I sat down to watch Part 1 of the Southern Charm Season 11 reunion last night. As this first episode progressed, all I found myself doing was yelling (internally) WTF at at least two of these men. The women are imperfect, but they are not the sole problem here. Yet, in multiple situations, Craig Conover and Austen Kroll alike chose to implicate their female counterparts, when what they really needed to do was take a deeper look at their own insecurities and failings this season instead.
Craig and Austen have a successful businesses and a can’t-help-but-watch friendship that teeters on a love story gone wrong. They are fascinating to watch and later dissect on Bravo. However, they both failed their female colleagues last night.
To quote another Bravo star, THAT’S MY OPINION. Yet, after reading several comments and threads online, both last night and this morning, I know that I am not the only one feeling this way.
The Southern Charm Season 11 reunion felt misogynistic
Part 1 of the Southern Charm Season 11 reunion felt incredibly misogynistic. Watching Craig and Austen dodge certain questions, only to redirect blame or attention back on their female scene partners whenever they could, was tough. In general, there needs to be a masterclass taught in Charleston on apologizing without using the word “but.”
In the case of Southern Charm, during Part 1, at least two women were either called names or belittled about their lifestyles. Meanwhile, the same men who pointed fingers at them have forever exhibited these very same behaviors. It’s called scapegoating, with a side of misogyny and a touch of insecurity. And it’s gross.
As Madison LeCroy joked, at least one of these men needs to swallow their Nashville-purchased “Empath spray.” Overall, the misogynistic undertones in Part 1 were loud, especially during the following moments.
Austen Kroll’s “body count” comment to Salley Carson was hypocritical
Phew, Salley Carson. From Craig to Austen, fans, including myself, have definitely been frustrated with her “pick me” energy. But Salley legit does not care, which makes for epic television.
That said, Salley has been very open about her desire to have a family. She wants a husband and children, but she cannot seem to find the husband part just yet. Until that day arrives, she is living it up around Charleston, acting exactly as the single men on her cast do. Yet, when asked about a possible future with Salley during the reunion, Austen negatively commented on Salley’s ”bar rat” tendencies, while also suggesting that she had a high “body count,” which absolutely floored me.
Thankfully, it floored Andy Cohen, too, who quickly called Austen out for his hypocrisy. Likewise, fans on Reddit were also taken aback. In a subreddit for Southern Charm, one typed, “The misogyny is coming out strong tonight, and the policing of someone’s sexual history like that is [not] any of their business.”
Craig Conover’s language towards Venita Aspen was wrong
Elsewhere, Craig and Venita Aspen are still at odds. Venita does not like this man, and the feeling is mutual. However, the language Craig approached Venita with this season is all wrong, as almost all of his costars are finally pointing out.
During Season 11, Craig argued, “You don’t exist in my world, so f*ck off.” In his opinion, Venita is the ONLY problematic player. Craig continued to frame himself as the only victim by labeling Venita a “bully” during the reunion, despite his own volatile outbursts throughout Season 11. When others leaned in, reminding Craig that his outbursts crossed a line, both last season and this season, Craig still refused to hold himself accountable.
Meanwhile, Venita offered a genuine apology to Molly O’Connell, minus any “buts.” But when Venita tried talking to Craig at the reunion, she couldn’t “get her words out” because Craig was “over-talking” and “interrupting” her whenever she opened her mouth. After the fact, Craig must have realized how he presented, because he made a joke about leaving the country ahead of Season 11.
But what would be even better is if Craig stayed put. He can then make Season 12 his redemption arc, complete with a proper sitdown with Venita.
Craig blamed Salley for his Charley Manley split
Elsewhere this season, Craig and Salley hung out for a bit in his hot tub, which we heard about ad nauseam. In this tiresome tub, Salley developed a crush on Craig, but Craig really liked Charley Manley instead. Luckily for Craig, Charley reciprocated his feelings. Craig and Charley hid their affections for a bit, but towards the end of Season 11, Charley slow-blinked, and then, poof, the magic between her and Craig was seemingly gone.
It happens, but at the reunion, Craig once again blamed a woman for his failings. This time, Salley was to blame for his broken relations with Charley, Craig suggested. Thankfully, Charley spoke up. As she explained, his volatile outbursts towards the ladies in Mexico were the sole reasons that she chose to retreat.
Even still, Craig pushed back. Clearly, he and Charley had a different experience, he suggested, still failing to hold himself accountable. Overall, we need Season 12 to showcase growth for both Craig and Austen alike. Otherwise, what are we even doing here anymore?
Southern Charm is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – WILL CRAIG AND/OR AUSTEN RIGHT THEIR WRONGS IN PART 2? WAS PART 1 UNFAIRLY HARSH TOWARDS CERTAIN WOMEN?
