Nicole Young Defends Her Controversial ‘Selling Sunset’ Remark About Chrishell Stause’s Parents

Selling Sunset star Nicole Young has stood by the controversial comment that sent shockwaves through Season 9 of the hit Netflix reality show — a remark many fans and castmates labeled as “crossing the line.”

The 39-year-old luxury real estate agent stunned her co-stars during Amanza Smith’s “girlsgiving” dinner when she appeared to make an insensitive jab at Chrishell Stause’s late parents. The tension erupted after talk turned to accusations about Nicole’s alleged drug use, which she vehemently denied.

As the conversation grew increasingly heated, Nicole fired back:

“Honey, you’re confusing me with your parents, okay? You seem to be obsessed with drugs.”

Her words immediately silenced the room, leaving the other Oppenheim Group agents visibly shocked. Several urged Nicole to leave the dinner, branding her remark as cruel and uncalled for.

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A Clarification and Continued Backlash

During the season reunion special, now streaming on Netflix, Nicole addressed the controversy and defended her stance, according to The Mirror (UK). Speaking with host Tan France, she explained her reasoning behind the comment:

“Someone had come at me, accusing me of drug use — yet again. I was showing that there’s a proven record of projection. Enough is enough.”

Nicole insisted her words were misquoted online, clarifying:

“It’s been repeated that I said ‘dead parents.’ I know it’s just one word different, but that’s a huge difference. I never said that — and I want to make that clear.”

Despite her defense, co-star Amanza Smith interjected, saying that distinction didn’t make the comment any less cruel.

“There’s no difference between saying ‘parents’ or ‘dead parents’ when you know that the person’s parents have passed,” Amanza said. “You hit below the belt — and that’s disgusting.”

According to People, the exchange divided the cast, with some calling for accountability while others urged Nicole to apologize and move on.

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Tan France and the Cast Demand Accountability

Host Tan France, known for his diplomatic approach on Queer Eye, repeatedly asked Nicole if she believed an apology was warranted. But the reality star stood firm.

“I was pointing out that I have nothing to do with this obsession and this situation,” she replied, maintaining that her words were taken out of context.

Newcomer Sandra Vergara, sister of Modern Family actress Sofía Vergara, stepped in, offering a sharp rebuke:

“You don’t get to decide how you hurt someone. You clean up your side of the street — that’s it. You apologize.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Chrishell, who lost both of her parents to cancer within two years, remained composed and largely silent until she was directly addressed. When Nicole asked how the comment had affected her, Chrishell’s response was quiet but powerful:

“I’m glad you haven’t had to deal with a loss like that. Because if you had, you’d know that’s territory you never walk into. I hope nobody ever has to understand that pain.”

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A Half-Hearted Apology

Despite pressure from the cast, Nicole stopped short of offering a full apology. When Tan gave her one final chance before the end of the reunion, she muttered:

“Well, I would like to let you know — and apologize for the intent that was taken from it.”

The apology landed awkwardly, with Tan and several cast members visibly unimpressed. Variety noted that “Young’s attempt at damage control did little to repair the fractured dynamic within the cast,” while fans on social media overwhelmingly sided with Chrishell, calling the comment “emotionally tone-deaf.”

Still, Jason and Brett Oppenheim, the founders of the Oppenheim Group, confirmed during the reunion that Nicole had not been fired from the show, despite public speculation.

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Fans React Online

Reaction from fans was swift. On X (formerly Twitter), many described Nicole’s behavior as “unforgivable,” while others felt she was being unfairly targeted in an already volatile environment.

“It’s reality TV, but grief should be off-limits,” wrote one fan, echoing the general sentiment.

Meanwhile, Chrishell, who has previously opened up about her parents’ deaths and her mental health journey (People Magazine), has not commented publicly since the reunion aired.

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The Aftermath

As Selling Sunset continues to blend luxury real estate with explosive personal drama, Nicole’s remark will likely remain one of the most talked-about moments of Season 9. Whether she will regain her colleagues’ trust — or the audience’s sympathy — remains to be seen.

Sources: The Mirror, People, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Netflix.