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Brynn Whitfield Describes Childhood Abuse, Neglect During RHONY Thanksgiving on August 7, 2023 at 6:24 pm The Hollywood Gossip
After last week’s Hamptons getaway awkwardness, it was time for the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City Season 14 to head home.
Thanksgiving was looming. Most of them would be spending the holiday with family.
Not everyone, however. Brynn Whitfield never had that sense of family. She usually has Thanksgiving with an ex.
She opened up about her early childhood of neglect and abuse. That’s how she ended up in her grandmother’s custody when she was still a baby.
Brynn Whitfield sports a fun confessional look on RHONY 14’s fourth episode. However many muppets died to make that top, it was worth it. (Bravo)
As The Real Housewives of New York City Season 14, Episode 4 began, the Housewives were waking up in the Hamptons.
This was dawn of the final day of their stay at Erin “Stop The Steal” Lichy’s Hamptons home.
And though Brynn Whitfield had clashed with their host, they clearly had their good moments, too.
A playful Brynn Whitfield cuddles up to host Erin Lichy on the final morning of their group visit to the Hamptons. (Bravo)
Brynn wasn’t the only one to have a sleepover with Erin. Sai was also there, but departed late in the night.
Following jokes implying that they had some sort of wild tryst (Brynn is really growing on me by the way), it’s breakfast time.
That means that Erin finally gets to make shakshuka for everyone.
Jenna Lyons volunteers to slice the tomatoes for their host’s fabled shakshuka … while wearing what her castmates call a half a million dollars in jewelry. (Bravo)
She did not get to the other morning, which was for the best.
Shakshuka is primarily tomato and eggs.
Putting what amounts to a lot of natural acids into your stomach before a workout is a recipe for disaster.
Shakshuka at last! The RHONy 14 cast isn’t doing a group workout this morning, so eating this is actually a pretty decent breakfast for anyone who really, really likes tomato and eggs. Erin Lichy finally got to make it. (Bravo)
But it’s clearly a fantastic breakfast food for anyone who enjoys the ingredients.
And Ubah Hassan provided some of her hot sauces to add more flavor to anyone who wants some.
Yes, the Housewives tend to plug their own brands and products on the show. Bravo lets them … because their contracts usually give them a cut of the Housewife’s profits.
“Put it in my mouth,” Brynn Whitfield says. We suspect that we’ll see this screenshot on the internet without the shakshuka breakfast context. (Bravo)
Of all of the Housewives, Sai De Silva seemed to be the only one who wasn’t head over heels for the shakshuka.
She didn’t insult Erin, she just … expected a little something more from the unfamiliar dish.
Soon, however, the ladies were discussing the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Sai De Silva is the only one at the table who isn’t digging Erin Lichy’s shakshuka. It is a lot of tomato and egg and very little else, even with Ubah Hassan’s brand of spicy sauces. (Bravo)
However, not everyone has the same Thanksgiving plans or traditions.
As some lamented intrusive in-laws, Brynn admitted that she would welcome an overbearing mother-in-law.
“I’ve never had, like, a real family,” she confessed to her castmates. Brynn had a very rough upbringing.
“I’ve never had, like, a real family,” Brynn Whitfield admits during the group’s Hamptons visit while they discuss Thanksgiving. (Bravo)
Brynn’s Thanksgiving solution has, historically, been to call up an ex.
Not for a hookup. She’ll hang out with their family for Thanksgiving to avoid being alone.
As far as family, Brynn has her brother. That seems to be it.
Brynn Whitfield wears a gorgeous pink ensemble and a lot of skin in this confessional look. (Bravo)
This time, she’s thinking of calling up the family of her third ex-fiance, Gideon.
Gideon is a handsome hottie. Brynn likes him as an ex, and worries that they’d now be divorced if she’d married him.
Her castmates seem to really like him. They note how much he adores her, and some of them would like to see them back together.
One of Brynn Whitfield’s exes is Gideon, her third ex-fiancee. A lot of her castmates still ship her with him. (Bravo)
We next see Brynn visiting a hair salon. She gets her hair done once a week.
For years, Brynn used hair relaxers. They have had a permanent impact upon her hair health.
The reason? She grew up as a biracial child under the care of her white grandmother while attending an otherwise all-white school in Indiana.
During her weekly hairdresser appointment, Brynn Whitfield recalls how her hair made her stand out as a child at an otherwise all-white school. (Bravo)
Brynn’s parents were not in the picture beyond infancy. That was for the best.
Her father’s family was also never part of her life. And her grandmother had no idea how to take care of her hair.
As a result, Brynn’s only experience with Black people who weren’t her siblings was going to her grandmother’s friend’s hair salon on Saturdays.
Gorgeous Brynn Whitfield sparkles in this silver confessional look on RHONY 14. (Bravo)
On Thanksgiving itself, Sai was thinking of Brynn.
She suggested to her husband that maybe they should have a Friendsgiving get-together. This time, after Thanksgiving.
But this wouldn’t be just a Housewives Thanksgiving. This would be a Brynnsgiving.
Sai De Silva discusses ideas for a very specific Friendsgiving while preparing her family’s Thanksgiving meal. (Bravo)
In the kitchen, she called up Brynn and suggested the idea.
(Real talk: as with so many of these phone calls on reality TV, they probably settled on the idea beforehand. That’s what I’d do, anyway)
It’s such a sweet idea. Brynn felt so touched. And Sai’s husband was all for it. (He also suggested that they be more patient with Jessel)
Brynn Whitfield wishes RHONY 14 castmate Sai De Silva a Happy Thanksgiving over a video call. (Bravo)
The day of Brynnsgiving arrived.
As the ladies gathered at Sai’s house, Brynn flaunted her backless dress and welcomed everyone to the party.
But it wasn’t all fun and games. Things became sad as she opened up more about her childhood.
“Welcome to Brynnsgiving,” Brynn Whitfield announced to RHONY 14 castmate Jessel Taank. (Bravo)
At the table, Brynn explained exactly why her grandmother raised her.
Her mom was a teen mom. Her dad was older. And whatever per parents’ situation was, it was horrible for her.
Brynn described what she had clearly heard about her treatment as a baby. There was more to it than extreme poverty, but that was part of it.
A tearful Brynn Whitfield describes the conditions that she faced as an infant, including abuse and neglect. (Bravo)
Days without her diaper being changed or being picked up by a parent or other caregiver.
Neglect and abuse. So, at just six months of age, she and her brother and her sister went to live with her grandmother.
Understandably, Brynn became tearful. And so did several of her castmates. This is where the episode ended, teasing To Be Continued.
Brynn Whitfield Describes Childhood Abuse, Neglect During RHONY Thanksgiving was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
After last week’s Hamptons getaway awkwardness, it was time for the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City …
Brynn Whitfield Describes Childhood Abuse, Neglect During RHONY Thanksgiving was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
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AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.
Spotlight on DJ Shinski
At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.
He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.
DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.
At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.
DJ Tunez and the rest of the night
Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.
Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.
Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir
Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.
If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.
Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel
A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.
It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.
A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs
Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.
The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.
Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.
The Women Behind the Show
Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:
- Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
- Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
- Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)
“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star
Already a Festival Favorite
The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:
- 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
- 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
- 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
- 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
- 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
- ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
- 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez
Where and When to Watch
Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.
Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:
For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Christin Jezak
Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.
About The Roku Channel
Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.
About Encompass Digital Media
Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.
Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.
Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?
Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.
1. Put the Camera Inside the Character
Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.
That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.
So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.
2. Your Style Has to Mean Something
The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.
The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.
The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.
3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant
When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.
Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.
By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.
It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.
What Not to Take
The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.
The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.
This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
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