Tensions between Craig Conover and Austen Kroll rose to an all-time high during Southern Charm Season 11, and now, their drama is carrying over into the reunion.
For proof, look no further than the above preview of Part 1 (airing Wednesday, March 18 on Bravo), which kicks off with host Andy Cohen recalling Whitner Slagsvol’s “analysis” of Craig and Austen’s relationship from earlier this season: “Austen has a victim complex and Craig is a narcissist.”
“No, narcissists are incapable of having empathy,” Craig responds. “And literally, as an empath, it would be impossible for me to be a narcissist. I do a lot of things wrong, but I’m far from a narcissist.”
When Craig asks if Austen thinks he’s “empathetic,” Austen replies no.
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“It’s really mean to say that about someone,” Craig continues. “Calling someone a narcissist means they’re incapable of showing empathy. And everything they do is for show. If that’s [what] you believe about me, then you shouldn’t be friends with me.”
As it begins to get heated between Craig and Austen, Andy calls for a break, and Craig walks off stage talking to himself. “Like, it’s very clear that it’s just pile-on Craig,” he mutters, and later adds, “I hate being here. I don’t even know if I’m coming back anymore.”
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll’s drama on Southern Charm Season 11, explained
In case you need a refresher, Austen and Craig’s roller coaster relationship was more down than up during Southern Charm Season 11. For starters, the former BFFs faced off over Austen’s relationship with his then-girlfriend Audrey Pratt during Episode 3.
“You’re the only unhappy person here ’cause you’re living a lie,” Craig accused Austen at the time. “You’re stuck in a relationship. You’re not happy … You told me that you were jealous I was single.”
The exchange caused Austen to question their friendship. “It’s been really tough the past few days to come to that realization, where it’s like, wait a minute, like, a real friend wouldn’t be, like, taking pleasure in making you feel like s–t,” Austen said during Episode 5.
The two had another explosive fallout during Austen’s birthday dinner in Episode 9. “Austen hates me,” Craig began to tell Shep Rose at the table, when Austen interrupted, “Yes, I do f—king hate you!”
His words caused Craig to declare, “So, we don’t need to be friends anymore.”
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Craig and Austen tease where their friendship stands after the Southern Charm Season 11 reunion
Austen revealed that his friendship with Craig will be addressed during the Southern Charm Season 11 reunion during his Jan. 7 appearance on the podcast The Viall Files.
“I have lots of s—t I want to say to Craig at the reunion,” Austen explained. “And we’ll say those things, and hopefully can get them out, so I can just move on. And move on and allow Craig to continue to live his life in whatever manner that he chooses to live it.”
For his part, Craig hinted there might be some closure for the two at the reunion. “It seems like a lot of us were more resolution [driven] that day instead of conflict driven,” he told The Daily Dish in a February interview.
As for the reunion itself, Craig noted, “I think it’ll be a little different this year. I think it’ll be good for viewers. You’ll have to wait and see.”
Don’t miss an exclusive preview of the Southern Charm Season 11 reunion looks, inspired by the cast trip to Mexico.
