Gia Giudice is defending Ariana Biermann as rumors swirl around her flirty connection with Charlie Zakkour on Next Gen NYC. The reality star says she knew what was happening behind the scenes. She also insists Ariana was simply acting like someone who had just become single.
Gia Giudice insists there was ‘no malicious intent’ behind Ariana Biermann’s Charlie Zakkour connection
In an Aug. 12 interview with Us Weekly, Gia said she knew about Ariana and Charlie’s growing connection. She described it as normal “newly single energy” after Ariana’s split from longtime boyfriend Hudson McLeroy. “There was no malicious intent behind it,” Gia said. She explained that Ariana was exploring her options and enjoying attention after becoming single.
The situation has become a major Next Gen NYC storyline. During the Aug. 12 episode, Charlie told Shai Fruchter that Ariana’s earlier claim that she would not touch him “with a 10-foot pole” had hit his ego. He later described their connection as genuine.
That still does not confirm every hookup rumor surrounding the pair. On the Next Gen NYC After Show, Charlie specifically denied that anything sexual happened between him and Ariana during BravoCon 2025. Bravo also noted that their behavior had created “flirty vibes” among cast members.
Fans had already seen hints of the drama in the Season 2 midseason trailer. Charlie suggested that Ariana had come over to “sesh,” then declined to share more. The moment fueled questions about how far their connection went.
The Ariana Biermann breakup storyline began when she and Hudson ended their relationship in October 2025. During that period, Ariana also explored a romance with Liam Obergfoll. She later reconciled with Hudson, but confirmed in August that they had split again.
Gia said she understood why Ariana wanted to explore after such a long relationship. She also described Charlie as someone who can be charming when he wants to be.
Her comments do not confirm that Ariana and Charlie hooked up. Instead, Gia is defending their flirty connection and rejecting the idea that Ariana meant to hurt anyone while navigating her newly single life.
TELL US: DO YOU THINK ARIANA BIERMANN AND CHARLIE ZAKKOUR’S CONNECTION WAS JUST HARMLESS FLIRTING?
