Original cast member and fan-favourite Kelsey broke the news to her Instagram followers that she had been abruptly cut from the reality show.
Siesta Key has followed the lives and dramas of young adults living on the island off the coast of Florida since 2017, but now fans have been left reeling after the news that this season will be Kelsey Owens’ last.
Kelsey joined the cast in the pilot episode as the new girl in town, who moved from New York to care for her mum suffering with multiple sclerosis. Over the past four seasons, viewers have followed Kelsey’s relationships and breakups, career ambitions, and countless ups and downs.
Fans were shocked over the weekend as Kelsey revealed via Instagram that she had been fired from the show.
“Last night I was walking into scene at a freaking strip club of all places and was informed that I will be cut moving forward on Siesta Key with absolutely no warning.”
Whether a reason for the decision was provided is unknown at this stage, with Kelsey continuing:
“It’s mind blowing & truly disgusting that after working on a show since I was 19 years old where I’ve shared things about my personal life I wasn’t always comfortable with, revolved my whole life around, and put so much effort into could come to an end in such a disrespectful manner and so abrupt.”
“Not even a simple “thank you for sharing the past 5 years of your life with us.” I cried my eyes out then wiped those tears and filmed my last scene the best I could with my head held high.”
Both ex and current cast mates have publicly shown their support on Kelsey’s post.
It has been confirmed that Madisson was a part of Kelsey’s final scene.
Other cast members Chloe, Amanda, Mike, and more, also commented in support of Kelsey.
Perhaps most damning of all, was the comment from Kelsey’s boyfriend, Max Strong, who was introduced to the show in season four.
“Unfortunately the producers and show runners of this show just aren’t good people… They lie to your face and tell you they care about you in order to manipulate you into doing the things that they need – all while holding money and episode checks over your head… They’ve created a horrible culture and working environment.”
In Max’s comment, he alleges that he defended Kelsey to the producers, and that they didn’t want him filming with her for this reason.
Kelsey is not the first cast member to be dropped from the show, with Alex Kompothecras given the boot after racist posts and comments resurfaced.
At this stage, there has been no comment or explanation from MTV or Siesta Key on Kelsey’s firing.
Kelsey’s entire caption can be seen below.
