After earning a page in reality TV infamy, Basketball Wives star Chantel Christie-Jeffries says viewers only saw part of what happened on Monday night’s episode, and don’t know “the truth.”
In case you missed the show’s July 21 installment, Chantel got into a physical altercation with her mom, series veteran Jackie Christie.
Things had been tense between the two since Chantel joined season 12 of the VH1 reality series, but the situation spiraled out of control during a group trip to Hawaii.
On the episode titled “Aloha B–ches,” Chantel and Jackie sat down in a patio area to talk without the rest of the group. Instead of discussing their relationship, Chantel berated her mom and a frustrated Jackie walked away. You can read the full recap here.
Related: ‘Basketball Wives’ Ratings Soar With Jackie and Chantel Fight
Later in the episode, Chantel went to Jackie’s hotel room. “I came back up here to tell you that going forward, we won’t be going forward. We’re done,” Chantel said.
The two exchanged words. Jackie got up off the sofa and told her, “Get out of my room.”
Chantel pushed Jackie and her mom took a swing at her.
“You dumbass b—h,” Chantel yelled several times as she tried to hit Jackie with her purse. Security separated the two.
After facing backlash online, Chantel posted a lengthy statement on her Instagram Story.
“I’ll start by saying — if you’ve never dealt with a toxic mother, then you truly have no idea what it feels like. As painful as it’s been to watch these moments of my life play out on TV, I know my younger self is proud of the woman who finally stood up for herself,” she began.
“The truth is — this dynamic isn’t rare. It happens in more families than we’d like to admit. Narcissism. Jealousy. Lies. Lack of accountability. Gaslighting. Abuse. Hiding assault etc. We’re just taught to keep it in house and suffer in silence. I chose to break that cycle,” she continued. “What you witnessed was a masterclass in narcissism — someone lighting the fire behind the scenes, then walking away so you look like the arsonist.”
“I know what really happened on and off camera — all season long. So no — the internet cannot bully me into submission,” Chantel continued. “She touched my arm, I pushed her off of me, she swung. Plain and simple. It’s unfortunate things played out this way, and I wish it never happened, but if you knew our history then you’d know this was a long time coming.”
On the episode, Chantel told the other cast members Jackie “swung on me,” leaving them visibly upset. Although she did not say she pushed her mom first.
After the episode aired, Ming Lee uploaded a statement to her Instagram Story apologizing for criticizing Jackie.
“If anything I said or did came off offensive, that was never my intention. and I’m truly sorry. I was under the impression you swung first and that shaped how I saw it. But watching it back, whew… it hit different,” Ming wrote.
“I don’t condone violence at all, and it was hard to watch. As a mom, I understand where your emotions were coming from, anybody in your shoes would’ve felt the same. This whole situation reminded me to stay out of family business and focus on my own damn business. I really do hope y’all can heal from this because that was tough to witness,” she wrote.
The altercation brought the show its best ratings this season, but the viral moment also caused anger and confusion.
Many longtime fans took to social media and asked why Chantel was added to the cast when executive producer Shaunie Henderson knew she had a contentious relationship with her mom. Shaunie has not commented publicly on the incident.
The season 12 finale airs next week. Basketball Wives comes on Monday nights at 8/7c on VH1.
Below is a video of cast member Brandi Maxiell reacting to the season 12 trailer, including the fight.
Discover more from Urban Hollywood 411
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
About urbanhollywood411
You may like these posts
