Jarrett “JT” Thomas reached a breaking point in a recent episode of Southern Charm when he was indirectly accused of racism against his long-term friend, Venita Aspen.
In the Bravo show’s episode on Thursday, March 13, Venita, aged 31, expressed feeling shocked after hearing about something JT, aged 39, had reportedly said concerning her during a conversation with his barber.
This information was relayed to Venita by newcomer Ryan Albert, who claimed that the barber had allegedly mentioned, “JT told him that there is some Black girl who has been flirting with him and that his girlfriend will be furious.”
While retelling the rumored interaction between JT and his barber to pal Leva Bonaparte, Venita confessed she wasn’t sure what to believe. Leva, 45, was taken aback as well, telling Venita, “[That] doesn’t seem like JT.”
Leva decided to go straight to JT to clear the air. During their chat, JT admitted that he had been a little “flirtatious” with Venita amid his new romance with girlfriend Ally but was completely surprised by what came next. (Venita and JT were very lovey-dovey all season before Venita learned of JT’s new flame.)
“Ryan, I guess, uses the same barber as you. … He said that that barber told him that you verbatim said, ‘There’s some Black girl trying to get me to break up with my girlfriend,’” Leva recalled to JT, noting, “Venita is distraught.”
JT was visibly stunned by the accusation, replying, “That sounds racist. I’m not a racist.”
Leva explained that Venita felt “used” by JT after hearing the rumor, which hurt him deeply. “I’m so sorry that she thinks this, but no. This is yet another time that words are being put in my mouth,” JT responded. “I have nothing but respect for Venita.”
JT alleged, “This is absolutely bulls—. That is not how I roll.” He was frustrated as he said, “I have had enough of my name getting shattered and destroyed. I am tired of this friend group.”
JT then decided to call the barber in front of Leva to get to the bottom of the story. The barber confirmed that JT did not say “some Black girl … is trying to ruin my relationship.”
The barber recalled, “You had said that there is an interest with a cute Black girl on the show, Venita. That was really the gist of it. There wasn’t really much context [other than] that.”
The stylist was apologetic for being involved in any way, telling JT, “You know, I may have said it because I was not articulate, you know? If it was off, something that I relayed, like, I’m so sorry.”
“That’s a big allegation. That’s a really big accusation by Ryan,” JT told Leva before getting up to leave. “What did I do to this guy? That’s a motherf—!”
Ten minutes later, JT called Venita outraged that anyone would think he would purposely hurt her and speak in such a manner about any woman. “I’m still, like, shaking. … I’m really upset right now. I know you are too. I’m f—ing pissed right now. This is horrible,” JT said on the phone. “I’m upset with him, and I’m upset that he hurt you. I’m upset that he hurt you by insinuating that.”
JT explained that Leva was “hurt” by the accusations as well because her husband, Lamar Bonaparte, is Black. “Now I’m hurt but had no idea you guys were hurting,” JT told Venita. “I’m going, ‘What the f— is going on right now?’”
He then told her that he called the barber and “cleared it” up. JT revealed that he had to call Venita right after to say, “I f—ing love you.” As he spoke, his emotions continued to bubble up and he went off on the rest of the cast.
“I’m done. So done with these people they’re f—ing snakes. It’s Craig [Conover], it’s Austen [Kroll], it’s Ryan, it’s Salley [Carson],” JT claimed.
Earlier this season, Craig, 36, accused JT of calling Patricia Altschul a “bitch.” Austen, for his part, had been feuding with JT since season 9 when they got into a physical altercation over castmate Taylor Ann Green. Salley, meanwhile, got into a fight with JT after he alleged she had an affair with ex-boyfriend Gaston Rojas.
JT continued to go off on the group, especially Ryan, saying, “This is sick, man. This motherf— just called me [racist] and his husband is also Black. This has all the looks of a f—ing target job by a psychopath.”
He argued that Ryan, who is married to Eddie Irions, “Made me out to be a racist.” JT concluded by calling Ryan a “motherf—” while still on the phone with Venita.
The Southern Charm season 10 finale airs on Bravo Thursday, March 20, at 8 p.m. ET.
