In a fiery takedown that’s bound to send ripples through Charleston’s tight-knit Southern Charm circle, Austen Kroll is finally hitting back at Leva Bonaparte — and he’s not holding back.
During a recent interview, Austen unloaded his frustration over Leva branding him the “most complained about” guest at her upscale King Street restaurant, claiming her comments were less about truth and more about television ratings.
"She Knows Exactly What She’s Doing"
“She profits off my name and still tears me down,” Austen seethed. “It’s not about whether I stayed too long at her bar or had too much to drink. It’s about her making sure my name — and the drama — are always connected to her business. That’s free advertising for her, but it’s my reputation on the line.”
Austen insisted that any so-called “complaints” were minor moments exaggerated for the cameras. “She’s been sitting on this narrative for months, waiting for the perfect time to drop it,” he claimed. “It’s fake drama dressed up as truth — and she’s a master at it.”
A Friendship Now on Shaky Ground
Fans have seen Austen and Leva’s dynamic shift over the years — from casual banter to icy standoffs. This latest blowup threatens to shatter whatever friendship remained.
“Leva plays this cool, collected boss-lady role, but behind the scenes she’s stirring the pot,” Austen said. “She’ll smile at you one second, then spin the smallest thing into a headline the next.”
Not Backing Down
While Austen admits their friendship may never recover, he’s unapologetic about calling her out. “If she wants a storyline, fine,” he warned. “But don’t build your empire on my back, and then act like you’re doing me a favor.”
As for whether this feud will spill over into Charleston’s already cutthroat social scene? Austen smirked. “Oh, it will. Trust me — this isn’t the last you’ll hear about it.”
One thing’s certain: in a city where reputations are everything, Austen’s latest explosion has guaranteed that the next Southern Charm season will be anything but polite.
