KJ Dillard is opening up about a moment that clearly stuck with him after the “Summer House” season 10 reunion.
During the May 5 episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” he revealed that castmate West Wilson sent him a heartfelt message the day after filming wrapped — one he admitted he had been too nervous to read until that moment.
“He texted me the day after the reunion, and I didn’t even look at the message. I was a bit scared to look at it. I still haven’t looked at it,” KJ explained.
But during the live appearance, he decided to finally read the message out loud.
KJ Dillard Reads West Wilson’s Emotional Text After ‘Summer House’ Reunion
KJ shared that West reached out with a message focused on accountability and healing.
“West says, ‘I wanted to thank you for your articulation and kindness yesterday, despite being hurt. I’ve been off social, and I think I lost touch with how much hurt there was. I’m incredibly sorry. Also sending you love in regard to your mental health. You shared a lot yesterday, and I know it might [not] carry much weight now, but I’m always rooting for the best for you. I know it will take some time, but whenever you feel like you’re ready, lunch or a phone call would mean a lot in the spirit of healing. No need to respond. Take your time,’” he read.
The moment quickly became emotional.
“Oh, that hurts … It just hurts because it’s like, me and him were so close … I low-key wanna cry. This is a very tricky situation,” he said.
The tension comes as West’s relationship with Amanda Batula has created distance between them and the rest of the cast.
Cast Fallout, Ciara Miller Loyalty & Mental Health Reflections
Looking back on the season, KJ said he had been rooting for West and Ciara Miller before everything changed.
“I was so happy. I remember at the boat ride, I was like, ‘Are y’all getting married?’ And I really was rooting for them,” he shared.
At the same time, he made it clear where his loyalty stands now.
“I came in as West’s friend, but Ciara is literally my sister, so I’ll ride or die for her,” he said.
He also teased what’s ahead on the show, revealing that Carl Radke’s upcoming moment will be intense.
“It was scary. But I’m glad that he showed his emotions cuz he held them in all summer,” he said.
When asked about rumors involving West and Bailey Taylor, he kept things vague.
“I told [my story] at the reunion, and you have to wait,” he teased.
KJ’s girlfriend and co-star Dara Levitan also reflected on the emotional weight of the reunion.
“I was expecting a lot, and it was still even more than that,” she said. “There is so much hurt, and there was so much depth to it, and there were traumas and wounds that I didn’t even expect to come out.”
She added that the two spent hours talking afterward.
“That night, the both of us, we were like crying and talking for hours and hours just like going over everything,” she said.
The couple later took time away together.
“We needed that,” KJ said.
During the after show, he also spoke about being open about his mental health.
“I’ve dealt with it the best way that I’ve ever dealt with it. I used to hide for so long,” he said.
“Talking about it is power because you don’t know how many people really actually struggle with this until you talk about it.”
He said sharing his experience has helped him feel less alone.
“Someone will message me and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I dealt with the same thing,’ and so it’s like, ‘Oh, you deal with this, too? I’m gonna share again.’”
He added, “I was scared to share at first. I didn’t know how people were gonna respond, but the responses have felt very good, and I’m just, I feel accepted.”
“Summer House” season 10 airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
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