Garcelle Beauvais Explains Why She “Felt Pressure” to be the First Black Beverly Hills Housewife

Garcelle Beauvais has hit the midway point on her first season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills — and now she's reflecting on what it's been like to the first Black woman to appear on the cast in the franchise's 10-season history.

“Did I feel the pressure of being the first Black woman on [RHOBH]? Yes, I definitely felt pressure that people wanted me to come in and do a certain thing or have a chip on my shoulder,” Garcelle said on a recent episode of Reality Life with Kate Casey, according to Page Six and PEOPLE. “I really didn’t want to be labeled an angry Black woman, because that’s not who I am. I just wanted to stay true to who I am, and I think that’s what people have been able to see so far.”

While Garcelle is not new to being in the spotlight, she's had to adjust to having her life dissected on social media. “I was not prepared for how social media takes over,” she said on the Reality Life episode. “Lisa Rinna told me that it is one thing to shoot the show. It’s another to see it and what the others have said about you. Then the whole world weighs in. There are many layers to be on the show.”

Last summer, when it was confirmed she'd be joining the show, she opened up about what it meant to be the first Black woman on RHOBH in a powerful statement.

“I am excited and proud to be joining the cast of such a wildly popular and beloved show like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As a working actor who has been in the industry for some time, it’s exhilarating to have the opportunity to delve into a new chapter in the entertainment spectrum. As the first African American Housewife in the Beverly Hills franchise, I am honored and humbled by this awesome opportunity to exemplify the fact that Black Girl Magic lives and thrives in every zip code!” Garcelle said in a statement to The Daily Dish at the time.

“Already being intimately familiar with the spotlight of Hollywood, my journey of successes and trials has already been chronicled and shared with my many loyal supporters around the world. The continual encouragement, support and yes, even at times, criticism, have helped make me the dynamic woman I am today. I’m excited to share the many ongoing daily surprises, laughs and joys of being a working mother in today’s crazy world. The hustle is R-E-A-L! No games, all heart and a little dash of fashion-filled sass is what you’ll get when you step into my sphere…and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Garcelle has always been a voice for change and uses her platform to spread awareness on important humanitarian causes, most recently speaking out on the Black Live Matter movement and stepping out with her twin sons to protest.

She also recently appeared on WWHL to discuss the importance of everyone using their voice to make a change for the better: "If you see any injustice, speak up, say something."

You can check out her full message below.