HGTV’s Alison Victoria Addresses Online Bullying: “My Fire Will Not Be Extinguished”
No matter the acclaim Alison Victoria has achieved as an HGTV celebrity, she remains fundamentally human.
“I believe that for everyone — whether in the limelight or not — when faced with pain, one can either be overwhelmed by it or find strength in it,” Victoria, 43, shared exclusively with Us Weekly on Monday, May 19. “It stings, making you doubt yourself.”
While at the airport over the weekend, Victoria stumbled upon a disparaging article about her. On her way to Las Vegas to film her new show Sin City Rehab, the interior designer encountered a post titled: “Why Some HGTV Fans Just Can’t Stand Alison Victoria.”
Despite her long tenure in the public eye and her understanding that online commentary can be harsh, Victoria admitted that the phrasing and angle of the piece affected her deeply.
“Years ago, I made a promise to myself not to let anyone dim my light; yet articles like that can indeed affect it, and it’s disheartening,” Victoria explained. “While my spirit remains unbroken, reading such things is challenging.”
For the HGTV star, negative feedback can be particularly “painful” since everything shown on screen is genuinely unscripted and authentic.
“I engage in reality television, which means you see the real me in shows like Windy City Rehab and my upcoming show Sin City Rehab. That’s as genuine as it gets. It reflects who I truly am,” she said.
Alison Victoria Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for HGTV
Nonetheless, Victoria recognizes she is not alone in experiencing online harassment. From top-tier actresses to everyday moms sharing parenting tips, she understands that many individuals confront critics and detractors.
Over the years, Victoria has made an effort to take criticism in stride.
“Recognize that the person behind negative comments likely carries their own pain; it takes someone in distress to inflict suffering on others. They think, ‘If I’m hurting, I’ll hurt someone else.’ It’s a vindictive mindset. If you pause and consider their perspective, you can often empathize with their struggles,” she shared.
In addition, Victoria aims to approach challenges with gratitude. The Emmy-nominated producer begins her day with a five-minute journal, jotting down what she’s thankful for and her hopes for the day ahead.
Alison Victoria and Brandt Andersen Courtesy of Alison Victoria / Instagram
She’s grateful for the encouragement of her boyfriend, Brandt Andersen, who is always eager to stand up for her or provide a clear perspective.
“I embrace life. I wake up with a smile, excited for what the day has in store,” Victoria said. “I have worked incredibly hard to be where I am, and it’s surreal to finally experience genuine happiness, living in a place I love and having the best job imaginable.”
Through the years, hosts and personalities featured on various HGTV shows have openly discussed their romantic lives. Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack captivated audiences when their show Flip or Flop premiered in April 2013, showcasing their property renovations in Southern California as well as their life as a married couple and parents of two.
Reflecting on the article, Victoria is choosing to move on, demonstrating that thriving is the ultimate form of revenge.
“That [writer] did affect my light, and those remarks stung,” she said. “But no one will ever extinguish my light.”
Sin City Rehab is anticipated to debut later this year on HGTV.
