Back in 2014, the premiere of Southern Charm was a big deal. For Bravo, this marked one of the few times the network had crossed the Mason-Dixon line to showcase life below the bible belt. Between sweet tea, debutantes, southern gentlemen, and drama, the series was a hit. For years, fans have watched as the Charmers worked on their friendships while mostly dating within the group. But in the last five years or so, I’d argue the group has become a bit jaded, even mean to those they deem unworthy to hold a place on the show.
JT Thomas was made to be the villain
I don’t know who JT Thomas pissed off on Southern Charm but Season 10 has not been his finest moment. The sophomore cast member has been accused of a lot this season. In a recent episode, he was accused of being a racist. JT was also charged with calling Patricia Altschul a b*tch. The man has never been able to defend himself. Most of the time, he sits calmly while the others yell around him. At times, he goes a step too far with his truths, but to him, he is genuine.
However, I did not like watching JT be ostracised from the group. The move was cowardly if you ask me. Instead of talking to him, most of his co-stars just wrote him off and tried their best to make JT feel uncomfortable. Sadly, their plan seems to have worked. JT quit Southern Charm not long before the premiere in December. Now, everyone is waiting for his side of the story after it was revealed that he would attend the reunion.
Shep Rose was ostracized for being vulnerable
Okay, even though Shep Rose has been a hell of a playboy over the last ten seasons, it’s not nice to kick a man when he is down. Season 10 has shown Shep’s rollercoaster and possibly imagined relationship with Sienna Evans. Shep being played like a fiddle has been the tragedy of the year. Yet, some of his closest friends have not felt bad for him. Both Taylor Ann Green and Madison LeCroy have pointed out that he is just getting a taste of his own medicine. And while this might be the case, it would be nice to see Shep being given a bit of support.
Craig Conover has been the worst. He has delivered home truth after home truth, all lacking a sugar coating. Shep was picked apart for telling Austen Kroll, “This is my life, and this is my soul or whatever you wanna call it. And I was just like, ‘You’re playing games here.’ Like, I should be driving this bus,” he explained. “I’m not trying to rock the boat. I understand that there’s trouble in paradise — no pun intended — but I got quite angry about it.”
Southern Charm has had a past with bullying costars
In the past, stars like Craig, who needs to act his age, have been the focal point of bullying. Charleston’s good ol boys weren’t in a good place for a while. In the early seasons, Shep and Whitney Sudler-Smith constantly belittled Craig, but then when the Sewing Down South founder’s feelings were hurt, they’d gaslight him. Shep had major opinions on Craig’s career goals and often delivered some extremely tough love. Even Naomie Olindo seemed to be irritated with Craig when they dated. Even though we laugh at his quote, “What’s wrong with me sewing?” It all stemmed from a fight where Naomie was over his lack of drive.
I could also argue that Kathryn Dennis was picked on for quite some time. By … several people.
Ashely Jacobs was also not kind to Kathryn. Who could forget their infamous fight where the nurse noted, “You’re nothing but an egg donor.” Ashley twisted the knife adding “Just because you push something out of your vagina, it doesn’t mean you’re a mother. I’m sorry. Mothering is loving, caring, and protecting these children. Kathryn is all talk. I want to see her actually do what she’s saying she’s going to do. I hope for her sobriety and that she maintains that for the sake of the children – for the benefit of the children.” The Charmers might have some work to do when it comes to their manners.
Southern Charm is available to stream on Peacock.
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