When I recapped the premiere of Southern Charm recently, I had not yet been sent the Daily Mail story with all the court documents outlining the extent of Kathryn Dennis’ addiction issues and their effect on her ongoing custody battle that I outlined here. At the time of that recap, I still was of the mindset that Kathryn had gone to rehab and was working on her recovery, albeit with some setbacks that I chose not to cover in detail. I felt that those around her, including her cousin Shelby. should have been more protective and supportive of her recovery efforts. I was particularly harsh with my language toward Shelby in my recap, who I felt as a family member should not have fed Thomas any further ammunition to bolster his custody case.
Setting The Record Straight
I was contacted by K. Cooper Ray after writing that recap and he offered to put me in touch with Shelby because he felt that I misread the situation. KCR and Shelby have been good friends for six years. Shelby introduced KCR to Kathryn. The three of them were “thick as thieves” during the time in between Kathryn’s pregnancies according to Shelby. I was able to interview Shelby about the situation and am very grateful for her input.
Went to feed the horses and look at my cute cousin! A Lilly dress & duck boots = women #getthingsdone @ShelbyNDennis pic.twitter.com/Ry8TLzdymC
— Kathryn C. Dennis (@kathryn_dennis) July 18, 2015
I would like to offer my sincere apologies for my harsh words towards Shelby. Shelby wants a full recovery for Kathryn Dennis so that she and her kids can have more quality time together. So she went out of her way to help when Kathryn returned from rehab. Unfortunately, it became clear that Kathryn’s rehab did not take. So, Shelby had to cut ties.
Here is some of our conversation:
TT: First of all, why is Kathryn saying that you are not cousins and only “share a last name?”
Shelby: Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share my side of the story. To answer your question, The Dennis’ have been residing in Berkeley and Sumter county for over two centuries. Kathryn and I just accepted we were cousins and treated each other like family.
TT: Please tell us you experience with filming the scenes with Thomas at Eliza’s pool party.
Shelby: Eliza invited me to the pool party (and she invited Kathryn) Eliza and I are long time friends from the polo/horse world. When I arrived at the party I was approached by JD and Elizabeth off camera who were genuinely concerned about Kathryn. I told them I was very concerned. Her stay at my house had gotten really, really out of hand, to the point that I called her mother to intervene.
Thomas approached me, with full camera crew in tow, grilling me about Kathryn. The exchange with Thomas was all captured on boom mike. I wasn’t miked at any point during the 2+ hours of filming. The edit is what the edit is, but I want you to know that I had no ulterior motive nor intention to speak ill of her, I’ve always had Kathryn’s well-being at heart and if this story coming out can get her the help she needs then it’s all worth it.
TT: How did Kathryn end up staying with you after rehab?
Shelby: When, Kathryn came back from rehab early in August, I hadn’t heard from her in 3 months but I knew she was in rehab and she didn’t have her phone. I got a call from her Tuesday around noon, which considering the hours she kept prior to treatment was unusual, telling me she was back and asking if she could come stay and hang at my place for a while and she did for about two weeks.
I’ll admit that I’m no saint, I’m a young single woman in Charleston, I like going out and I like a nice glass of wine or two, but I got a lot more than I bargained for with Kathryn during those two weeks. I was excited to have the “Old Kathryn” back, but it was clear she had fallen back into her old habits.
K. Cooper Ray’s Observations
K. Cooper Ray: This was around the time that I was still in New York. KCD called me from Shelby’s house cheery, delightful and charming. She said she couldn’t wait for me to get back from New York so that we could all be together again. By the way that was the first I’d heard from KCD in six months. But it was good to hear from her. I knew Shelby’s was the best place for her to be in Charleston.
Sadly, the Kathryn that KCR was happy to hear from wasn’t around for long. While KCR was the person we all saw supporting Kathryn on the show the most, there were other friends of hers, who fought for Kathryn and offered their support. Unfortunately, in real-time, they all seem to have been cast away. Kathryn doesn’t speak kindly about them in the media. So,they are left feeling hurt and unappreciated. She even went so far to suggest in an interview with Reality Tea that Jennifer Snowdon’s baby might not be fathered by her boyfriend, Lee. That’s a ridiculous allegation.
@jsnowden1 stunned by the lies. Those who truly loved and cared for her are the first thrown under the bus.
— Shelby Dennis (@ShelbyNDennis) April 4, 2017
Kathryn Dennis Makes Hurtful Allegations
Jennifer did hook up with Thomas a couple of years ago. Yet,the two friends had mended fences. Jennifer has been trying to help Kathryn with her addiction issues. Kathryn Dennis seems to be lashing out at all the people trying to help her. Her comments to Reality Tea appear to be a cruel reaction to not being invited to Jennifer’s baby shower. Jennifer’s shower happened in July. Kathryn was in rehab. Kathryn’s mother sent a gift on Kathryn’s behalf.
If you recall, Jennifer’s son was diagnosed with a potentially fatal illness in utero (a brain encephalocele). So, Jennifer was under an enormous amount of stress. The good news is that the baby is doing remarkably well today. A case could be made that prayer, a miracle from God and a doctor willing to do the dangerous surgery saved Jennifer’s baby. Her exclusive interview at Daily Mail tells the entire story.
Kathryn Dennis Was Angry Over Being Excluded From A Sip-and-See
This sort of attack by Kathryn is reprehensible. A few months after the baby’s surgery, the proud mom had a Sip-and-See to introduce Ascher to the world. Kathryn was not invited. Rather than be happy that Kathryn’s child is alive and doing well, Kathryn focused on herself and she opted to make ugly allegations about a child’s paternity in the media. K. Cooper Ray has spoken out in support of Jennifer, pointedly telling Kathryn to back off of Jennifer. Based on recent information from court documents, I presume the reason she was not invited to the Sip-and-See was unstable behavior and suspected drug use. Jennifer has said as much in social media after the Reality Tea article was published.
I talked to Shelby about Kathryn’s behavior as a guest in her house and it was basically typical addict behavior. Shelby did not want any of that mentioned publicly. It is not her intent to air her dirty laundry and it’s not my desire to post it. It sounded like exactly the stories I heard from friends who let a mutual friend with addiction issues stay with them for a bit. Sadly, the addiction has no problem breaking the trust of a friend of the addict. It’s not pretty.
A Long Road To Go
So,It seems that we are at the stage when friends and family have retreated, because Kathryn is not willing to receive help. Furthermore, they are not willing to enable her or tolerate her abusive behavior. It’s a scary standoff and I am hoping that Kathryn reaches out to someone in recovery for some help and a positive outcome results. Recently, I have heard many things that have occurred after filming in this current calendar year that have me gravely concerned. The recent surge of stories in the media put out by Kathryn is a series of lashing out at others that indicates that her addiction is active. So, If you are the praying type, it couldn’t hurt. Especially if you are Jennifer Snowden, she seems to have a pretty good track record for receiving miracles through prayer.
P.S. I forgot to mention the People article where Kathryn claims to be living at home with her parents, practicing yoga and focusing on regaining custody of her children. That is a trifecta of lies. She is shacked-up with some dude, and partying. Allegedly. As I have heard through various Charleston sources.
Let’s hope for a happy ending for all.
Kathryn sounds like she’s a mess. It’s sad how an addict lashes out and tries to damage those that sincerely want her to get better. I don’t know if she’s burned too many bridges but instead of being hateful to them, she needs to get down on her knees and thank them for their support. Then, she needs to hightail it back to rehab and stop being selfish and think about her two children. The easy part was giving birth. The hard part is staying sober to raise them properly. Sounds like she’s failing
So, so sad and dark but tt I give you so much credit for your reporting, owning your sources and mistakes. We have chatted, I depend on your info as fact, and I’ve been so confused – I really appreciate the insight and clarity, i want Kathryn off reality tv so bad.
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Still not a fan of how Shelby spoke to Thomas as it appeared she was gossiping and airing her business but you believe it was editing? Thank you for interviewing those close to her. I truly hope she gets help! She really needs to get clean and healthy. I hope she does!
I loved reading about Jennifer Snowden’s miracle. Kathryn will be in my prayers. Her babies need their mama…
My perspective has changed. I am now pleased the kids are with Thomas. Kathryn needs many years of help! Had a daughter in law that was on drugs.. Gave up! Her Dad did also. Horror stories including selling her children. Sorry for that mental picture… just hope Kathryn finally wakes up from the disaster of her life.
Thanks Tamara, great article. So sad, and those children don’t or won’t ever probably be able to understand.
Very sad. Thanks for the update.
this. makes. me. sad.
performed in a tyra-banks voice –> : ‘I WAS ROOTING FOR YOUUUU’ … :/
Sad but not surprised. What does surprise me is that those who have watched from the beginning are surprised.
Agree 100 percent, unfortunately with a lot of addicts they hide it well, until well, they don’t.
Fantastic and compelling writing. Thank you TT. I pray for the children, who will need so much support understanding an absent mother. Please God that Mr. Ravenel continues to keep it together.
So so sad .she is so young and her kids need her.
Great reporting. It is so sad and hope she gets the help she needs. Thomas paid for first rehab and probably again if asked.
Appreciate the truth over the “fake news” circulating, TT.
I am a bit shocked that RT published that allegation without fact checking.
This is heartbreaking news. I was rooting for her also. I still think she and Thomas and kids shouldn’t be on the show. Time for keeping this private for the kids’ sake. It doesn’t change my opinion of Thomas or other cast members. I will cut Thomas a tiny bit of slack, but he is old enough to make better choices in my opinion.
My apologies to K Cooper Ray on a previous comment thread. Didn’t have all the facts. I was under impression (wrongly) he had just left Kathryn and was moving back to the side of the “litigious gladfly”) Still a fan of his and it’s clear now he and Shelby have done all they can for her. Tough love is in order it seems now. So very tragic for all involved. Hardcore addiction is evident and breaks my heart she chose her drugs over those babies (and possibly during pregnancy is just plain selfish and awful). I kind of wonder if there are some other untreated underlying issues with Kathryn too. She’s at the age where those things start manifesting. My opinion.
I’ll not be watching the show anymore but will stay tuned here for updates. My heart goes out to J Snowden too.
Parenting isn’t for pussies. Drugs and partying have no place in it either, especially for single parents. At least Thomas has the funds to try to make a change and get long term care for kiddos, whatever their needs may be. I hope he grows up and does some re-prioritizing very soon! And hope he keeps the dolphin away from the kids. Stacey Dash would most likely agree with that! Allegedly.
Prayers to all involved. What a nightmare! I don’t know any of these people obviously, but would pray for anyone in this situation.
Shame on Bravo again, too.
Her attacks on Jennifer Snowden have done it for me. This woman has enough on her plate without having to deal with the stress of Kathryn’s accusations.
I now understand why the cast reacted to her the way that they did. They obviously were privy to more than the audience was.
I hope Kathryn gets the help she needs and shame on Bravo.
Addiction is an ugly disease. It takes a lot for those who are not family members to tolerate the lies, snarkiness, stealing and selfishness addiction causes. I was married to one w Marijuana who chose his baggies over coming home with groceries when our baby was a year old and after I paid all the bills we had s box of biscuit left yet he came home one in the morning with no food. It made me sick and it finally hit me that I was a fool. I let it get that far and caused me to dispise him. I left and he split our State to not pay support and send her 50 for Christmas after not seeing her for 20 yrs. I also have a nephew who is back in rehab for the 8th time. I worry for him. He’s s kind gentle soul who got addicted from back surgeries and doc shopped to the point he had to buy from the street then onto heroin. I dont think any of them should be talking on screen about her but I also believe they have every right to defend themselves. I will give Thomas credit for waking up. He seemed to want her home with the kids while he partied . He got a very young girl he barely knew pregnant, twice! He knew better. It could be one or two or both: Katherine was young, felt alone trapped with the babies and was hurt really bad by lack of Thomas loyalty and attention. The other she has some type of mental illness or she’s a very selfish person. Add drugs to any of those situations and its not an easy thing for her to stay clean. My honest opinion is I don’t see her getting stable until she grows up a little more and is able to see those around her changing, having a job, family and not partying all the time. I’m super disappointed in her treatment to JSnow. I knew when that fell apart that K was prob the problem. TT, I read your blogs but don’t comment often and so I hope I did not break any rules. You told her story in a kind, loving way. Says so much about you!!! I pray she hits rock bottom and has the support system she needs when she decides to grow up. I hope its not a sad ending. It would break all our hearts. We can love the person and hate the addict. Her cast mates could have been more excepting and got after Trav when they first had both babies but most chose to treat a disease by shaming her and treating her like she was not wanted. Everyone wants to be wanted. Land on especially needed to leave this family alone. Her games only made Kathrine less secure, hurt and it takes an ugly soul to do that to a young addict with the father being a grown ads man who shouldn’t have been apart of it. Sorry so long. I guess I made up for not commenting on the other stories. God Bless everyone!
God bless you too, Sheba!!
Thank you!
Thank you
I still believe Thomas needs to take responsibility for being the one hooking her up with drugs in the first place. She was so young and impressionable. He took advantage of her. I hope she gets her shit together.
How’s that? You know he got her hooked on drugs? Wow.
I think the mutual attraction wasn’t only hormonal, but also recreational drugs .
I doubt if she never experienced any type of substance until she met Thomas. IMHO.
Did I hooked no I said hooking her up . I’m sure he said let’s try this and she was game .
With all of life’s uncertainties, it’s great to have something to be sure about. Have you watched any reality shows about North Korea? I know a lot of us would like to have your insight on that. What are you sure of there?
Sorry that’s absolutely crazy talk… He didn’t force her to do drugs… That’s insanity
I’m pretty certain that if Thomas “got her on drugs”, she probably would have mentioned many, many times.
She had been arrest for dui prior to Thomas. Also her ex had drug chargers, so she probably had experience prior. They dated for less the 2 yrs on and off and she was prego 18mnths of that– so I’m sure her and track weren’t partying. If it was his fault she wouldn’t have already thrown that trash. She also dropped out of university and slept around (3 friends in 2 weeks without protection on a tv show!?)– sounds like drugs to me.
The best thing we can do for Kathryn is not give her any more spotlight. She is an addict. She’s not choosing drugs over her kids. She is unable to choose anything over her drug because she is an addict.
Thomas is scum. He is complicit in this. He knows he is. But he plays it all out on social media like he’s a victim. Nope. He’s a liar. He knows it, and his PR people know it.
I’m just being honest here…but I’m just not feeling this stuff. At all. Maybe Bravo has left me in the dust, but all these people doing interviews all over the place and fighting over Twitter just feels disingenuous. I’m not stupid, I don’t expect “reality,” but all of this feels like a ratings grab. All coming out right at the premiere? AND they’re making another Southern Charm series?? Whatever. I didn’t even bother to watch it – and gave up on all the HW franchises long ago. I’ve reached next-level jaded and can’t with the current acceptance of tabloids and social media as reality and/or real news.
I still read recaps. Go figure.
Thomas should take part of the blame for this mess. He was after all the ADULT ln the relationship being two and a half times her age. If he had thought hadn’t been trying to relive his puberty he would have used protection and these two children wouldn’t be mixed up in this mess
For those of you blaming TRav for all of Kathryn’s problems, check back in her past. There was a DUI before there was ever a Southern Charm.
DUI is not anywhere near using drugs or drug addiction. It’s one beer to many or that one last glass of wine.
Not all DUI’s are road weaving blacked out drunks.
Sorry I’ve a huge soft spot for Kathryn.
There is a soft spot, and then there is minimizing her DUI. That’s making excuses.
Thank you for saying that. My little cousin was killed by a drunk driver. People who drink and drive especially underage often use other substances. She was painfully thin the 1st season which is common for people who abuse adderal. The other drugs in her system make me think she may have bipolar disorder because of the need to keep the mania going.
This right here is one of the reasons I follow you . Thx for the update, the concern, and the tea. Definite prayers for our dear Katherine. I’m afraid she’s just so overwhelmed , do you think she will be edited out? I’m so fascinated with this show being from Colorado . I find so much of the traditions in the South to be beautiful and i love watching this show.
Edited out? She will be the show. Bravo loves exploiting the weaknesses of those they put on the show, it’s great for ratings and that is all they care about.
Great writing TT. From your writings and a few others I never thought poorly of Shelby but I hated that her words went to Thomas. I do not care for him at all.
I want Kathryn and her babies together at her parents home. In a year or two living on her own with her babies. I really dislike the babies being with Thomas and until they are away from him I can’t watch much of this show.
TT delete this if you want.
Shelby if you read here please don’t take anything Kathefyn says negative about you or to you to heart. It’s her pain talking, a defensive wall she has put up.
May I suggest if you can meet her for lunch sometime. Just do girl talk. If any of you can keep her in touch with the life she could have instead of whatever, sometimes it’s the smallest gesture that will click with someone.
Good wishes to you.
Would the basis of the deletion be the presumptious way you wish to insert yourself into someone’s real life based on what you saw on a TV show and what she allowed to be posted here?
Because other than it being extremely pompous to presume that you know enough about someone’s relationship to give advice and solve such a serious issue and interacting with a using addict, it is not a commenting rule violation, simply because it’s never been necessary before.
Not pompous at all, I feel bad for Kathryn. I’ve been there when the user/friend turned on me when I was the one making sure she had food and her electric was paid. I know old friends that have usually been treated horribly are the ones that can sometimes do the most good, in time.
It’s a suggestion she not give up on a old friend, if at all possible.
That’s not pompous, it’s life expierence.
I am a stranger, I don’t know these people, I can’t insert myself into anything. I’ve had friends over the years go off into this mess and their words can hurt.
If you did not like it then delete it, I suggested you do that. To reprimand me over a suggestion is ridiculous. Tootles
Pomp or circumstance?
I’m just going to put this out there. I don’t like the topic of addiction being a storyline, for no personal reason (except past work in the field), but I’m wondering if these shows have run out of other storylines due to length of reality show lives. Have all other options been done? I’m wondering.
I hate it for those babies that drugs are coming first. We have delt with my sister in laws addiction for the past 25+ years. We have all tried everything and have finally gotten to the point that we have had to cut ties. She lies, steals and brings much worse, terribly unsafe people around the family and no one is willing to take a chance with our children anymore. My nephew has fetal alcohol syndrome and heart problems from her using. Hopefully I don’t sound like an asshole, and TT please don’t post if u think I’m too out of line, but the first pictures I saw of St. Julian reminded me of my nephews features. It made me wonder if he was exposed to alcohol and if he possibly had fetal alcohol syndrome. I hope it isn’t the case and I hope Kathryn gets help and sticks with it.