Plenty of deplorable actions have been documented on Bravo reality shows over the years, and many viewers have accused the network of condoning behavior that crosses the line into abuse and harassment.
Fortunately, in the increasingly shocking case of Southern Charm star Thomas Ravenel, the network has finally heeded the call for greater accountability.
Ravenel was first accused of sexual assault in early May, when a real estate named Ashley Perkins came forward with claims that he forced himself on her mother after the two of them went on a date in 2015.
“He pushed my mom onto the nanny’s bed, grabs her wrist with one hand, then he starts trying to pull her pants off. And she’s like ‘No, no, no, stop,’” Perkins told the outlet.
“He stuck his fingers inside of her vagina as well as her anus,” she added.
Perkins says Ravenel stopped his assault only after her mother screamed at him, “You’re a rapist!”
As is so often the case with this sort of thing, other women were emboldened to come forward with allegations of their own after hearing Perkins’ account.
Just one week later, Ravenel was accused of sexually assaulting the nanny of his two children while his infant daughter slept nearby.
As more accusers against Ravenel came forward, Bravo execs shockingly remained silent on the subject, and sadly, viewers were not surprised.
The network has a long history of turning a blind eye to repugnant behavior, so long as the accused cast members continued to be good for ratings.
But now, Andy Cohen and company have decided to finally take action against Ravenel — albeit in the most mild, “slap on the wrist” fashion imaginable.
According to Radar Online, Ravenel will not be permitted to participate in the upcoming Southern Charm reunion show.
“Thomas is not invited to the reunion,” a source tells the outlet.
“With everything going on, it seemed better to the execs not to have him there.”
Believe it or not, it looks as though that’s the only action that Bravo is planning to take.
Fortunately, others are taking steps to ensure that Ravenel will not be permitted to continue causing harm to others.
His ex-wife Kathryn Dennis has stated that she intends to have Ravenel stripped of the right to visit his two children, at least until the investigation into his misconduct is completed.
Of course, Ravenel is not stranger to being under investigation.
In 2007, the former South Carolina politician was convicted of “conspiring to buy and distribute less than 100 grams of cocaine.”
He was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison.
The revelation of Ravenel’s sexual misconduct has drawn considerable scrutiny to Bravo and its hiring practices.
Needless to say, many are calling for stronger action to be taken against Ravenel, and calls for a boycott of the network have been circulating on social media.
Why Bravo has waited so long to give Ravenel the ax is anyone’s guess.
But we’re guessing that step will be taken very soon.
