During a February 25 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Salley, 31, addressed why she and some cast members feel Craig’s behavior on camera can come off as “calculated.”
Salley Carson Says Craig Conover Feels ‘Calculated’ on ‘Southern Charm’
Salley made it clear she still cares about Craig, 36, but questioned the timing of his outreach.
“I adore Craig, and like, I love the friendship that we have, but like, he comes around more so when like, the reunion’s coming up or when we’re about to start filming,” Salley said. “He starts to check in more, and everyone feels like he’s only doing it because cameras are about to come back up.”
She continued, “And it’s like he’s trying to, like, trying to patch things up before the reunion or before the next season or before whatever it is.”
Salley explained that her main issue is consistency. “I don’t really like that because I would love to have a solid friendship with him throughout the year, and I think that is really the main issue,” she added.
As for whether Craig led her on earlier in the season, Salley pushed back on that idea.
“I would never call it ‘leading me on.’ No,” she clarified. “But we did hang out a lot. He would FaceTime me. He would text me and all that stuff, so someone’s bound to catch feelings when all that’s going on … but I wouldn’t use the word ‘led on.’”
The ‘Bachelor’ Alum Teases More Than a Kiss With Austen Kroll
Salley also opened up about her connection with Austen, 38, confirming their relationship went beyond just kissing.
“Yes,” she said when asked if more happened. “But you’ll hear about that at the reunion.”
Salley explained that she and Austen have developed a strong friendship because of their similar personalities.
“We have built a very strong friendship, and we just have very similar personalities. We’re kind of carefree and love to have fun,” she shared.
Despite their chemistry, Salley said they have not pursued a relationship because they value their bond.
“I think we’re just really good friends right now,” she noted, suggesting neither wants to “mess up” what they have.
She also admitted that a new relationship for either of them would likely shift their dynamic.
“I’ve had close guy friends, and then when they get a girlfriend or when I get a boyfriend, the relationship changes because you have to be respectful of your significant other,” Salley said. “I do hang out with Austen a lot … [And] I feel like if he got a girlfriend, he wouldn’t be around as much.”
“Southern Charm” season 11 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
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