Austen Kroll previously praised Southern Charm co-star Salley Carson as the “MVP” of season 11, exclusively telling Us Weekly that “she came to play.” As the season progresses, viewers are witnessing what he meant.
Salley, who joined the Bravo series in season 10, has become a significant figure this season, which began airing in November. However, her storylines have not all been favorable.
Salley has drawn attention in season 11 due to her romantic involvement with Craig Conover, especially after clashing with newcomer Charley Manley over their mutual interest in Craig.
Charley is not the only cast member Salley has conflicted with this season; Molly O’Connell and Venita Aspen have also had disagreements with her.
Scroll down to explore the origins of Salley’s disputes:
Charley Manley
Before the November premiere, the cast hinted at a love triangle involving Charley, Salley, and Craig, which evolved into a more complex situation. “I don’t even know what the shape is called,” Craig told Us in November, noting that Austen and newcomer Whitner Slagsvol would also be involved. “There’s no equal sides … and multiple corners.”
In season 11, episode 2, this developing romantic situation led to Charley and Salley’s first significant argument as friends.
“What the f***?” Salley remarked in a confessional during the November episode after seeing Craig and Charley together at her “Salley Sells Singles at the Seashore” beach party.
Salley later addressed Charley, who denied attempting to capture Craig’s attention. “It was not like that at all,” Charley insisted.
Salley, however, disagreed. “You’re full of s***. I’m not a f***ing idiot, I can see when someone is flirting and they were right in front of my face,” she told the cameras.
By episode 5, which aired in December, Charley’s feelings for Craig had intensified, making her friendship with Salley challenging.
“I do feel like I’m walking on eggshells a little bit with Salley just because of Craig. It’s the only thing that Salley and I have ever fought about,” Charley said in a confessional. “But I can tell there’s something between Craig and I.”
Molly O’Connell
Molly and Salley were close in season 10, but tensions arose early in the current season. Molly was upset when Salley mentioned her drinking at Madison LeCroy’s baby shower.
At a literary costume party, Molly confronted Salley about her actions, leading to a minor disagreement. In episode 4, Molly accused Salley of claiming “dibs” on all the single men, which Salley denied.
Despite a temporary reconciliation, their conflict escalated in episode 5 after Molly learned Salley had discussed her vaginal rejuvenation surgery. (Venita had informed Salley, but Molly quickly forgave her.)
“Me and Molly were both bitches to each other,” Salley admitted in the December episode, after Venita advised her to be “nice” to Molly.
Molly accused Salley of continuing to talk negatively about her. “You’ve been fucking s***y,” Salley retorted.
“You are s***y, always, you f***ing a**hole,” Molly shouted, silencing the room. “You’re malicious. You need therapy. Cause you f***ing suck,” she added.
Salley was shocked, responding, “I did not talk s*** about your vagina, I’m sure it’s great.”
She concluded by telling Molly, “Obviously, we’ve both done things behind each other’s back and I do genuinely apologize for that.”
Molly replied, “I thought we hashed it out. I felt good about stuff. I want to be cool.”
Venita Aspen
Between seasons 10 and 11, Venita and Salley became good friends. However, their relationship was tested when Salley pursued Craig, causing tension with Venita, who was at odds with Craig. (Craig had stated on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that he and Venita were no longer friends after she contacted his ex-girlfriend Paige DeSorbo following their 2024 breakup.)
In the season 11 premiere, aired in November, Venita and Craig avoided each other at Madison’s baby shower. Salley attempted to encourage Venita to speak with Craig, which upset Venita.
“I guess Salley is a girls’ girl until a man is involved,” Venita remarked to the cameras.
Salley defended her actions, saying, “I don’t personally think it’s breaking girl code to be chatting with the enemy. If they start getting in a fight and Craig starts screaming at Venita, I’m coming in to save my girl. But if I’m just talking to Craig and having a good conversation with him, I think that that’s OK.”
In episode 5, Molly mentioned that Venita was “more wary” of Salley due to her continued support of Craig, which frustrated Salley.
“Molly told me you’re wary of me, what the f*** is up with that? I feel like I’ve been a damn good friend to you,” Salley confronted Venita.
Venita calmly explained, “You make it very hard being on your side when you’re on a side of someone I don’t like.”
While Salley acknowledged Venita’s perspective and expressed, “I love you,” she admitted, “I don’t want to stop hanging out with Craig.”
Venita’s request for loyalty became a larger issue when Venita gave Craig a goodbye kiss on the cheek at his Memorial Day pool party, as he was the host.
“You can kiss him on the cheek, but you cannot let me hang out with him?” Salley questioned. Venita replied, “You are doing a lot right now,” before leaving the house.
“I think it’s f***ing weird that she kisses him goodbye and then she has a problem with me being friends with him,” Salley said in a confessional. “Talk about twofaced. What the f***? That’s fake, I’m sorry.”
Southern Charm airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
