Nick Viall and Natalie Joy Issue Apology to Austen Kroll Following Podcast Backlash

The fallout continues from a deeply uncomfortable interview on the “Viall Files” podcast, hosted by Nick Viall and his wife, Natalie Joy. The couple has reportedly privately apologized to Austen Kroll after pressing him on the traumatic death of his sister, Kyle.

Salley Carson, a friend of Kroll’s and star of “Southern Charm,” revealed on Page Six Radio that both Viall and Joy reached out to Kroll directly. “They both called him and apologized,” Carson stated. However, she believes a more substantial gesture is needed. “I do think there should be a public apology for sure. I think that it needed to be a lot bigger,” she added, questioning whether the lack of a public apology indicates a reluctance to acknowledge wrongdoing.

The Controversial Interview

The interview, which aired on January 7th, took a jarring turn when Joy abruptly shifted the conversation to Kroll’s childhood and the tragic loss of his sister, Kyle, who died in a hiking accident at the age of nine. Joy inquired about the circumstances of Kyle’s death, specifically asking about the location and whether Kroll witnessed the event.

Carson described watching the interview as “heartbreaking,” noting Kroll’s visible discomfort – his leg shaking – and emphasizing that the questions felt intrusive and out of place. “I could tell he was uncomfortable…I’ve been friends with him for a while and I haven’t asked [about Kyle]. That’s something that I feel like he should bring up when he feels comfortable,” she explained.

Carson also suggested that the segment should have been edited out of the podcast if Viall and Joy genuinely felt remorse. The incident sparked immediate outrage on social media, with fans and fellow reality stars condemning the line of questioning.

Social Media Backlash and Past Controversies

Rodrigo Reyes, Kroll’s “Southern Charm” co-star, labeled Joy’s behavior as unacceptable, while Janet Caperna of “The Valley” described the interview as “so f–ked…even for them.”

This isn’t the first time Viall and Joy have faced criticism for their podcast content. In December, they received backlash for mom-shaming comments directed at Whitney Leavitt of “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” questioning her priorities as a mother while pursuing her role in the Broadway production of “Chicago.” Stassi Schroeder of “Vanderpump Rules” also called out their comments as “weird” on her own podcast.

Representatives for Viall, Joy, and Kroll have not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation. The incident raises questions about the boundaries of podcast interviews and the responsibility of hosts to handle sensitive topics with care and respect.