On Season 8, Episode 14 of Southern Charm, a fight broke out.
We don’t mean the involuntary wrestling match between Austen and Craig.
(Okay, that too)
We mean a different fight.
Austen and Shep butted heads in a furious shouting match.
Even when the dust settled, Austen was comparing Shep to one of the most malevolent men in popular culture.
On St. Simons Island
Craig Conover had a fair amount to drink, so he was in an interesting mood. The focus of his ire? Beautiful Naomie Olindo.
No one else had a problem with her at the moment
In fact, Austen told her that he would be honored if she were his ex, which is such a strange compliment. Then we remember who his actual, recent, memorable ex is … and yeah, we get why he’s saying that.
They head home
Craig was not on his best behavior, due to drinking. After the ladies went inside to change into comfy indoor clothes, Craig saddled up to Austen … to wrestle.
Tackle!
Austen was in no mood and Craig was simply not listening at all. Finally, Craig settled down, but still refused to go in. Some people cannot behave when they have been drinking, and that was Craig.
Kissing!
Austen and Olivia were happy to cheer on Naomie and Whitney as they kissed.
Shep and Taylor were butting heads
Taylor felt frustrated with how entitled and bossy Shep can be — especially when he’s drinking. She got some space from him while Naomie called him out, reminding him to behave.
A call from Craig
Craig wanted everyone to party with him in their room — which he finally found. Nobody was really in the mood to deal with that.
Instead, it was time for a drinking game
While Shep ranted to Whitney and Naomie upstairs, Austen and Taylor and Olivia played a drinking game, betting on which words Shep would repeat the most. The winner? Not any of their livers, that’s for sure.
Shep came for Taylor
He’s tired of being attacked, he told her. He also confessed that he has never loved anyone more than he loves her.
Austen vs Shep
Alcohol and existing tensions led to the two of them to clash. Austen is fed up with Shep sabotaging his own relationship by being a jerk. And Shep is tired of feeling like everyone sees him as the bad guy. It’s an ugly, loud confrontation.
Even after the fight, the conflict remained unresolved
In the sober light of day, Austen chatted with Craig. He compared Shep’s controlling behavior to Britney Spears’ widely reviled father. “Free Britney!” he exclaimed. “Free Taylor!” Craig seemed to agree.