Amanda Batula's casual remark has ignited fresh drama among the cast of Bravo's Summer House. During the April 7 episode, Batula made a joke to Ben Waddell's girlfriend, Sabrina Belle, referencing a previous comment from castmate Bailey Taylor about Ben's supposed interest in Amanda.
"Sabrina told me they were talking and just towards the end she’s like, ‘You know, Ben’s been great the whole time, everyone in the house thinks he’s in love with me, but apart from that,'" Ben later recounted to fellow housemates Ciara Miller, Carl Radke, and Mia Calabrese. "She was kind of like, ‘Hold on, what?!’ I don’t understand where that was coming from."
Ben expressed frustration that what began as a positive conversation between the two women ended with what he called an "unnecessary" and "really off comment" that left Sabrina upset.
"Sabrina’s now upset," Ben continued. "Why are you saying that this guy I really like, he’s in love with you, not me? What are you doing? It’s really frustrating because I was really happy that they were getting along so well. I want my friends to get along, I have a great relationship with Amanda and Kyle. Now, this is all awkward."
In a confessional, Ben worried the incident could damage the group's dynamic, questioning whether they would continue socializing as a foursome. The tension comes as Ben has been working to rebuild his relationship with Sabrina after a rocky period.
"When I reached back out to Sabrina to let her know that I was thinking of her, she was very open, positive and raring to go," Ben said in a confessional. "I feel pretty special that she was willing to give me another chance because I’ve realized that I care about her a lot and this is what I want to work."
The drama unfolds against the backdrop of Amanda Batula's own complicated romantic situation. Batula recently confirmed her relationship with castmate West Wilson, creating tension with her best friend Ciara Miller, who previously dated Wilson.
Summer House continues to air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.