Summer House Showdown: KJ Confronts West for Flirting With His Girlfriend
Flirt alert: KJ Dillard shaded West Wilson after posting a Summer House season 10 clip to Threads showing West telling Dara Levitan, “I must say, hottest outfit this house has seen in a long time.”
File this under: reality TV snowstorms that turn into full-on blizzards. Summer House season 10 just coughed up a messy little moment between KJ Dillard, West Wilson, and KJ's girlfriend, Dara Levitan — and yes, everyone took it to Threads.
The snow-day clip that set KJ off
On Wednesday, May 13, KJ, 28, posted a clip from the show where West, 31, compliments Dara, 33, who is out in the snow wearing a bikini under a fur coat. West goes: 'I must say, hottest outfit this house has seen in a long time.' Dara laughs it off with: 'West, like, dap me the f*** up my man.'
KJ's reaction? He slapped the angry swearing emoji on it and then followed with: 'My bros would never hit on my girl behind my back. Bro code.' Subtle as a sledgehammer. He kept going, too, calling out 'snakes in the snow' in a follow-up post.
Why this is blowing up now
KJ and West used to be cool. That changed when West confirmed he is dating costar Amanda Batula. The backlash was immediate because West had an on-and-off thing with Ciara Miller — who also happens to be Amanda's best friend. For context on the web of friendships: Amanda is 34, Ciara is 30, and KJ is also friends with Ciara. So yeah, messy.
How West and Amanda explained it
When West and Amanda went public in April, they posted a joint statement trying to get ahead of the noise. Their message, in full:
'It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it. As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling. We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless. We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.'
KJ felt blindsided
KJ has been clear he does not co-sign West and Amanda together, partly because of his friendship with Ciara. He also says West never gave him a heads-up before the relationship announcement. As he put it on Threads back in April: 'I'm checking my text messages, but I never received anything. The truth hurts, homie, tough love.'
The apology text (yes, there was one)
In May, KJ told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that West texted him an apology after they filmed the season 10 reunion. After a little nudging from Andy and the audience, KJ read it out loud. Here is what West wrote:
'I wanted to thank you for your articulation and kindness yesterday despite being hurt. I’ve been off social and I think I lost touch with how much hurt there was. I’m incredibly sorry. Also sending you love in regards to your mental health. You shared a lot yesterday and I know it mightn't carry much weight now but I’m always rooting for the best for you. I know it will take some time but whenever you feel like you’re ready, lunch or a phone call would mean a lot in the spirit of healing. No need to respond, take your time.'
Quick timeline
- Season 10 snow day: West tells Dara her bikini-and-fur look is the house's 'hottest outfit.' Dara keeps it playful. KJ is not amused.
- April: West and Amanda confirm they are dating with a joint Instagram statement addressing the complicated friend dynamics.
- April (after the announcement): KJ says he never got a courtesy text from West and calls it out on Threads.
- May: Post-reunion, West texts KJ an apology. KJ reads it on Watch What Happens Live.
- May 13: KJ reposts the flirty clip on Threads with the angry swearing emoji, 'Bro code,' and a little 'snakes in the snow' shade.
Where it stands
At minimum, we have a fractured friendship, a relationship under scrutiny, and a very public paper trail of posts and texts to keep fueling Summer House season 10 discourse. And if you thought it would cool off with the snow, you have not met this house.