Although she admits it’s been “very difficult” to discuss her family issues on camera, Ariana Biermann insists her parents have been fully supportive of her transparency.
The 23-year-old Georgia native addressed the topic during the June 2 premiere party for Next Gen NYC, a new docuseries about a group of young friends juggling careers, romance, and family life. In Episode 1 (June 3), Ariana opened up about her financial situation, claiming her mom, Kim Zolciak, and dad, Kroy Biermann, “took” all the money she made from sponsored-content deals.
“I started posting on Instagram. I got my first brand deal when I was 14,” Ariana said in a confessional. “I was doing, like, three posts a week. You can get paid astronomical [amounts] to do a Story or to do an Instagram post, and I made quite a bit of money. Unfortunately, my parents took my money. I can’t say exactly what they used it on, because I just found out that it was gone two years ago.”
What does Kroy Biermann think of Ariana Biermann’s Next Gen NYC gig?
The headline-making revelation, of course, shocked many viewers, but what did Kroy think of his daughter’s candid comments?
“He hasn’t said anything about it since it came out or anything,” Ariana told People magazine. “But you have to sign a release for these things in order to talk about things, and he was willing to do that for me and was okay with me sharing my story and the things that have gone on over the last couple of years, and he’s been supportive in that.”
Kim Zolciak celebrates Ariana Biermann’s latest career move
Kim, who is in the midst of a divorce from Kroy, has also been quite supportive of her daughter’s career milestone. The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Don’t Be Tardy alum took to Instagram on Tuesday (June 3) to congratulate Ariana and her boyfriend, Hudson McLeroy, on the Next Gen NYC premiere.
“I could not be more proud of [Ariana and Hudson] for the SEASON PREMIERE of [Next Gen NYC],” Kim captioned the post, which featured red-carpet photos from the series premiere party. “Talk about full circle. I started filming for Bravo in 2008 and now 17 years later to see my baby girl (who was 5 when started she filming on RHOA) on the same network..its pretty surreal.”
Kim went on to thank Bravo for “always believing” in her family, and expressed excitement for Ariana and Hudson’s new chapter.
“I love that you were able to share this with Hudson and that you 2 of you were able to embark on this new adventure together,” she continued. “I love you both so very much and I can’t wait to watch!!”
Ariana returned the kind words in the comments section, saying she felt “so blessed to have [Kim] as a mom.”
“I love you beyond words!!!” the influencer wrote. “Thank you so much for paving the way for me.”
Ariana Biermann clarifies her comments on her family’s finances
Days after the New Gen NYC premiere, Ariana set the record straight about her and Kim’s “money situation.” In Episode 1, Ariana claimed her mom would regularly solicit money for general home and family expenses. The Atlanta daughter suggested she would always grant Kim’s requests, which led to a misconception about her own financial status.
“I think people have a different idea of my money situation and think that I’m balling,” she& told People magazine. “I’m like, no, definitely not the case.”
Ariana also clarified that any money she sent to Kim would eventually be returned, as her mom “is very good at paying [her] back.” She said her mom was getting paid for multiple small-screen jobs, but those checks typically took a while to come through.
“She’s done a few shows, which is amazing, and so they take a second to get paid out for everything,” Ariana explained. “My mom always pays me back, though, but it’s definitely gotten better. She’s working really hard.”
Ariana Biermann reveals where she stands with her parents
Ariana expanded on the money situation in a June 5 Instagram video, reiterating that Kim and Kroy “did take [her] money” between the ages of 14 and 20; however, she emphasized there was no bad blood between her and her parents.
“In no way, shape, or form was this me trying to bash my parents in any way,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here without them. I hold absolutely no anger or hatred in my heart. I’m just not capable of that. They say that money is the root of all evil, and I do believe that, at times, I have watched money destroy relationships… and I will never be in that position. I will never allow that to be my life.”
Learn more about Ariana’s family dynamics and how her parents are navigating their years-long divorce.
