Selling Sunset: Nicole defends her prior joke about Chrishell’s deceased parents

Selling Sunset
Selling Sunset | Image Source: YouTube/Netflix

Selling Sunset's Nicole Young stood by her controversial remarks about Chrishell Stause's late parents during the season 9 reunion, sparking outrage among her castmates. The 39-year-old real estate agent shocked viewers when she referenced Chrishell's deceased parents during Amanza Smith's 'girlsgiving' dinner party in a heated moment.

The Netflix reality series follows luxury property agents at the Oppenheim Group as they balance million-dollar deals with explosive personal conflicts. During the dinner scene, Nicole told Chrishell she was "confusing her with her parents" while discussing drug accusations, adding that Chrishell seemed "obsessed with drugs." The comment left the entire table stunned, with cast members immediately demanding that Nicole leave.

When confronted at the reunion by host Tan France, Nicole defended her statement as a response to repeated allegations about her own alleged drug use. She argued she was pointing out a pattern of projection rather than intentionally attacking Chrishell's grief.

Despite pressure from the entire cast to offer a genuine apology, Nicole gave what many perceived as a weak acknowledgment, apologizing only for "the intent that was taken from it." Jason and Brett Oppenheim confirmed she remains with the agency despite viewer demands for her firing.


Selling Sunset: What was Nicole’s defense?

Nicole made a brief appearance at the Selling Sunset reunion to address the backlash. She explained that accusations about her drug use had reached a breaking point, prompting her defensive response.

According to Nicole, she was demonstrating a proven pattern of projection from Chrishell. She also attempted to clarify a key detail about her statement. Nicole insisted she said "parents" rather than "dead parents," emphasizing this distinction as significant. She wanted viewers to understand the exact wording of her comment.

However, this clarification did little to ease tensions with her colleagues. Amanza quickly shut down Nicole's defense, arguing the word choice made no difference. She pointed out that Nicole was fully aware that Chrishell's parents are deceased, making the semantic argument meaningless.

Amanza called the remark "disgusting" and stated that hitting below the belt in such a manner was inexcusable. She emphasized that saying "parents" versus "dead parents" carried the same weight when everyone knew the reality. The entire crew united in demanding an apology from Nicole. Host Tan France repeatedly pressed her on whether she believed her comment warranted one, but Nicole initially resisted.

Selling Sunset newcomer Sandra Vergara delivered a pointed message to Nicole about taking responsibility. She explained that Nicole doesn't get to decide how her words hurt someone else. Sandra insisted Nicole needed to "clean up her side of the street" by offering a straightforward apology. Other cast members visibly agreed with this assessment. Nicole maintained her position, stating she was simply pointing out her lack of connection to Chrishell's "obsession and situation" regarding drugs.

Chrishell remained mostly silent during the heated exchange until Nicole directly asked how the comment affected her. Her response was measured but powerful. She explained she was glad Nicole hadn't experienced the kind of loss that would make her understand why certain territory shouldn't be entered. Chrishell expressed hope that Nicole never has to know what it is like to lose both your parents. Her dignified approach on Selling Sunset highlighted the emotional impact Nicole's words carried.


Nicole’s inadequate apology explored

When Tan gave Nicole one final opportunity to make things right, she delivered what the Selling Sunset cast viewed as an insufficient apology. Nicole said she wanted to apologize "for the intent that was taken from it."

This phrasing frustrated everyone present, as it seemed to place blame on how Chrishell interpreted the remark rather than acknowledging wrongdoing. The cast's disappointment in Nicole's lack of genuine accountability was visible.

Despite widespread calls for her termination, Jason and Brett confirmed Nicole wasn't fired following the incident. She remains part of the Oppenheim Group roster, though her relationship with several cast members appears beyond repair.


Watch Selling Sunset Season 9 streaming now on Netflix.

Edited by Amey Mirashi