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Backlash Builds Over 'Viall Files' Questions to Austen Kroll About Sister's Death

The hosts have not addressed the criticism, with Bravo personalities publicly defending Kroll.

Overview

  • In a January 7 episode, cohost Natalie Joy pressed Kroll about his sister Kyle’s death, asking his age at the time, whether he witnessed the fall, and “what was this cliff.”
  • Kroll said he was seven, confirmed he was present, declined to identify the town and noted it was later wiped out by a hurricane, while appearing visibly uncomfortable during the exchange.
  • Fans condemned the questioning on social media as insensitive, saying the segment pushed beyond reasonable boundaries for discussing childhood trauma.
  • Southern Charm’s Rodrigo Reyes called Joy “a POS,” The Valley’s Janet Caperna criticized the interview, and Kristen Doute and Paige DeSorbo showed support through social interactions.
  • Nick Viall and Natalie Joy have not publicly responded to the backlash, and Kroll’s representative declined to comment to Page Six.