Let’s just call it what it is: Gia is giving major Karen vibes, and the rest of the Next Gen NYC cast? Completely unbothered by how Riley gets treated. And that silence speaks volumes.
After Episode 8, it’s clearer than ever—Gia is comfortable playing peacekeeper in public, but behind closed doors? She’s strategically selective about who she supports. When Riley opened up at that awkward pancake breakfast, trying to explain why she confronted Georgia, Gia did what she always does: served fake calm with a side of "maybe you should change." Girl, please.
Let’s rewind. Riley has consistently been the only one bold enough to speak truth to power in the group—especially when it comes to the curated lives some of these cast members are performing for Bravo cameras. But instead of anyone backing her, she’s left out to dry, while Gia shrugs in soft girl aesthetic and Christian tries to play both sides.
Where’s the accountability? Where’s the loyalty? Where is anybody standing up and saying, “You know what, Riley might be loud, but she’s right.”
And don’t think we didn’t notice that every time Riley shows emotion, the rest of the cast gets quiet. Not supportive quiet—judgmental, “hurry up and finish so we can order mimosas” quiet. It’s giving dismissive. It’s giving she’s-not-in-our-clique energy. It’s giving… "this show wasn’t built for her."
So yes, Gia might wear cute hats and give influencer brunch, but she’s also giving Karen-lite—stepping in with polished advice when Riley is vulnerable, but never actually challenging the people causing the harm. And while she plays that role, the rest of the group is complicit in making Riley the outcast.
Riley needs a friend. A real one. Not someone who shows up for camera time and disappears when it gets uncomfortable. Not someone who chooses vibes over values.
Final Thought:
If the Next Gen NYC cast keeps treating Riley like the angry one for simply telling the truth, maybe it’s time for a new friend group. One that claps back and lifts up. Because as it stands? The only “next gen” thing here is the new ways they ignore a Black woman for speaking up.
Question for the readers:
Do you think Riley should walk away from the group or stick around and shake the table even harder?
#NextGenNYC #BravoMess #TeamRiley #GiaTheKaren #RealityCheck
