In season 16 episode 13 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Drew Sidora stirred up controversy when she casually mentioned paying for Pilar McKinley's future college tuition. The earnings from her next music endeavor with Dennis McKinley would cover Porsha's daughter's schooling, she said at a Grenada dinner. Although he smiled and delivered the moment with assurance, it didn't go over as well with everyone at the table.
The remark was made during a heated group discussion in which Drew was defending her choice to collaborate with Dennis, Pilar's father, and Porsha's ex. Her comment on "PJ's college" was meant to emphasize her career accomplishments and the validity of the partnership, but it unintentionally made Pilar the center of attention. The remark seemed more scathing than joyous, especially considering the shaky relationships in the group, especially between Drew and Porsha.
Viewers immediately began deciphering Drew's meaning. While some questioned whether Drew was being dishonest or simply careless, many saw the college remark as a subtle barb at Porsha. Responses ranged from criticizing her for going too far to supporting her by saying they were just proud of her hustle.
A fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta posted,
"Drew did say that the music could pay for Pilar’s college and she definitely meant it as shade 😭 maybe it wasn’t exactly how she said it but she did say it #RHOA"
Another admirer shared on X,
"Drew was being shady with the comment about PJ's college and Shamea is a lapdog two things can be true! 😂 #RHOA"
"Yea, what Drew said about Pilar’s tuition was wrong! #RHOA," a comment read.
A fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, however, defended Drew.
"But wasn’t she the one talking about accountability 2-3 episodes ago? Why shouldn’t Drew be accountable for the shady comment about paying for PJ’s college? #RHOA"
"#rhoa I genuinely don’t think Drew was trying to be shady bringing up Pj’s college funding. I think she was trying to say “at the end of the day everyone will benefit from this.” Shamea taking it back to Porsha in a messy way was unnecessary," a tweet read.
Drew throws shade at Pilar’s college in The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 Episode 13
Drew Sidora sparked conflict at a group dinner in Grenada in The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 Episode 13 by implying that Pilar McKinley's college tuition may be covered by the proceeds from her songwriting partnership with Dennis McKinley. Despite her portrayal of it as a successful conclusion, the remark made the group uneasy.
Later, Drew clarified that she didn't mean to offend but rather to promote Pilar's future, echoing Dennis's suggestion. But there were differing opinions on how she delivered it. The already tense dynamics amongst the ensemble were further complicated by viewers' disagreements about whether it was a considerate gesture or a covert jab at Porsha.
Binge all the episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 on Bravo.