Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Getty Images
I immediately liked JT Thomas when he premiered during Season 9 of Southern Charm. Even though he channeled his brash attitude towards the men who deserved it. For Austen Kroll and Shep Rose, he was a thorn in their side. While giving the playboys a run for their money, he also treated the women of the series nicely and often stood up for them as a Southern gentleman would do. But did JT accidentally blow his Season 10 storyline?
JT Thomas was infatuated with Taylor Ann Green
As fans got to know JT during Season 9, one thing was certain: he had the biggest crush on his co-star, Taylor Ann Green. JT was a helpless romantic at heart but Taylor quickly put him in the friend zone. Episode after episode showed JT pining away for the blonde who, for some inexplicable reason, was still hung up on Shep. During a confessional, JT told fans, “I’ve always had a crush on Taylor, but since Jamaica, the feelings are not just a baby crush; the feelings are like getting real.” Honestly, I think fans were rooting for the guy because we knew he’d be a step up from Shep.
In a moment straight out of Sweet Home Alabama, JT laid his heart on the line as she told Taylor how he felt. While outside, he told the blonde, “I better just say something now and get it off my chest. I mean, every time we hung out, there was just constant laughter and joy. That’s rare to find.” While Taylor looked like a deer in the headlights, JT added, “I love you. I would marry you tomorrow.” Sadly, Cupid didn’t hit Taylor with the same love bomb, and JT was forced to move on.
The Season 9 trailer showed a potential love connection for JT Thomas
When the Southern Charm Season 10 trailer dropped a few weeks back, fans quickly noticed that JT was back and looking for love. The particular scene in question showed JT sitting on the couch with co-star Venita Aspen. The designer and fashionista seemed to be getting cozy as JT noted, “And I am extremely attracted to you? Yes. Are we on the same page?” Cameras showed Venita blushing as she answered, “Mmm hmm,” while taking a sip of her wine.
Southern Charm viewers knew the duo had grown close, especially after their guest appearance on Watch What Happens Live. At the time, JT posted a rave review of Venita on his Instagram. While posing together, he wrote, “Behind the scenes, you’ve been there for me when you didn’t have to be. When the cameras weren’t rolling, when I was nervous or lost or scared, I came to you, and you had my back.” It certainly felt like there was a love story in the making. JT ended his post by writing, “A true test of character is how one acts when nobody else is there to witness it. You are a person of the highest character.”
JT Thomas soft launches his new love interest
Not too long after the Season 10 trailer landed, JT seemingly revealed he had been loved up. But it wasn’t with Venita. JT posed with a blonde named Ali Pereless. Ali is originally from New Jersey and works at South City PR as an Account Executive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication from High Point University in 2018. In his caption, JT wrote, “Long overdue,” while including the hashtag “it’s complicated.” However, Southern Charm fans were not impressed.
One comment, which is presumed to be from Ali’s sister, wrote, “WTF is wrong with you?” While another wrote, “Who is she? And when is her prom?” There does seem to be a mini age difference between the two. JT is currently 39; if Ali graduated in 2018, that could make her around 28. However, most of the followers commented that they felt bad for Venita. The influencer deleted her co-star from her friend’s list. I wish JT had held back on the public announcement because I can’t help but feel a bit of Season 10 has been ruined for me.
