AceShowbiz - Southern Charm star Venita Aspen has opened up about her experience as the only Black cast member on the Bravo reality series and why she chooses to keep hateful comments visible on her social media accounts. Since joining the show in its seventh season in 2020, Venita Aspen has faced a wave of negative and often racist remarks, which she believes need to be seen rather than erased.

In a recent interview with Elite Daily, Venita Aspen, 32, shared how challenging it has been to navigate the backlash. “It's awful,” she said. While she understands that some viewers may simply disagree with her opinions, the personal attacks have been more hurtful. Comments like “You act so white, you should bleach your skin,” or accusations of wanting to be the “token” Black cast member have been particularly painful. However, she firmly refutes the latter, stating, “No, I don't actually.”

Since her debut on Southern Charm, Venita has taken a more measured approach to social media. She explained that her team manages her posts, carefully selecting photos and captions to share with her followers. Despite this, they have strict instructions not to delete any hateful or potentially racist comments. Venita wants the public to understand the daily reality she faces. “I want other people to see that this is what I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis in this space,” she said. She also addressed the misconception that being on a reality show gives people the right to say whatever they want about her, calling that logic into question.

Currently filming the eleventh season of Southern Charm, which is airing now, Venita Aspen expressed growing confidence in her role on the show. “I feel the most secure in everything I've said this season. I'm not afraid of what's to come on the other side,” she shared. Yet, she also admitted there is some anxiety about how the unfolding drama will impact her and the audience’s perception. “It's nice, but it's almost like damn, what's about to happen?”

Season 11 marks a turning point for Venita, who has become more involved in the series’ drama, particularly in tensions involving longtime cast members Craig ConoverCraig Conover and Salley CarsonSalley Carson. When she first joined the show as a “friend of” the main cast, she knew some members but was cautious about fully integrating herself. “People will use your vulnerability against you most of the time,” she said. Now, she’s adopted a tougher stance: “Now I'm like, whatever, use it against me. I'll get you back.”

Venita Aspen also described her role as a “peacemaker” but revealed how her friendship with Salley CarsonSalley Carson, 29, became strained during the current season. Their conflict centered around Salley’s romantic interest in Craig ConoverCraig Conover, 37, which complicated the dynamics between the three. Meanwhile, Venita admitted her relationship with Craig became tense after she sided with his ex-girlfriend Paige DeSorboPaige DeSorbo during their breakup in 2024.

Reflecting on her friendship troubles, Venita said, “I was trying to make sure I was looking out for my best friend, and I don't think it was reciprocated well.” She acknowledged moments when she might have been too assertive but was ultimately disappointed that her former best friend was willing to date a man who had “nothing nice to say” about her.

In light of the conflict, Venita Aspen remains hopeful about repairing her friendship with Salley Carson but with a clear boundary. “I'll never give her advice on a man again,” she joked. This stance reflects the complicated interpersonal relationships that often define the drama on Southern Charm.

The season has also highlighted other cast tensions, including accusations of racism. A recent episode featured a confrontation involving Jarrett ThomasJarrett "JT" Thomas, who was accused of making racist remarks about Venita Aspen. The incident left Venita in “shellshock” after hearing what JT allegedly said to his barber, illustrating the ongoing racial and social challenges she faces on the show.

Despite the difficulties, Venita Aspen continues to stand firm in her resolve and presence on Southern Charm. Her choice to leave hateful comments visible on social media is a deliberate effort to shed light on the discrimination she endures as the franchise’s only Black star. Through her candidness and growing confidence, Venita is making it clear that she will not be silenced or erased.