The unexpected exit of Jarrett “JT” Thomas from Southern Charm ahead of its highly anticipated season 10 premiere has sparked conversations among fans and cast members alike.
JT, who joined the Bravo series in season 9, announced his decision to leave just weeks before the new season debuted on December 5, 2024. This decision left viewers and his co-stars wondering about the reasons behind his abrupt departure.
Madison LeCroy, a central figure on Southern Charm, weighed in on JT's exit during an interview with US Weekly on December 4, 2024. She stated that she was "a little shocked" by his decision, stating:
“I think it became more of this, like, he caught the house on fire and then stepped away when everyone had a reaction — and not a good one.” She continued, “He was no longer wanted in the group.”
JT made his exit announcement via Instagram on November 8, 2024. The 38-year-old reality star shared:
“It comes with a heavy heart to share that I have resigned from Southern Charm.”
He added that he would not participate in the remaining green room interviews for the season. While JT cited the need to recover physically and mentally from a challenging year, his co-stars shared differing views on his departure.
Madison LeCroy: LeCroy did not hold back in sharing her thoughts on JT’s decision to leave Southern Charm. Known for her candidness, Madison reflected on JT’s behavior throughout the season, stating:
“He would run around with that idea [he’d leave] throughout the season.”
She humorously added that the cast often joked about leaving “at least twice a season” due to the intense filming process. However, Madison did not mince words about JT’s departure, calling it “cowardly.” She remarked,
“When things start to get tough, you can’t just walk away.”
She emphasized that the show thrives on accountability and facing challenges head-on. Despite the drama, Madison assured fans that the series would be “just fine” without JT, saying that he impressed her, "but not in a good way.” Madison further remarked that JT’s departure was surprising but not entirely unexpected.
“From the very beginning, I believed JT had a motive to be the villain. He realized really quick that wasn’t going to last,” she mentioned.
Austen Kroll: Another key member of the Southern Charm cast, Austen Kroll, also shared his thoughts on JT’s departure in an interview with US Magazine on December 5. Austen, who clashed with JT during season 9, expressed little sympathy for his former co-star. He stated:
“The announcement was a bit grandiose...Rather than own it and take accountability, he just [splits].”
According to Austen, JT could only maintain the persona he put on during the last season for so long before the truth was revealed. He suggested that JT’s exit only further exposed his unwillingness to face the consequences of his actions.
Leva Bonaparte: Leva Bonaparte, known for her sharp insights, described JT as “chaotic” and reactive. She acknowledged that his intensity brought drama to the show but noted that it also created challenges for him and others. She added:
“He’s a good guy, but he faced a lot of accusations while filming season 10.”
Leva referred to JT’s complicated dynamic with co-star Venita Aspen. She suggested that he struggled to manage the pressures of reality TV, adding:
“He came in this year with a lot. He wasn’t drinking or anything, but he’s an intense dude.”
Taylor Ann Green: Taylor Ann Green found JT’s departure both unsurprising and frustrating. She suggested that it was typical of him to seek attention, explaining that this seemed to be his way of handling situations.
She expressed disappointment that JT chose to leave when the season became difficult, calling his decision “very selfish.” Taylor echoed Madison’s sentiments, laughing at the comment that JT was “the smallest man who ever lived,” agreeing with the characterization and adding to the frustration over his sudden exit.
She added:
“We’ve all had hard seasons, but we still showed up. For someone to not speak for themselves — come on!”
Southern Charm airs every Thursday on Bravo at 9 pm ET.
