Quick Read
- Emma Hernan and Chrishell Stause’s friendship fractured during Season 9 of Selling Sunset, largely over Emma’s boyfriend, Blake Davis.
- Emma and Blake reconciled after the reunion and are now publicly back together.
- Chrishell accused Blake of making offensive comments about pronouns and sharing controversial social media posts.
- Emma defended Blake, denying the allegations, but admitted the controversy strained her relationships.
- There has been no progress in repairing Emma and Chrishell’s friendship since the reunion.
Emma Hernan and Chrishell Stause: Friendship on the Brink
For fans of Netflix’s Selling Sunset, the Season 9 reunion was much more than a glamorous catch-up—it was a raw, sometimes uncomfortable confrontation that laid bare simmering tensions. At its core: Emma Hernan’s tumultuous relationship with Blake Davis and the breakdown of her once-close friendship with Chrishell Stause. What unfolded wasn’t just tabloid drama, but a deeper exploration of loyalty, boundaries, and what happens when personal and professional lives collide.
Emma, affectionately dubbed the “Empanada empress” by fans, has been a vibrant presence at The Oppenheim Group since Season 4. Her Barbiecore outfits and penchant for adopting rescue pets have made her a fan favorite, but Season 9 pushed her into the spotlight for more complicated reasons. The reunion found Emma sitting apart from Chrishell—a visual signal of how far things had shifted. Instead, she sat beside Bre Tiesi, with whom she’d recently grown closer after supporting Chelsea Lazkani through her divorce, a gesture that had previously put her at odds with Bre. “I don’t want drama with anybody,” Emma admitted in an interview with Netflix Tudum. “If there’s a chance to just be cool with everybody, that’s what I would like.”
Blake Davis: The Relationship That Sparked It All
Emma’s relationship with Blake Davis was an open book this season, warts and all. The couple’s on-again, off-again status became a focal point, especially as accusations about Blake’s behavior emerged. Chrishell, acting from a place of concern, questioned Blake’s influence and intentions, especially after alleged controlling behavior and controversial social media posts surfaced. Emma, meanwhile, insisted that her portrayal was honest and unfiltered: “There’s no such thing as perfect. I’m going to show my relationship and talk about the struggles. I’m going to be open and honest—whether you like it or not.”
According to Emma, Blake’s protectiveness was often misinterpreted. “He’s super sweet and supportive,” she explained, denying rumors that he wanted her to quit working. Instead, she described his concern for her safety, particularly during property showings. “As much as people could say he was controlling, he was being protective because there are situations where people are inappropriate.” Emma also shared that Blake understood her desire to be a mother and would support her choices.
But the relationship wasn’t immune to the opinions swirling around them. Emma admitted that criticism from friends and family made things harder, sometimes causing her to withdraw. Yet, after the reunion’s emotional climax, she decided to follow her heart. “Yes, we are back together,” she revealed, acknowledging the push-and-pull that characterizes so many real relationships. She started posting Blake on social media, but remained protective: “He didn’t sign up for this or the judgment.”
The Pronoun Controversy and Social Media Backlash
What truly fractured Emma and Chrishell’s bond wasn’t just Blake’s presence, but a heated debate over comments allegedly made about pronouns—specifically concerning Chrishell’s partner, G Flip. In a widely circulated interview, Emma defended Blake against accusations that he dismissed pronouns as “dumb.” “He did not say that pronouns were dumb. He would never say that,” Emma insisted. Instead, she explained that Blake had mistakenly referred to G Flip as Chrishell’s “wife” rather than “partner,” and that he was simply unfamiliar with the nuances.
Chrishell quickly fired back on Instagram, refuting Emma’s version of events. “This is NOT what was said. But good job Emma inflaming the hate for my partner and their preferred pronoun use,” she wrote. The disagreement spilled into public view, with Chrishell sharing screenshots of Blake’s social media posts that she said were offensive toward the LGBTQ community. In one post, Blake questioned the need for a “fat Barbie,” while others appeared to mock LGBTQ identities. The posts ignited further backlash and made reconciliation seem even more remote.
Chrishell’s response was pointed: “The internet will look for a way to fill its narrative about you so I’m excited to be done with all of this very soon.” For viewers and fans, it was a sobering reminder of how quickly private disagreements can become public battlegrounds—especially when social media amplifies every word and image.
Aftermath: Where Do They Stand Now?
Months after the reunion, Emma described the experience as “emotionally draining.” The day ended with her alone in her trailer, crying and trying to process the fallout. Despite her efforts to repair the relationship, she acknowledged that there’s been “no progress” with Chrishell. “I wish that there was some positive progress, but I’m OK with where things are at. Ultimately, I can’t change people’s opinions of anything, so I’m going to let it be where it is right now.”
Chrishell, for her part, has turned her focus away from the feud, hoping to move forward. But the rupture between the two women—once best friends—has left a mark that may not heal soon. As for Blake, Emma remains unapologetically committed to her relationship, even if it means facing criticism from colleagues and fans alike.
The Selling Sunset Season 9 reunion didn’t just offer drama for the sake of ratings. It exposed the fragile nature of friendships when tested by public scrutiny, complex relationships, and the unfiltered world of social media. In the end, everyone involved faces the challenge of balancing authenticity with the pressures of fame—a balancing act that few master.
The fallout from the Selling Sunset Season 9 reunion reveals that reality TV is more than just spectacle; it’s a mirror reflecting real-life complexities, where personal loyalty, social issues, and public perception collide. Emma and Chrishell’s story underscores how the pressure to be open and authentic can both connect and divide, reminding us that even in a world built for entertainment, the consequences are deeply human.