Jarrett 'JT' Thomas Announces Exit from “Southern Charm” amid Filming for Upcoming Season 10: 'I No Longer Wish to Participate'
"I [will] work on next steps to recover both physically and mentally from what has been an extremely challenging & exhausting year," JT wrote on Instagram
Jarrett "JT" Thomas is making a sudden exit from Southern Charm.
On Nov. 8, JT took to his Instagram to announce the news in a lengthy statement. Explaining that he would be leaving the reality show immediately, despite filming for season 10 still going on, JT hinted that his time on the Bravo hit had not been enjoyable.
"It comes with a heavy heart to share that I have resigned from Southern Charm," he wrote. "Yesterday I informed Bravo that I will not be participating in the 2-3 remaining green room interviews remaining before szn airs 12/5 (I've done about ~9 thus far leading up to today) and that I no longer wish to participate in any ways moving forward with the TV show."
He concluded: "I will leave it at that for now… while I work on next steps to recover both physically and mentally from what has been an extremely challenging & exhausting year."
A rep for Bravo had no comment when reached by PEOPLE.
Fans speculated about the unexpected departure in the comments section, with some wondering if conflict with co-stars Austen Kroll and Shep Rose had anything to do with it. Others offered encouraging words for Thomas.
“You’re a gentleman. It’s not unnoticed 👏,” one person commented.
One user said, “Aww darn ! Understand that you come first , the show is so secondary in your life .. selfishly enjoyed your push-back on the same old rhetoric.. wish you well !! ✨✨✨❤️”
“Doing what’s best for you is always the right choice .. not always the easy one .. all my best to you ….” another comment read.
JT joined Southern Charm in season 9, which ended with him and Austen butting heads after JT confessed his feelings for Shep’s ex, Taylor Ann Green, who Kroll had recently hooked up with.
At the finale party, after Taylor revealed she did not have the same feelings for JT, he grew bitter toward Austen.
Following a snarky exchange between the two, JT shouted, “You f---ed [Shep’s] girlfriend!” at Austen, who pushed him off the barstool, prompting a physical fight.
Production tried to break things up and JT vowed to Austen, “I’ll see you never again.”
In the official description of what viewers could expect from JT in the upcoming season 10, it seems he is on the outs with more than just Austen.
“JT continues to be an outspoken rabble-rouser, stirring up controversy wherever he goes,” it read. “Despite his best intentions, his rapport with many in the group starts to go up in flames. However, Venita turns out to be his constant and offers a shoulder to lean on as he tries to mend friendships.”
It continued: "After breaking up with boyfriend Manny last year, Venita realizes that she and JT have an undeniable attraction and connection that goes deeper than most. She starts to question her feelings toward him amidst preserving her own friendships with those he may not be on the best terms with."
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Southern Charm can be streamed in full on Peacock.