The Hamptons Off-Season Review: Is It Worth Visiting from Chicago?

The Hamptons Off-Season Review: Is It Worth Visiting from Chicago?

So you’re sitting in Chicago, maybe looking at grey skies, maybe dreaming of ocean air, and you’re thinking: Should I go to the Hamptons… but not when it’s $900 a night and full of influencers fighting over rosé?

Let’s talk about it.

Because the real tea is this: The Hamptons off-season might be the move.

When Is the Off-Season in the Hamptons?

The Hamptons — located on Long Island, New York — are famously packed from June through August. That’s peak summer season. Beaches are crowded. Prices are wild. Reservations are competitive. And everything feels like a Bravo casting call.

But the off-season runs:

Late September through May

With the deepest off-season being January through March

And yes — it is noticeably cheaper.

Is It Actually Cheaper?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: YESSS.

Hotels that charge summer-level luxury pricing suddenly drop significantly after Labor Day. You’ll still pay Hamptons prices (this isn’t Motel 6 territory), but the difference is real.

Flights from Chicago to New York area airports also tend to be more affordable outside peak summer travel.

If you're strategic:

Fly mid-week

Travel in October or April (shoulder season)

Book 4–6 weeks ahead

You can create a “luxury-ish” trip without summer-level stress.

Getting There from Chicago: What It’s Really Like

From Chicago, you’re looking at:

Flight to NYC area (JFK, LaGuardia, or Islip)

Train (LIRR), shuttle, or rental car to the Hamptons

Total travel time? Roughly 7–9 hours depending on connections.

It’s not a quick hop — but it’s doable for a 4–5 day trip.

And honestly? The train ride into the Hamptons is part of the experience. You start seeing more water, more quiet neighborhoods, more “soft life energy.”

What Is the Hamptons Like in the Off-Season?

Let me review it properly.

The Vibe

Quiet. Calm. Minimal crowd energy. You won’t see paparazzi chaos or summer party madness.

Instead you get:

Empty beaches (which are stunning)

Cozy restaurants

Local art galleries

Winery visits

Slow mornings with coffee near the water

It feels less “Who’s rich here?” and more “I needed to breathe.”

The Beaches

You probably won’t be swimming in February. Let’s be real.

But walking along the shore in East Hampton or Montauk when it’s peaceful? That’s luxury in a different way.

It feels cinematic.

The Food Scene

Some seasonal spots close during deep winter — especially in January and February — but many year-round restaurants stay open in towns like Southampton and Sag Harbor.

Off-season dining feels less rushed. You actually get seated without attitude.

The Downsides

Let’s be honest.

Not every store will be open.

Some nightlife disappears.

Weather can be cold and windy.

It’s not “summer glam Hamptons.”

If you’re expecting beach parties and white linen chaos, off-season will disappoint you.

But if you’re going for:

Reflection

Content creation

Writing

Romantic getaway

Peace

It hits differently.

Sample 5-Day Chicago to Hamptons Trip (Off-Season Style)

Day 1: Fly from Chicago → NYC → Train to Hamptons

Day 2: Explore East Hampton + beach walk

Day 3: Winery + Sag Harbor dinner

Day 4: Montauk lighthouse + ocean views

Day 5: Return home

This works especially well in:

October

April

Early May

You get better weather and lower crowds.

Cost Reality Check

Depending on when you go, a 4–5 day trip could look like:

Flights: $150–$400 round trip

Hotel (off-season): $150–$300 per night

Train: $20–$40 each way

Food + activities: flexible

Not “cheap cheap,” but much more manageable than peak July pricing.

Is It Worth It?

From a Chicago perspective?

Yes — but only if you want calm.

If you want to:

Experience the Hamptons without ego overload

Avoid summer chaos

Travel with a balanced budget

Do something different than Miami or Vegas

Off-season Hamptons is a grown-up getaway.

It’s less about flexing. More about breathing.

Final Review Score

Summer Hamptons: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (fun but expensive and crowded)

Off-Season Hamptons: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (peaceful, scenic, more affordable, underrated)

If you’re building your “soft life” era in 2026 and want two trips a year like you said, this could be one of them.

Detroit Michigan Weekend Guide (2026): Where to Stay, Eat & What to Do

Detroit Michigan Weekend Guide (2026): Where to Stay, Eat & What to Do

Looking for the perfect Detroit, Michigan weekend getaway? Whether you’re planning a quick escape from Chicago or rediscovering the city’s creative energy, Detroit delivers culture, food, music history, and grown-up nightlife all in one place.

Here’s your SEO-optimized weekend guide to Detroit — including the best hotels, restaurants, and must-see attractions.

🏨 Where to Stay in Detroit (Best Areas + Hotels)

Detroit’s best weekend neighborhoods include Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and Greektown. These areas are walkable and close to restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

Top Detroit Hotels for a Weekend Stay

Shinola Hotel

Luxury boutique vibes in the heart of Downtown. Stylish, modern, and steps from Campus Martius.

Detroit Foundation Hotel

A converted firehouse turned chic hotel. Great restaurant and perfect for a romantic weekend.

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit

Historic elegance with modern comfort — ideal if you like classic luxury.

Atheneum Suite Hotel

Spacious suites in Greektown, close to nightlife and casinos.

💡 SEO Tip: When searching, use keywords like “best hotels in downtown Detroit 2026” or “Detroit weekend stay near Riverwalk.”

🍽️ Where to Eat in Detroit (Best Restaurants Right Now)

Detroit’s food scene is one of the most underrated in the Midwest. From handmade pasta to steakhouse energy and international flavors — you’ll eat well here.

Must-Try Detroit Restaurants

Selden Standard

Farm-to-table seasonal dishes. Great for date night or foodie weekends.

Grey Ghost

High-energy steakhouse with craft cocktails.

SheWolf Pastificio & Bar

Handmade pasta and Roman-inspired Italian cuisine.

Eastern Market

If you’re visiting on Saturday, this historic market is a must for local vendors, fresh food, and Detroit culture.

For brunch lovers? Downtown and Corktown both deliver — and yes, reservations are smart on weekends.

🎶 What to Do in Detroit This Weekend

Detroit is culture-rich, music-driven, and visually stunning — especially along the riverfront.

Top Things To Do in Detroit

Motown Museum

Step inside music history where legends were made.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Home to the famous Rivera murals and world-class collections.

Detroit Riverwalk

Perfect for scenic walks, skyline photos, and fresh air.

Belle Isle Park

Beautiful island park with water views and peaceful energy.

If you love nightlife, check for concerts, comedy shows, or sporting events happening at Little Caesars Arena or downtown venues.

🗓️ Sample Detroit Weekend Itinerary

Friday Night

Check into hotel

Dinner at SheWolf

Cocktails in Greektown

Saturday

Morning coffee + Eastern Market

Motown Museum tour

Dinner at Grey Ghost

Riverwalk sunset stroll

Sunday

Brunch Downtown

Detroit Institute of Arts

Relax at Belle Isle before heading home

Why Detroit Is Perfect for a Weekend Trip

Detroit feels creative, ambitious, and unapologetic — a city rebuilding with style. It’s affordable compared to many major cities, packed with history, and has real personality.

Whether you’re coming for food, music, culture, or just a reset weekend — Detroit delivers.

The Truth About Wendy Williams & Her Son: What’s Really Going On?

The Truth About Wendy Williams & Her Son: What’s Really Going On?

💜 Wendy Williams: Fighting for Her Freedom

For years, Wendy Williams was the queen of daytime tea. She built an empire by asking the questions nobody else would. But now? The spotlight has shifted — and this time, it’s on her life.

Since 2022, Wendy has been under a court-ordered guardianship due to concerns about her cognitive health. She was reportedly diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. However, more recent medical evaluations have reportedly questioned or challenged parts of that diagnosis.

And here’s where it gets complicated.

Wendy has publicly said she feels restricted. She has expressed that she wants more independence and control over her life and finances. She’s currently living in an assisted or independent living facility, but she’s made it clear: she wants her autonomy back.

For someone who spent years controlling the narrative on television, losing control of her own story has been one of the biggest plot twists in pop culture.

👨🏾‍🎓 Kevin Hunter Jr.: Support System or Scapegoat?

Kevin Hunter Jr., Wendy’s only child, graduated from Florida International University in late 2024 — a major milestone. Wendy even attended the ceremony, which became one of her rare public appearances.

But Kevin’s role in Wendy’s life hasn’t been without controversy.

He previously held power of attorney over his mother and was later accused of mishandling some of her finances. Reports suggest Wendy has since forgiven him. Kevin has denied any wrongdoing.

Now, he appears to be in a complicated position:

He has spoken publicly about wanting his mother home.

He has stated she is sober.

He has been involved in conversations about her care.

He also appeared in the Lifetime docuseries Where Is Wendy Williams?, which showed emotional and sometimes uncomfortable family dynamics.

Being the child of a celebrity is already intense. Being the only child while your mother’s health and finances are under public scrutiny? That’s another level of pressure.

The Guardianship Question: Protection or Control?

Let’s be real.

Guardianships are complicated. They’re designed to protect people who may not be able to manage their affairs. But they can also create tension when the person under guardianship believes they are capable.

Fans are divided:

Some believe Wendy needs protection.

Others believe she deserves another chance at independence.

Many feel we don’t know the full truth.

And honestly? We probably don’t.

What makes this situation emotional is that Wendy spent decades exposing other people’s drama. Now her life is being dissected headline by headline.

So What Is Kevin Doing Now?

Kevin isn’t launching a TV career. He’s not trying to be a reality star. He seems to be focused on:

Life after college

Staying relatively private

Supporting his mother (at least publicly)

Navigating a very public family crisis

Whether people see him as protector, participant, or something in between, he’s undeniably part of Wendy’s current chapter.

The Bigger Picture

Wendy Williams was never quiet. She was bold, loud, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Watching her transition from talk show titan to someone fighting for personal freedom is hard for longtime fans.

And Kevin? He’s no longer just “Wendy’s son.” He’s a young man trying to figure out adulthood while the world debates his mother’s life.

The real question isn’t just “Where is Wendy?”

It’s:

Who controls the narrative now?

What does recovery look like for her?

And can a media icon ever truly live privately again?

One thing is certain — this story isn’t over.

And if Wendy taught us anything, it’s this:

The tea always has another chapter.

Watching Through the Other Lens: Black Viewers & White Reality TV

Watching Through the Other Lens: Black Viewers & White Reality TV

Let’s talk about something we don’t always say out loud.

For decades, Black audiences have been watching reality TV shows centered around mostly white casts — their friendships, their drama, their marriages, their vacations, their scandals, their tears.

And we watch.

We tweet.

We laugh.

We judge.

We analyze.

But what does that actually mean?

This isn’t about blame. It’s about perspective.

1. We’ve Always Had to Watch Other People’s Stories

From sitcoms to soap operas to reality TV, Black viewers have historically consumed content where we weren’t the main characters. That wasn’t always by choice — it was what was available.

When reality TV exploded in the 2000s, many of the biggest franchises centered affluent white casts in luxury settings. Viewers tuned in for the drama, but also for access to lifestyles that felt distant, aspirational, or simply different.

Watching became layered:

Entertainment

Cultural observation

Social comparison

Sometimes even sociology

For many Black viewers, it wasn’t just “messy TV.” It was watching how another culture navigates wealth, privilege, accountability, conflict, and power.

2. The Fascination With Privilege

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes watching white reality stars argue over champagne brands or vacation homes feels surreal.

There’s a contrast between:

Economic realities many Black viewers face

The luxury conflicts shown on screen

That contrast creates reactions:

“Must be nice.”

“They’re fighting over THAT?”

“Imagine having those problems.”

It’s not always jealousy. Sometimes it’s critique. Sometimes it’s humor. Sometimes it’s disbelief.

But it’s rarely neutral.

3. The Double Standard Conversation

One thing that often gets discussed online: behavior.

When white reality stars:

Flip tables

Yell at dinner

Throw drinks

Start rumors

It’s often framed as “iconic,” “legendary,” or “great TV.”

When Black reality stars show the same intensity? The language shifts.

Now it’s:

“Aggressive.”

“Too much.”

“Ghetto.”

“Problematic.”

Black viewers notice this. We talk about it in comment sections, group chats, and podcasts.

Watching white reality TV sometimes becomes less about the show and more about watching the response to the show.

4. Escapism vs. Cultural Distance

Reality TV is supposed to be escapism. And for many Black viewers, it is.

It’s a break from:

News cycles

Social stress

Daily responsibilities

But sometimes the escapism carries cultural distance.

There are moments where:

Certain jokes don’t land.

Certain “problems” feel out of touch.

Certain microaggressions go unchecked.

And Black viewers pick up on those things instantly — even when other audiences don’t.

We don’t just watch.

We interpret.

5. The Shift Toward Representation

Over the years, more reality shows have featured diverse casts. And when that happens, you often see Black viewers gravitate strongly toward those spaces.

Why?

Because there’s relief in not having to decode everything.

There’s comfort in cultural familiarity.

There’s power in seeing yourself centered instead of peripheral.

But that doesn’t mean Black viewers stop watching white reality shows.

It just means the viewing experience is different.

6. Social Media Made It Louder

Before Twitter, before TikTok, before YouTube recaps — we watched quietly.

Now?

Black viewers are:

Live-tweeting.

Recapping.

Creating reaction channels.

Breaking down scenes frame by frame.

The commentary sometimes becomes bigger than the show itself.

Watching white reality TV has evolved into participation — and critique.

7. Are We Watching… or Studying?

Sometimes it feels less like entertainment and more like anthropology.

How do they:

Handle conflict?

Avoid accountability?

Protect each other?

Frame narratives?

What gets forgiven? What gets canceled? What gets brushed off?

For many Black viewers, there’s an underlying awareness that the rules aren’t always applied equally.

And that awareness changes how we consume the content.

8. So Why Do We Keep Watching?

Because it’s entertaining.

Because drama is drama.

Because humans are curious about other humans.

Because sometimes it’s funny.

Because sometimes it’s ridiculous.

Because sometimes it’s a mirror — and sometimes it’s a contrast.

And because even when the cast isn’t Black, Black commentary often shapes the cultural conversation around the show.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about saying Black people shouldn’t watch white reality TV.

It’s about acknowledging that the experience isn’t simple.

It’s layered.

It’s cultural.

It’s observational.

It’s critical.

It’s sometimes escapist and sometimes exhausting.

Watching through a different lens doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the show.

It just means you see more.

And sometimes, seeing more changes everything.

Comfort Reading or Comfortable Stagnation? Let’s Talk About It.

Comfort Reading or Comfortable Stagnation? Let’s Talk About It.

In the age of BookTok, curated Goodreads shelves, and algorithm-approved tropes, “comfort reading” has become a full-blown philosophy. But is it still about refuge — or has it quietly turned into resistance to growth?

A recent video unpacked this very issue, and let’s just say… it wasn’t here to coddle anyone’s bookshelf.

📚 What Comfort Reading Used to Mean

Originally, comfort reading wasn’t controversial. It was a soft place to land during hard times. Grabbing a familiar author when life feels heavy. Re-reading a beloved novel when anxiety is high. Escaping into a genre that feels safe.

There’s nothing wrong with that.

The speaker made it clear: they’re not anti-comfort reading. They’re anti-misusing comfort reading as a shield against intellectual growth.

That’s the real tea.

🚫 When “I Read for Comfort” Becomes an Excuse

The issue arises when comfort becomes the only goal.

The video highlights a trend: anytime someone suggests reading something outside your usual genre — something complex, unfamiliar, or even slightly challenging — the pushback is immediate.

“I read for comfort.” “I don’t owe books my energy.” “I don’t want to be stressed while reading.”

And sure — reading should be enjoyable. But if enjoyment is the only metric, what happens to:

Critical thinking?

Exposure to new cultures?

Wrestling with moral ambiguity?

Expanding empathy?

Challenging your own biases?

If every book must feel easy and familiar, you’re not protecting your peace — you’re protecting your comfort zone.

And those are not the same thing.

🧠 Avoiding Growth vs. Protecting Peace

One of the sharpest points made in the video is this:

If you never read anything that stretches you, frustrates you, or makes you pause and think… you’re not practicing self-care. You’re practicing avoidance.

Some readers say they don’t want “heavy” topics. But often what’s being avoided isn’t heaviness — it’s unfamiliar perspectives.

Different cultures

Political complexity

Characters who aren’t likable

Narratives that don’t follow neat tropes

Discomfort isn’t danger. Sometimes it’s development.

🔁 The Loop That Feels Safe

Reading the same trope. The same plot beats. The same character archetypes. Over and over again.

It can feel cozy. Predictable. Low-stakes.

But the speaker argues that this kind of literary looping doesn’t deepen taste — it calcifies it.

Growth requires variation.

If your reading life never evolves, you might mistake repetition for refinement. But there’s a difference between knowing what you like and refusing to explore anything else.

🤔 The Publishing Critique Contradiction

Here’s where it gets spicy.

Many self-described comfort readers are also some of the loudest critics of publishing trends — complaining about:

Lack of originality

Recycled tropes

Poor representation

Weak writing

But when invited to explore books outside the algorithm’s favorites, they decline.

You can’t critique the ecosystem and refuse to explore it at the same time.

If you only consume what’s already tailored to you, you’re not participating in literary discourse — you’re reinforcing your own echo chamber.

📱 The Algorithm Isn’t Helping

Platforms like BookTok reward predictability.

Familiar tropes. Clean summaries. Easily marketable vibes. Books that fit into neat categories.

Complex novels? Ambiguous endings? Literary fiction that requires patience?

Those don’t trend as easily.

Add to that the quiet fear some readers have of “not getting it,” and you get a culture that sometimes dismisses challenging books as pretentious — when really, they’re just unfamiliar.

But here’s the truth:

Not understanding something immediately is not failure. It’s the beginning of learning.

You weren’t born knowing algebra. You didn’t master history in one class. Why should literature be different?

🌱 Discomfort Can Become Comfort

Ironically, some of the books that challenge us the most become our future comfort reads.

Why?

Because they expanded us.

They gave us language for things we didn’t know how to articulate. They shifted our worldview. They forced us to sit with something difficult — and we survived it.

Growth creates grounding.

That once-confusing novel might later feel like an old friend because it changed you.

⚖️ This Isn’t About Elitism

The speaker isn’t arguing that everyone needs to read dense, inaccessible literary fiction.

This isn’t about snobbery.

It’s about balance.

Comfort reading should be part of your reading life — not the entirety of it.

Joy and challenge can coexist. Entertainment and depth are not enemies. A romance novel one week and a complex historical narrative the next? That’s range.

And range builds readers.

💭 The Real Question

When was the last time a book made you uncomfortable in a productive way?

When was the last time you had to reread a paragraph? Sit with a difficult character? Reconsider an opinion?

If it’s been a while, maybe it’s worth asking:

Are you choosing comfort? Or are you avoiding growth?

Because true readers don’t just seek safety.

They seek curiosity.

They seek expansion.

They’re brave enough to feel a little confused sometimes.

And that’s not intellectual elitism.

That’s evolution.

🎭 Nene, Bravo & Andy: Played in Her Face… or Played the Game Better?Let’s talk about it.

🎭 Nene, Bravo & Andy: Played in Her Face… or Played the Game Better?

Let’s talk about it.

Because whether you love her, miss her, or think she should’ve exited quietly — NeNe Leakes was not just a cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She was the franchise for years.

So when she says Andy Cohen and Bravo “played in her face,” we need to unpack that — with a little side-eye and a little tea. ☕

💎 From Breakout Star to “Difficult”?

NeNe built RHOA. Period.

“I said what I said.”

“Close your legs to married men.”

The memes.

The GIFs.

The cultural moments.

For years, Bravo leaned on NeNe’s charisma to drive ratings. She crossed over into scripted TV (Glee, The New Normal), Broadway, red carpets — and still came back to Atlanta.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

Once NeNe started:

Negotiating harder contracts

Questioning storylines

Calling out production

Refusing to play nice at reunions

Suddenly… the edit changed.

And on reality TV, the edit is everything.

🎬 The Reunion Energy Shift

If you rewatch later seasons — especially Season 11 and 12 — you can feel the tension between NeNe and Andy.

The playful banter turned icy. The accountability questions felt sharper. The grace? Gone.

Was NeNe difficult? Maybe. Was she over it? Probably. But was the network also tired of her not “falling in line”? That’s the real question.

Because when a Housewife is messy but compliant, she’s “good TV.” When she’s messy and challenges production? She’s “a problem.”

💰 The Lawsuit & The Fallout

NeNe didn’t just quietly leave. She filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and hostile work environment. That changed everything.

Bravo denied wrongdoing.

The lawsuit was eventually dropped.

But the relationship? Burned.

And let’s be real — once you publicly challenge the machine, the machine does not invite you back to brunch.

👀 Was She Played… or Did She Play Too Hard?

Here’s the shady part.

NeNe knew the game. She helped build the game. But somewhere along the way, she may have believed she was bigger than the board.

Bravo has a pattern:

Elevate you.

Use you.

Replace you.

Act confused when you react.

We’ve seen it before.

But NeNe’s difference? She didn’t go quietly. She went loud. And that made her dangerous.

🎤 Andy’s Role in All This

Andy plays executive producer and “neutral host.” But anyone watching closely knows he has favorites — and shifting alliances.

When NeNe was the golden girl, he laughed with her. When she became a liability, the tone changed.

Did Andy personally “play in her face”?

Or did he protect the brand?

Because when it comes down to talent vs. network loyalty — guess who wins every time?

Hint: It’s not the Housewife.

📉 And Now Look at RHOA…

Ratings dipped. Cast shakeups. Reboots. Audience fatigue.

Coincidence?

Maybe.

But let’s not pretend removing the biggest personality in franchise history didn’t leave a void.

🧠 Final Thought (Shady but Fair)

NeNe wasn’t perfect. She was arrogant at times. Dismissive. Combative.

But she was authentic — and that authenticity made Bravo millions.

So when she says they played in her face, what she might really mean is:

“They smiled while slowly phasing me out.”

And that, darling, is the coldest move in reality TV.

Spencer… if you turn this into a blog post for your reality rundown brand, you already know the angle:

“Was NeNe Fired… or Frozen Out?”

Want me to write tweets and hashtags to promote this one too? 👀🔥

RHONY Drama Alert: The Girls Are Mad at Jill… But What Aren’t They Saying?

RHONY Drama Alert: The Girls Are Mad at Jill… But What Aren’t They Saying?

Okay. Let’s get into it.

The Real Housewives of New York City universe is shaking again — and this time the drama isn’t just about cocktails, Palm Beach, or who got uninvited from what. It’s about Jill Zarin and whether her recent comments left a “bad taste in fans’ mouths.”

But here’s the real question:

👉 Why are the ladies suddenly acting surprised?

👉 And why is Eboni K. Williams being dragged into the mix?

Let’s unpack it.

The “Bad Taste” Comment — What Happened?

Some of the RHONY alumni reportedly feel that Jill’s recent public commentary didn’t land well with fans. The word floating around? “Cringe.” “Tone-deaf.” “Out of touch.”

Now, whether you agree or not, Jill has always been outspoken. That’s literally why she was cast in the first place. Jill was never the quiet, sip-her-drink-in-the-corner type.

So when the ladies say she’s leaving a bad taste — what they’re really saying is:

It’s affecting the brand.

It’s affecting potential opportunities.

And it’s making them look messy by association.

But wait… messy is the franchise’s foundation.

Let’s Be Honest: This Isn’t New

If we go back — way back — RHONY was built on:

Social climbing

Microaggressions

Tone-deaf comments

“Accidental” controversial moments

And let’s not act brand new.

Ramona had years of questionable behavior.

Luann had moments.

Sonja had moments.

Kelly had… seasons.

So why is Jill suddenly the problem?

What the Ladies Aren’t Saying

Here’s the part nobody wants to say out loud:

They’re scared of backlash.

The audience is different now. The culture is different now. What flew in 2011 will get you dragged in 2026.

And instead of collectively saying, “We all had problematic moments,” it feels like the energy is:

“Let’s isolate Jill and make her the example.”

But accountability only works if it’s consistent.

Why Is Eboni K. Williams Being Mentioned?

Now this is where it gets layered.

Eboni K. Williams came onto RHONY during Season 13 as the first Black housewife in the franchise’s New York iteration. Her season shifted the tone of the show dramatically. Conversations about race, privilege, and politics became central.

Some fans felt it was necessary growth.

Others felt it “changed the vibe.”

But here’s the truth: Eboni didn’t create the tension. She exposed it.

And ever since that season, whenever race-related commentary pops up in the RHONY orbit, her name gets pulled into it — even when she’s not directly involved.

Why?

Because she represents the moment the show had to confront itself.

Some of the OG ladies never fully recovered from that shift. And fans still debate whether Season 13 was:

A turning point

A takedown

Or the beginning of the reboot

So when Jill says something controversial and fans react, people instinctively frame it within that post-Eboni era.

It’s less about Eboni personally and more about what she symbolizes in the franchise timeline.

The Real Issue: Brand vs. Reality

This isn’t just about Jill.

It’s about whether RHONY alumni want to evolve or pretend nothing needs evolving.

You can’t:

Profit off “realness”

Monetize nostalgia

Tease spin-offs

And then panic when reality gets too real

Fans are smarter now. Social media is faster. Receipts live forever.

And honestly? Viewers don’t mind mess.

They mind hypocrisy.

Final Thoughts

The ladies saying Jill left a bad taste might not be wrong — perception matters.

But if we’re doing this, let’s do it fairly.

If accountability is the goal, it has to be for everyone. Not just the easiest target.

And as for Eboni being dragged into conversations she didn’t start?

That says more about the unresolved dynamics of RHONY than it does about her.

So I’ll leave you with this:

Are the girls truly upset about Jill’s behavior —

or are they upset about the consequences?

Because those are two very different things.

Let me know what you think. 🍎