Paige DeSorbo Discusses Past Abusive Relationship

Paige DeSorbo, a star of the reality television show "Summer House," has shared her experience of being in a physically and mentally abusive relationship during her college years. DeSorbo, 33, discussed the topic in a recent interview with Variety, emphasizing that "domestic violence can truly happen to anyone."

DeSorbo, who concluded her seven-season run on "Summer House" in 2025, stated that she feels more comfortable addressing sensitive subjects following the growth of her podcast, "Giggly Squad." She has previously spoken about managing panic attacks and anxiety. However, she kept her experience with abuse private for years, confiding only in a few close friends and family members.

"I felt like 'How could I let this happen to me?' I didn't want them to think less of me," DeSorbo told Variety. "I thought that way for the rest of my 20s, and I just really never brought it up."

After undergoing therapy, DeSorbo now hopes to share her story to encourage others in similar situations to speak out. "I think my 'character' on Summer House was strong and confident, and the number one thing about domestic violence is it can truly happen to anyone," she said. "I felt like I was a good example of, 'She doesn't take s**t from anyone she's dating.' I felt almost a little fraudulent not saying that I had been through this, because it shaped a lot of how I did date in my later 20s."

DeSorbo did not name her former partner. She is scheduled to be recognized for her advocacy by the Purina Purple Leash Project, an organization that supports the creation of pet-friendly shelters for survivors of domestic abuse.

DeSorbo is currently in a relationship with Joe D'Amelio, senior vice president at Klutch Sports Group. While she has kept details of their relationship private, she indicated in the interview that she is not in a hurry to marry or start a family. "I'm lucky, because I don't have parents who pressure me into getting married and having a child. I don't even think about society pressuring me. I really only think about my own eggs pressuring me, and I froze them, so they're fine," DeSorbo shared. "So until I wake up one morning and I'm like, 'Today would be better if I had a baby'... I have not woken up yet and had that thought."

Despite her departure from "Summer House," DeSorbo's career continues to progress. She recently embarked on a nationwide tour for her "Giggly Squad" podcast, co-hosted with Hannah Berner, and secured a podcast deal with SiriusXM reportedly valued at $150 million. The duo also co-authored the New York Times best-selling book "How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously" and are developing a comedy series for Netflix.