Venita Aspen is reminding fans she’s human by apologizing to Southern Charm’s Molly O’Connell after gossiping about her vaginal surgery on reality TV.
“I made a careless comment about Molly,” Venita, 32, began her Instagram Story statement shared on Thursday, December 18. “No matter the context, the comment was not my place to share. I understand that.”
She explained, “I did apologize right away, and if that apology came across too casual, I think it was because I didn’t want to draw more attention to a situation where she may have already felt uncomfortable or exposed.”
Venita revealed, “I’ve apologized to Molly privately since then and will continue to take responsibility for that moment and for what followed.”
During the Wednesday, December 17, episode of the Bravo series Molly, 37, told Venita that she was upset that pal Salley Carson was allegedly “talking s*** about my vagina.”
Venita confessed in that moment to being the one who initially told Salley, 30, about Molly’s vaginal rejuvenation procedure — and hinted that a wealthy man paid for it. Venita then apologized for spreading the gossip and Molly instantly forgave her.
“I should not have said it, so I am going to apologize to you just very blatantly,” Venita said on the show. “I give you a pinky promise. I take those very seriously and I will not do that again.”
Molly later told the cameras, “I do love Venita and I don’t think she’s a s****y person, so I’ll let it slide.”
Molly, however, didn’t give Salley the same amount of grace and the pair got into a yelling match during Craig Conover’s Memorial Day pool party over the topic.
While Molly and Salley eventually made up — Molly said she wanted to “be cool” after while Salley “genuinely” apologized — Venita revealed on Thursday how badly she felt about creating the controversy.
“I said something in a conversation with a friend. That something said turned into something which made another woman feel embarrassed or uncomfortable,” Venita explained in her social media statement. “That was never my intention, but I also know that intention does not erase the impact.”
The fashion influencer admitted, “Molly deserved better in that moment. I am thankful for the grace that Molly gave me.”
Venita then pointed out that it’s not OK under any circumstance to body shame or discuss another woman’s body.
“I also want to be clear about this: Another woman’s body shouldn’t be gossip. Another woman’s body is not a joke. Another woman’s body is not for judgment. Ever,” she stated.
Venita concluded, “I’m owning my mistake and learning from it. I hope that you all can too.”
A fan saw Venita’s apology and reposted it. The user tagged both women via their own Instagram Story and wrote “[I] hope” Venita and Molly “are in a good place,” prompting Molly to confirm that they have moved past the drama.
“We are!” Molly wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday, confirming the pair are on good terms. “She has apologized multiple times & continues to show remorse.”
The America’s Next Top Model alum shared, “I also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her yesterday.”
Southern Charm airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
