The Shady Side Of Southern Charm's Thomas Ravenel

Unless you've been living under a rock, you more than likely caught Bravo's Season 7 Southern Charm premiere in late October 2020. And probably, like most fans, you were equally shocked and flabbergasted to watch former cast member Thomas Ravenel strut across your television screen. Um, wut?!

As one might recall, Thomas was swiftly axed from the hit reality show just before Season 6 after he was accused of sexually assaulting his children's nanny. Eventually, the former politician pleaded guilty to both assault and battery charges and was ordered to pay a $125,000 settlement, per People. So, how did Thomas end up making a cameo on the same reality show he was fired from?

The reason for Thomas' surprise premiere appearance was because of former flame and mother to his two children, Kathryn Dennis. In a strange turn of events, Kathryn temporarily moved into Thomas' home while her home was being painted. "I just let them film a little segment with the kids as a favor to Kathryn," Thomas confessed to Us Weekly. He was also adamant that he didn't believe the footage would ever see the light of day. "I wasn't paid. At the time, she was staying at my house in the guest room because her house was being painted and was unsafe for her and the kids," he explained.

But the scandal with his children's former nanny and subsequent firing by Bravo is only part of Thomas' sordid past. Keep reading to learn more about his shady side.

Trouble has a way of finding politician-turned-reality television star Thomas Ravenel. As reported by Us Weekly, back in 2007 Thomas was charged with federal cocaine distribution and did 10 months of hard time in jail. To make matters worse, Thomas was also serving as South Carolina's State Treasurer at the time of the incident. After being suspended, Thomas ultimately opted to resign from his political position and enter a rehab facility. 

But even after completing the rehabilitation program, it's alleged that Thomas dealt with some of his same old demons. The former nanny, who later accused him of sexual assault, claimed Thomas was still very much into cocaine, even during the birth of his son, Saint. As reported by People, the nanny later testified in court that the Southern Charm cast member asked an Uber driver to wipe cocaine off of his face and clothes the night his son Saint was born. 

Kathryn Dennis, the mother of Thomas' children, also seemed to back up those claims during her own deposition. "He came to the hospital after I gave birth coked out and drunk at 3 a.m.," she claimed. Per The Daily Mail, the former nanny also alleged that Thomas drank heavily daily, wanted Kathryn to abort her pregnancy, and even got physical with Kathryn on one occasion, "nearly amputating Kathryn's hand in a car door."

It's unknown whether or not Thomas will make any more appearances on Bravo's Southern Charm. 

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for additional resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).