Allie Eklund, a participant in Bravo's reality series 'The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys,' detailed her decision to release text messages from her ex-boyfriend, Steven McBee Jr., after he publicly accused her of infidelity. Eklund stated she felt compelled to release the messages to defend her reputation and counter what she described as false accusations.
"He made his post about me prior to our having a real conversation," Eklund said in an interview. "I had around $50,000 in brand deals that were on the line and in danger of being dropped because of all of the drama circulating online. I released the messages specifically responding to the claims that he made about me because I felt that it was important to show my side of the situation."
Eklund described McBee's tone in the messages as "abrasive and disconcerting" and added, "I didn’t have any other option at that point. I had to respond and prove that his accusations were false." She also suggested that McBee is unaccustomed to women asserting themselves, stating, "Steven isn’t used to women sticking up for themselves. I had put my foot down. Looking back, I’m happy that I did."
Despite the public dispute, Eklund expressed that she tries to view her past experiences with appreciation and gratitude. "We made some great memories together," she noted, referring to her time on the show and with McBee's family.
Eklund, who has a background in social marketing and influencer work, also discussed her entrepreneurial endeavors outside of the reality show. She is involved with her family's EEE Ranch and has expanded their apparel and home goods line, the EEE Mercantile, which began as a hobby with her sister. The line has grown, and products are now available in some ACE Hardware stores in Texas.
She addressed accusations of being an "opportunist," particularly regarding McBee's family business. Eklund clarified that she only promotes or associates with products and businesses she believes in and understands. She stated that while she helped with photoshoots and ads for their tallow business for free, it was not a business fit for her.
Eklund also commented on a rumor involving McBee and his sister-in-law, Kacie Adkison, which she found confusing. She indicated that this rumor was not the first red flag she observed during her time on the show.
Looking ahead, Eklund remains open to future opportunities in reality television, viewing it as a potential extension of her existing work in building businesses and content. She mentioned that viewers will see her perspective evolve as the season progresses, with her eyes opening to aspects of her relationship with McBee that she believes were previously hidden.