Austen Kroll Addresses Fans’ Interest in Potential Taylor Romance

Credit: Todd Williamson/Bravo, Instagram

Austen Kroll addressed fans’ interest in his potential romance with Taylor Ann Green, his ex Olivia Flowers’ “ill feelings,” and the long-distant relationship of Paige DeSorbo and his buddy Craig Conover.

This season on Southern Charm, Austen’s hookup with Taylor – the ex of his good friend Shep Rose – has become a central storyline as both stars appeared to hide the true nature of their friendship.

In an interview with Decider, Austen seemingly suggested that Bravo fans first put the idea of a potential Taylor romance in their heads.

“You know, the idea that fans on the internet were ablaze after seeing the [friendship] last year with Taylor and I, and I’m talking to her about Shep, and people were really, really keen on that idea. It is interesting, how, you know, confusion, and a little bit of a shoulder to shrug in … it’s a tough thing to ignore, you know?” said the star. “I’m not saying I’m completely influenced by the internet, but I saw it, you know, and so did she, and we were like ‘What in the world?’”

He also addressed the awkward exchange with his ex Olivia at (his other ex) Madison LeCroy‘s post-wedding party.

“I was interested in how it was all going to go down. I guess I didn’t know that [Olivia] harbored so many ill feelings, or, you know, whatever was happening there,” said Austen. “I hadn’t seen her in awhile, and it was awkward, and that makes me a little sad.”

Regarding Taylor’s argument with Craig at the same event, Austen expressed, “I think it was classic deflection. Taylor is younger than the rest of us. And sometimes she doesn’t know how to correctly convey what she’s feeling. And for some reason, she decided to take it out on another relationship. I was kind of just shocked.”

Austen also discussed Craig’s long-distance relationship with Paige: “Look, this is what I will say about Craig and Paige. It may not be the popular opinion, but I just think the long distance thing is working for them. Someone like Paige likes to have her space, and while New York is seemingly far away, but door to door it’s like three hours. Craig makes a lot of time to go up [to New York], especially in the summer — he basically lived there — and if that is working for them, then I don’t even know why it’s a question. I don’t know why everyone is poking and prodding as to whether they’re happy or not because she doesn’t want to move to Charleston? So what! They’re not even engaged yet, she doesn’t have to move to Charleston. To me, if it’s working then don’t fix it.”

Austen then opened up about going to therapy to help correct his relationship struggles. “Going into the season, I had high hopes that it was just going to be like a different season for Austen. Being in therapy, and trying out to figure out some things, inward, so that it could help me progress in my life in the long run. You know, exploring why relationships hadn’t worked out and what I can do differently. Basically, I wasn’t going to focus on a girl this season — which is the first time all the seasons that I’ve been on the show that it’s not courting or dating [I’m focused on] — but of course it ends up happening anyways, whether I liked it or not. As much as I try to move on, people won’t let me and I get sucked into things that I just want to move on from,” he said.

Southern Charm season nine airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.