Riley Burruss is stepping into her own and challenging harmful labels in a bold scene from Bravo’s Next Gen NYC. During the June 17 episode, tensions flared on a van ride to Gia Giudice’s New Jersey home.
What started as a casual group trip quickly shifted when castmate Charlie Zakkour called Riley out in front of everyone accusing her of being “scary” and claiming she had “accosted” his girlfriend, Alex.
The moment was intense, but Riley’s calm yet assertive response marked a turning point, not just in the episode but in how she’s choosing to show up and be heard.
According to Charlie, Riley was rude because she did not properly introduce herself. But in a flashback of the moment, you can clearly hear Riley say, “Nice to meet you.” She even joked, “I love when my friend’s girls ask my name. I’m his friend, you should be nice.”
But Charlie still took issue with how he thought Riley behaved mimicking her behavior and tone.
Watch:
The comments called out Bravo for not providing a safe space for everyone on the show and acknowledging Kandi’s role as she poured into her daughter after that incident.
One comment said:
Nothing about this scene is okay. Bravo dropped the ball with not creating a diverse cast. Next season bring back Karen Huger’s Daughters that lives in NYC, have Gizelle Bryant’s daughter’s visit. I hate this for Riley but I’m so glad that she spoke up for herself.
and another:
Bravo, y’all really dropped the ball on creating a safe space for everyone on that cast. You had options—Noelle (Cynthia’s daughter), Karen’s daughter, even Todd’s daughter from New York could’ve brought balance and support. I’m proud of Riley for handling it with grace, but I get it—it’s exhausting. Do better, people. The bare minimum is long overdue.
and another person pointed to the fact that Riley’s tears are not because of weakness but frustration:
Whew! As a Black girl (and fellow Scorpio like Riley) I’ve been in this kind of space and been told the SAME thing!
Grew up in Long Island.
Totally microagressions. So unfair, but Riley handled it well.
My advice, go hang out in Brooklyn, Harlem and Queens…and go where you’re not gaslighted and emotionally abused.
Btw, her tears show her true frustration with being misunderstood..:not weakness.
and
This is very problematic! I’m so glad that Riley called him out on his micro-aggression. Everything is not always about race, but this scene definitely showed what we as black women talk about when we speak up for ourselves. We’re instantly vilified and told how scary we are.
All the stereotypical hand gestures and neck rolling was unnecessary af. Keep speaking up for yourself Riles
and:
Why does Bravo continue to cast people that use micro aggression so loosely! It’s not ok, stop pandering to these type of people. There were so many options of Housewives children that could have made the cast more diverse, I don’t get it and it’s so disappointing and heartbreaking!
and
That entitled privileged kid has to go. That’s a dangerous narrative he’s trying to push onto Riley who was not even rude and actually introduced herself, like he isn’t low we see what you’re trying to do
and
Bro I reaaaaallly don’t like that Riley doesn’t have anyone in her corner in that enclosed space???? ???? Like really no one had her back??? Yall need to shake up the cast, what about adding Riley sister? Cynthia daughter? Riley needs a friend. I only watch for Riley + Ariana anyways.
