Selling Sunset season 8 delivered everything fans have come to expect from the series: luxury, intrigue, and plenty of drama
The affair rumor involving Nicole Young and Emma Hernan dominated the season, creating rifts within the cast and sparking intense online discussions.
As the cast members navigate their personal and professional lives, viewers are left eagerly anticipating what comes next in the world of high-end real estate and reality TV drama.
One of the most challenging moments for Nicole came during season 6 when Chrishell Stause accused her of being on drugs. This accusation, which quickly became a major storyline, left Nicole feeling frustrated and isolated.
In her interview, she spoke about how difficult it was to deal with the allegations, especially because she felt there was a “double standard” at play. “There’s a double standard,” she said, referring to how some cast members seem to get a pass for certain behaviors while others are vilified.
Nicole’s frustration stemmed from the fact that, while she was under fire for allegations that she claims were false, there didn’t seem to be the same level of accountability for others. She felt that the same energy used to accuse her should have been applied when she was being attacked.
For Nicole, this situation was indicative of a broader issue within the group dynamic—a tendency for people to “jump ship” and take sides without knowing the full story.
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Nicole Young and Emma Hernan Affair: Selling Sunset Season 8
The reality show Selling Sunset has returned with its much-anticipated eighth season, airing all 11 episodes on September 6, 2024.1
The series, known for showcasing luxury real estate, opulent lifestyles, and high-octane drama within the Oppenheim Group, did not disappoint fans this season. The latest installment explored several intricate storylines, including a controversial one involving Nicole Young and Emma Hernan, stirring tension among the cast.
With its glamorous settings and emotional confrontations, Selling Sunset season 8 has left viewers talking. Let’s delve into the key storylines, the cast dynamics, and the public reception that followed the release.
A Reality TV Spectacle
One of the most talked-about storylines in season 8 revolved around Nicole Young and her insinuation that fellow cast member Emma Hernan had an alleged affair with a married man.
The rumor, although not directly addressed to Emma’s face by Nicole, was discussed on several occasions throughout the season.
The show’s trailer prominently teased this subplot, revealing a scene where Nicole converses with Amanza Smith, Mary Fitzgerald, and Alanna Gold, bringing up the rumor. This moment set the stage for an explosive season as viewers anticipated a potential showdown between Nicole and Emma.
The tension between the cast members became a central plot point, with the ripple effects being felt throughout the group.
Although Emma didn’t confront Nicole directly about the accusations, the latter’s comments during casual group conversations created an undercurrent of discomfort. Emma, typically known for her calm demeanor, seemed blindsided by the rumors, while Nicole continued to fuel the storyline without an outright confrontation.
Chrishell Stause and Chelsea Lazkani’s Online Criticism of Nicole Young
- In the lead-up to the season’s release, the trailer’s mention of the affair rumor sparked a social media frenzy.
- Nicole’s co-stars Chrishell Stause and Chelsea Lazkani took to their online platforms to express their disapproval of Nicole’s behavior. Both women criticized Nicole for her decision to bring up the allegations, accusing her of being unnecessarily dramatic and malicious.
- Chrishell, known for her no-nonsense attitude, was particularly vocal in her criticism. She has a strong fanbase, and her comments gained considerable traction online, with fans siding with her and Chelsea.
- The feud became a major talking point on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, with viewers chiming in and choosing sides.
- This online drama added fuel to the existing tension seen on the show, blurring the lines between on-screen and off-screen conflicts.
- Chelsea Lazkani, while slightly more measured in her critique, also expressed disappointment with Nicole’s approach. Both Chrishell and Chelsea have a close relationship with Emma, which made their defense of her even more potent.
- The feud provided an extra layer of intrigue for fans awaiting the new season, making Nicole’s actions a focal point of online discussion.
Nicole Young’s Response to the Social Media Feud
Despite the growing online firestorm, Nicole Young chose not to engage in the back-and-forth with her co-stars on social media.2
Instead, she addressed the matter during an interview with Netflix’s Tudum on September 16, 2024. Nicole expressed that engaging in online feuds wasn’t something she was interested in, noting that it required too much energy.
She commented, “Not a good look for anyone,” explaining that she preferred to let the show speak for itself and allow the public to see the full context before jumping to conclusions.
Nicole’s decision to stay out of the online drama was seen as a conscious choice to focus on her professional persona rather than getting caught up in the public spectacle.
By refraining from engaging in the feud, Nicole set herself apart from her more vocal co-stars, who had taken their grievances public. However, her silence didn’t stop fans from continuing to speculate about the dynamics between the cast members.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/Z0xNsKegjS
— Nicole Young (@NicoleYoung60) October 4, 2018
Cast Reactions: A Divided House
Season 8 of Selling Sunset saw the cast divided into different camps, particularly when it came to the Nicole-Emma affair rumor.
While some cast members chose to remain neutral, others, like Amanza Smith and Mary Fitzgerald, were drawn into the drama. In scenes where Nicole discussed the affair rumor, both Amanza and Mary appeared uncomfortable, unsure of how to navigate the situation.
The cast’s reactions to the unfolding drama were varied. Some, like Chrishell and Chelsea, made their opinions known publicly, while others chose a more reserved approach. Amanza, in particular, tried to play peacemaker between the different factions, though she found herself caught in the middle of the tension more than once.
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Emma Hernan’s Silence: Strategic Move?
Interestingly, Emma Hernan herself remained relatively silent throughout the affair rumor saga.3
Unlike her more outspoken co-stars, Emma chose not to engage with the gossip either on the show or on social media.
This move led fans to speculate about whether Emma’s silence was a strategic choice or if she was genuinely blindsided by the accusations.
Emma’s decision to avoid confrontation may have been a way to maintain her professional image, as she is one of the top-performing agents at the Oppenheim Group. She has built a reputation for being level-headed and business-focused, qualities that have endeared her to fans.
By not engaging in the drama, Emma may have been attempting to distance herself from the pettiness of the situation and keep her focus on her career.
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Social Media Frenzy: Fans Divided Over the Feud
As with any high-profile reality TV show, fan reactions to the drama in season 8 of Selling Sunset were intense and varied. Social media platforms were flooded with opinions, with some viewers siding with Nicole, believing she had the right to express her feelings, while others rallied behind Chrishell, Chelsea, and Emma, condemning Nicole for stirring unnecessary drama.
The affair rumor subplot also reignited discussions about the show’s portrayal of female friendships and rivalries. Fans debated whether Nicole’s actions were justified or whether they represented a calculated attempt to remain relevant on the show.
Platforms like Reddit and Twitter became hotbeds of speculation, with users dissecting every scene, conversation, and social media post related to the feud. The online commentary added an extra layer of drama, with fans picking apart the cast members’ relationships and loyalties.
Nicole Young Opens Up About Feuds with Co-Stars
Nicole Young, a cast member of Selling Sunset season 8, recently opened up in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum about the ongoing feuds with her co-stars Chrishell Stause and Chelsea Lazkani.
In the interview, Nicole discussed the challenges she faced after making comments about her fellow cast member Emma Hernan and how the reactions from Chrishell and Chelsea affected her. Despite the online backlash, Nicole maintained that she wanted the audience to form their own opinions about the situation.
This article delves into the key points from Nicole’s conversation, exploring her perspective on the drama, her response to the accusations, and her reflections on the nature of reality television.
Navigating the Aftermath: “Doing Okay” Amidst Drama
- When asked how she was coping with the fallout, Nicole admitted that she was “doing okay.” However, she quickly added that it had been difficult, primarily because she felt as though she was “constantly” on the defense.
- As a member of a popular reality show, Nicole explained that the emotional toll of public criticism was significant.
- The constant barrage of online comments and judgments made her feel as though she was in a perpetual battle to defend her reputation.
- Despite this, she chose not to engage in any online feuds, preferring instead to stay out of the drama until the show was aired, giving viewers the opportunity to see the full picture.
- This decision to take a step back shows Nicole’s desire for clarity and fairness in how her actions are perceived. She refrained from responding to Chrishell and Chelsea’s comments online, saying, “I wanted to take a backseat until the show came out.”
- By allowing the Netflix audience to judge the situation for themselves, Nicole hoped that viewers would better understand her side of the story, without being influenced by the social media frenzy that had already begun.
Online Feuds and Their Energy Drain
Nicole revealed that the drama surrounding her involvement in the Selling Sunset cast took a considerable amount of energy. “It was a lot,” she confessed, explaining that online feuds require so much attention and effort, which she found exhausting.
While reality television is known for its high drama and explosive confrontations, Nicole emphasized that the constant back-and-forth on social media wasn’t something she enjoyed. She reflected on how draining the entire ordeal had been, stating, “Online feuds took so much energy.”
Moreover, Nicole noted that she didn’t think engaging in these public disputes reflected well on anyone involved. While the Selling Sunset audience might expect and even enjoy the drama, Nicole pointed out that, for the cast members themselves, it could be overwhelming.
“It’s not a good look for anyone,” she said, implying that the online battles might serve to entertain, but they also come at a cost for the people embroiled in them. For Nicole, it seemed like a lose-lose situation.
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