Ciara Miller Stands by Venita Aspen in the Midst of Southern Charm’s Craig Controversy
Ciara Miller is demonstrating the importance of solidarity among Bravo cast members as she stands up for Venita Aspen during a challenging start to season 11 of Southern Charm — especially regarding her conflict with Craig Conover.
“Imagine being the only Black woman in a mostly white cast in the SOUTH,” Ciara, 29, commented on a recent TikTok video discussing Venita’s journey on Southern Charm. “No one ever considers Venita’s perspective.”
Ciara, known for her role on Summer House and her close friendship with Craig’s ex, Paige DeSorbo, further asserted that the cast expects Venita to be “submissive to their opinions and spotlight.”
Ciara’s response followed a TikTok posted by @JoshtheRHONYstan on December 1, in which he expressed his support for Venita in her ongoing conflicts during season 11 of Southern Charm.
The TikTok user praised Venita, 32, for recognizing that Salley [Carson] is not being a true friend by pushing her to engage with Craig, 36, during the premiere amidst their feud. (Salley has been making attempts to connect with Craig despite claiming that Venita is her closest friend.)
For those unfamiliar with the conflict between Venita and Craig, tensions have risen since Venita revealed she contacted his ex Paige, 32, following their breakup in 2024. Craig stated on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in March that he interpreted Venita’s comments as a sign that she isn’t a true friend and vowed to distance himself from her.
“I can’t remember Craig ever acting like he was interested in being friends with Venita throughout her time on the show,” the TikToker claimed on Monday. “The timing of Craig saying on Watch What Happens Live that he wouldn’t associate with Venita anymore coincided with the current casting for this season.”
The user suggested that the real reason for the ongoing silence between Craig and Venita this season is rooted in his comments on WWHL, a notion that Ciara supported.
“I wouldn’t be shocked if Venita viewed Craig’s statement as an effort to push her out of the show or isolate her from the group, and that’s the real issue,” the TikToker proposed.
Ciara seemed to validate this notion in her comments, asserting, “If a main cast member ‘refuses’ to film with another, it’s a clear indication of trying to push them out. So yes, your analysis is spot on.”
She also emphasized that because Venita is Black, many fans fail to recognize the extent of challenges she faces on the show.
“For some ‘strange’ reason, Black women/people are held to incredibly high standards, are afforded little grace, and are expected to always rise above, whether they’ve been wronged or not,” Ciara asserted. “Meanwhile, our white counterparts can behave in considerably worse ways and still remain fan favorites without facing even a fraction of the criticism we endure simply for being present.”
The model added, “Not to mention, they often earn more and enjoy opportunities that we must vigorously work for just to gain notice.”
Ciara wrapped up by urging the Southern Charm audience to “gossip about anyone else, but never about Venita.”
She reiterated her support for Venita by stating that if fans wish to criticize her friend, they should “provide PLENTY of reasons” for blaming her in any situation. “And also compare her to your favorite white cast members. I guarantee you she’ll come off looking like an angel,” Ciara quipped.
Us Weekly has reached out to Bravo and Venita’s representative for comments.
