West Wilson Discusses His Departure from Summer House for the First Time
West Wilson finally addressed his exit from Summer House ahead of the upcoming season 11.
“I wanted to share this on my own terms, but that [rumor about my departure] is accurate,” West, 31, disclosed during The Broadcast Boys’ Instagram breakdown of the Summer House scandal on Wednesday, June 24. “In [Bravo’s] defense, I don’t believe it would have been an enjoyable summer.”
Us Weekly reported exclusively on June 15 that West would not be returning to Summer House, after enduring a challenging interrogation from cast members at the season 10 reunion regarding his relationship with co-star Amanda Batula. (Previously, West dated Amanda’s best friend Ciara Miller, while Amanda announced her separation from her estranged husband Kyle Cooke in January.)
“West isn’t returning,” a source stated to Us at that time. “He may still appear on Summer House or Amanda’s spinoff show, In the City, in the future, particularly if things progress with Amanda, but he’s not part of the cast this season.”
A source later informed Us that West’s departure from Summer House was a joint decision made with the network.
“[West was] already sensing that his time on the show was nearing an end,” the source noted. “It became increasingly obvious that there wasn’t a long-term fit anymore. He feels at peace with the decision and is concentrating on his podcast and other business endeavors.”
West and Amanda publicly acknowledged their relationship in March, despite both previously denying any romantic feelings for each other.
“We’ve been supportive of each other through various ups and downs, and what’s unfolded recently was unexpected for both of us. Our bond grew from a sincere, long-standing friendship, which made it especially essential for us to proceed carefully,” they expressed in a joint statement on March 31. “We never intended to conceal anything. Given the complex dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes from reality TV, we needed some time to process things privately before we spoke on it.”
West Wilson is opening up about his controversial relationship with Summer House co-star Amanda Batula, following backlash from fans and cast members. “There was no overlap. I know there are numerous theories circulating online, but that is one thing that definitely did not occur,” West, 31, explained on Monday, […]
The couple shared, “We have always supported each other through various highs and lows, and this recent development was unexpected for both of us. Our relationship blossomed from a genuine friendship, which made it even more essential for us to approach this delicately.”
“As our feelings have evolved, we wanted to take the time to truly understand what we were feeling,” they added. “We also recognize that this situation has repercussions beyond just us and didn’t want our actions to cause any harm or be seen as thoughtless. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and respect as we navigate this.”
During his interview with ‘The Broadcast Boys’ podcast, West shared insights about how their controversial March announcement led to them becoming intimate for the first time.
“We became intimate after the announcement, but we had been kissing and spending nights together for a while. … I know I was not doing the right thing, but I felt like I wasn’t committing any crime,” he admitted.
West also addressed rumors suggesting that their public statement in March was prompted by a video of them “canoodling.”
A source exclusively informed Us Weekly that West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s relationship remains strong despite public criticism. “West and Amanda are still together,” the source revealed, adding that “the cast doesn’t believe they will last.” Nonetheless, West, 31, and Amanda, 34, are moving forward.
“I’ve not seen [the video], but credible sources have mentioned it exists,” he told The Broadcast Boys hosts Lucas Brody and Nelson Vergara. “It’s very illegal, just to note.”
He clarified, “From what I understand, it was Amanda and I canoodling in my apartment as seen by a neighbor across the street. That’s what initiated the panic.”
“I’ve always believed that in New York, there’s an unspoken understanding that we can see each other from our windows and balconies, so it’s best not to film each other,” he later argued.
Summer House airs on Bravo, and previous episodes are available for streaming on Peacock.
