A brand new Summer Househousemate is bonding over shared Blackness, flirting with a Hamptons romance, and sounding off on this season’s bro-code breach.
Source: Kareem Black / Bravo
Since becoming a member of the sequence, KJ Dillardhas rapidly fashioned significant connections inside the home, notably with Ciara Miller.
Speaking with BOSSIP, KJ mentioned his instantaneous bond with Ciara got here from their shared Blackness, upbringing by single moms, and views on navigating identification in largely white areas.
Source: Bryan Bedder / Bravo
KJ additionally bonded with fellow newcomer Bailey Taylor, sharing personal details about his estrangement from his father.
“As quickly as me and Ciara associated on that, it was similar to brother-and-sister vibes,” KJ mentioned. “It was very rewarding to share that a part of my story together with her and Bailey. Hopefully any person watching can relate and really feel prefer it’s going to be okay.”
Born in Phoenix and raised in Kansas City, KJ’s journey to Bravo featured a love for skateboarding however deep-seated identification struggles as he grew up feeling like an outsider and struggled with racism.
“Growing up within the Midwest was robust as a result of it’s a bit segregated nonetheless in sure methods,” KJ mentioned. “Not prefer it was within the ’60s, however socially it’s a bit behind in comparison with the coasts.”
He continued,
“I handled racial issues rising up, and particularly being a Black skateboarder I received made enjoyable of by each Black and white youngsters,” KJ mentioned. “I performed sports activities, basketball and soccer, however I skateboarded. People see skateboarding as a white sport, which isn’t the case. Some of the most effective skate boarders are Black.”
Despite that, KJ advised BOSSIP that these experiences helped form his resilience.
“It affected me lots,” he mentioned. “But I simply saved prevailing and pushing ahead. It constructed robust pores and skin. Obviously nobody ought to must undergo that, however that’s simply a part of life.”
Now, feeling emboldened from his hardships, KJ is showcasing his character and brewing bortherhood with the likes of West Wilson. Their power of their relationship was highlighted this season when West checked in on KJ’s psychological well being throughout an emotional dialog.
“West is the person,” KJ mentioned. “That’s actually a brother I by no means had. It’s not straightforward dwelling with nervousness, however for somebody to verify in and care about the way you’re doing mentally, it speaks volumes.”
Source: Bryan Bedder / Bravo
That loyalty to West additionally formed KJ’s response to one of many season’s extra uncomfortable exchanges involving Jesse Solomon.
In a current episode, Jesse requested West whether or not he could be upset if he made out with Ciara, a dialog that later sparked a tense dialogue between Jesse and Ciara herself.
On Tuesday’s episode, Ciara mentioned the transfer made her really feel objectified, explaining that it appeared like Jesse considered her as a hookup moderately than somebody value romantically pursuing.
“It simply made me really feel such as you consider me as a sexual conquest,” Ciara mentioned throughout the episode, noting that if Jesse had been actually , he may have requested her out as a substitute of clearing it with West first.
She mentioned the second highlighted a recurring frustration in her relationship life.
“I can say I need a boyfriend and a relationship, nevertheless it looks like individuals simply need to hook up and never take issues critically.”
KJ, who was on-hand for Jesse’s uncomfortable ask to West, advised BOSSIP it felt like a transparent breach of brotherly etiquette.
“Definitely bro-code violation,” KJ mentioned. “I like Jesse — he’s a superb bro — however I used to be only a bit dissatisfied.”
While home tensions simmered, KJ maintained a extra impartial stance and set his focus elsewhere, on one thing extra engaging: Dara Levitan.
The pair sparked curiosity amongst viewers after a flirtatious interplay throughout a celebration, with KJ admitting he felt a right away pull.
“She’s so fairly,” KJ mentioned throughout the episode. “Initially, when she got here as much as me, I used to be like, ‘Why is she coming to speak to me? I’m attempting means too laborious.’ But there’s some power right here.”
Dara additionally acknowledged that she felt chemistry with KJ, although the fact star admitted his mindset heading into the summer season was to maintain issues informal.
“This is all new to me,” KJ advised BOSSIP. “I used to be like, ‘Alright, I’m gonna be single. I’m gonna get pleasure from myself, have a superb time.’”
That plan, nevertheless, could already be shifting.
Asked whether or not he’s leaning into his self-described “lover boy” tendencies, KJ hinted the scenario remains to be unfolding.
“To be continued with me and Dara,” he advised BOSSIP. “She’s cute. She’s very fairly. She’s wonderful. Very emotionally clever. Y’all will see what occurs.”
Source: Bryan Bedder / Bravo
Ultimately, for KJ, the expertise of becoming a member of Summer House has been significant past the drama and relationship storylines. After years of feeling like he didn’t fairly slot in rising up, the fan response has been notably impactful.
“It’s been so wonderful,” KJ mentioned of viewers embracing him on the present. “I’m very grateful for the fan help. I like the followers. I reply to as many individuals as I can on Instagram.”
Source: Bravo / Bravo
Watch new episodes of Summer House, Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo and stream the subsequent day on Peacock.
