Southern Charm: Shep Rose Claims Madison LeCroy Signed NDA for A-Rod
Even after Southern Charm season 7 ended, Madison LeCroy is still making headlines. The hairdresser was introduced to Bravo viewers when she started seeing Austen Stowell. But she didn't really break out until their long-overdue breakup. After being connected to two major athletes, the 31-year old became tabloid fodder. Fans couldn't get enough, and Madison's co-stars still can't stop talking about her.
First, there was the alleged fling with Jay Cutler, leading to a feud with Kristin Cavallari. But that was nothing compared to the Alex Rodriguez bombshell, after Craig Conover claimed she "flew to Miami to f--k" an ex-baseball player. Madison denied ever being physical with A-Rod, while his camp claimed they never met. But that didn't stop people from speculating and wondering how it would affect the ballplayer's engagement to Jennifer Lopez. Naturally, the scandal came up when castmate Shep Rose did press for his new book. He made some claims about the situation, and spoke frankly about his feelings toward Madison and the chaos she brings to their series.
While promoting Average Expectations: Lessons in Lowering the Bar, Shep opened up about the drama to Us Weekly. “Things got out of control" he said of the reunion behavior that earned harsh words from Andy Cohen . "Craig [Conover] was not happy and was shot out of a cannon and the accusations started to fly.” When asked about the alleged affair he revealed, “I know that there was, like, an NDA signed, which doesn’t seem to mean anything anymore, not worth the price of the paper they’re printed on." The NDA claim, and him calling it "not worth the price," only opened up more questions.
Shep then expressed "mixed emotions" about the fiasco, "because I think our show started as fairly normal, humble people … your average small-town, Southern people. And now it’s like, you know, DMing baseball stars and stuff and it’s all good. It’s not anybody’s fault, but it’s turned into something a little more cheesy than I would’ve liked, but that was bound to happen.” Despite those mixed emotions, Shep will still film with Madison. He even gave her advice for future seasons. "I was like, ‘Madison, if you just kind of own your outrageousness, I would watch that. I would watch that on its own merits, but you got to own it. It’s crazy to me, but it’s funny and compelling.’ So maybe she took my advice, but maybe she just can’t help herself.”
Shep may bemoan Madison's brand of drama as "cheesy," but for some, it's a welcome turn from where the season started. After three major cast members left, and the significant backlash over Kathryn Dennis' racist actions, some wondered why the show was even still on. Not to mention the earlier seasons Shep looks at fondly featured disgraced politician Thomas Ravenel and his still ongoing, brutal custody battle with Kathryn. By comparison, Madison's on- and off-screen drama is more in line with the classic storylines Bravo fans enjoy.
Considering how much drama and attention she brought, it's safe to assume Madison will return next season. Viewers will have to see if the alleged NDA affects how the scandal is addressed onscreen. In the meantime, while fans wait for more Southern Charm, some of its stars are teaming up with the Summer House cast for the new series Winter House.
Source: US Weekly