a step back while also providing her followers with helpful information about postpartum anxiety.
Nicole Martin’s Exit Will Affect RHOM Significantly
Nicole Martin’s decision to leave RHOM is understandable, given her postpartum challenges and new baby. However, her absence will leave a significant gap in the show. Nicole challenged the norms of the series and offered fresh perspectives that attracted new viewers.
Her level-headed approach made her a fan favorite, and many viewers appreciated that she did not rely on the show as much as others, as she had a successful career outside of RHOM.
Nicole has expressed that she does not intend to say goodbye to the show forever and hopes to appear occasionally as a friend. She feels guilty about disappointing her fans but understands the need to prioritize her well-being.
Nicole shook up the dynamics on RHOM, and her exit raises questions about how producers could improve the show’s environment to support cast members facing mental health challenges, especially during significant life changes like pregnancy.
Given that Nicole’s departure leaves a big gap, the producers need to consider how to set the tone for the next season and if RHOM will revert to its usual style, possibly losing the audience that tuned in because of Nicole.
Dr. Nicole Martin joined The Real Housewives of Miami in Season 4, bringing a fresh perspective as a successful anesthesiologist and unmarried mother. Known for her calm demeanor and humor, she quickly became a fan favorite despite facing challenges from veteran cast members.
However, Nicole announced she would not return for Season 7 due to postpartum anxiety following the birth of her daughter.
Her departure leaves a significant gap in the show, as she challenged norms and attracted new viewers. Nicole hopes to return in a friend role while prioritizing her mental health and family.
RHOM Season 7 is currently filming, and viewers can watch previous seasons on Peacock.
