Amanda Batula is exiting Bravo's reality series "Summer House" following her undisclosed affair with co-star West Wilson. Both Wilson, 31, and Batula, 34, will not be full-time cast members for the show's 11th season, which is set to begin production around the July 4 holiday weekend.
TMZ initially reported Batula's departure, noting that she might still make guest appearances. Multiple sources confirmed to the Daily Mail that Batula's exit was a logical step, with one stating, "It just didn't make sense for her to come back. It's a show about friends living together in a house." It remains unclear if Batula will continue her role on the "Summer House" spin-off "In The City."
Wilson confirmed his own departure from "Summer House" days prior during an appearance on The Broadcast Boys podcast. "I wanted to tell it on my own but that is true. But in their defense, I don’t think it would have been a fun summer," he said.
Wilson, a cast member since season eight, became the center of a significant scandal after beginning a relationship with Batula, a development that reportedly blindsided many of their fellow cast members, particularly Ciara Miller and Kyle Cooke. Batula was previously best friends with Miller, who had been dating Wilson, while Wilson was also acquainted with Batula's ex-husband, Cooke.
The controversial couple confirmed their relationship in March through a statement addressing the "growing online speculation." They stated, "It was never our intention to purposefully hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it." The statement continued, "What’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care." They also acknowledged the impact their actions had on others, adding, "We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless."
The "Summer House" season 10 reunion special, which recently aired, featured the cast confronting Batula and Wilson about their relationship. Andy Cohen, the host and executive producer, described the three-part reunion as one of Bravo's most intense, noting the "real emotional fallout among this group." He added, "This group is rocked and devastated and it's very real and it was very emotional."