Southern Charm’s Jarrett ‘JT’ Thomas Retires to Bali Following Departure from Show
Jarrett “JT” Thomas has departed Charleston and “retired” from his life in the United States following his Southern Charm exit last year.
“Today marks the beginning of my journey in life,” JT, 40, shared on Instagram on Sunday, November 2. “I have pulled the ripcord. I am now living in Bali. You could say I’ve retired.”
The former reality star stated he is now “retired, living in Bali after spending my entire life in the U.S.,” implying that America’s current political situation influenced his decision to leave South Carolina.
“Honestly, I don’t even think it requires [an] explanation. Many of you have probably pondered the same. So, I just said, ‘Enough’s enough,’” JT remarked about his decision to “start anew” in a different country.
JT disclosed he is in the process of selling “everything” in the U.S., including his business and real estate properties.
He hinted at the possibility of returning to America someday when “things become normal again, if that ever occurs.”
JT informed his followers that he was taking a significant risk by leaving behind his friends and family, but felt it was time for a change.
“I don’t know a single person,” he admitted, noting that he has already paid his rent in Bali for November and will not be back in Charleston for Thanksgiving.
JT expressed, “Bali is incredible. It’s paradise. The reality is” but acknowledged, “If I don’t make friends and create a community, sooner or later, I’m going to feel lonely. I’m going to want to fly back to the chaos, and I don’t want that.”
He concluded, “It’s not easy to start over, but it’s exhilarating.”
JT’s unexpected move and retirement come almost a year after he left Southern Charm ahead of the season 10 premiere.
JT, who joined the Bravo series in 2023 for season 9, announced via Instagram in November 2024 that he “resigned” from the show before completing the last of his green room interviews.
“I no longer wish to participate in any way moving forward with the TV show,” he stated at the time. “I’ll leave it at that for now… while I work on next steps to recover both physically and mentally from what has been an incredibly challenging and exhausting year.”
Throughout season 10, fans witnessed JT face numerous challenges and conflicts with nearly every cast member. He faced backlash from Austen Kroll after alleging Austen, 38, was unfaithful to his girlfriend, Audrey Pratt, and made an enemy of Madison LeCroy after suggesting that her husband, Brett Randle, was “jealous” about their alleged closeness during a group trip.
JT was also portrayed as being racist toward longtime friend and brief love interest Venita Aspen, which he denied. Venita, 32, later claimed that JT was not truthful about having a girlfriend in the fall of 2024 while they were pursuing a romantic relationship.
During the season 10 reunion, which aired in March, the cast labeled JT a “f*** boy” for stringing Aspen along while involved with someone else. While he did not reconcile with everyone at that moment, JT partially apologized for his actions.
Season 11 of Southern Charm premieres on Bravo Wednesday, November 19, at 9 p.m. ET.
