On Selling Sunset Season 9, Bre Tiesi unexpectedly addressed Nick Cannon’s ex-wife, Mariah Carey, setting clear boundaries about what she will and won’t discuss on camera, sparking widespread discussion among fans about the complex dynamics of their blended family.
The highly anticipated premiere of Selling Sunset Season 9 on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, brought with it an unforeseen moment that quickly became a focal point for fans. Known for her no-nonsense attitude and an intimidating presence on the show, Bre Tiesi has historically been reticent to discuss her relationship with partner Nick Cannon, especially regarding his complex family life.
This season, however, a rare and definitive comment about Mariah Carey from Bre surprised viewers and ignited conversations across the fan community, offering a deeper look into the intricate boundaries she maintains in her public and private life.
Drawing Lines: Bre’s Unwavering Boundaries
The pivotal moment unfolded during a conversation between Bre Tiesi and Oppenheim Group newcomer Sandra Vergara. Bre was explaining her ongoing feud with fellow agent Chelsea Lazkani, a conflict that originated in Season 6 when Chelsea openly judged Bre’s open relationship with Nick Cannon. As Bre mentioned Nick, Sandra, like many curious fans, couldn’t resist asking about his extensive family.
The exchange quickly escalated when Sandra first inquired, “Doesn’t he have, like, 20 kids?” Bre promptly clarified that Nick has 12 children, including their two-year-old son, Legendary. The conversation then shifted to Nick’s past, with Sandra referring to him as “Mariah Carey’s ex” and directly asking if Bre had ever met the iconic singer.
It was at this point that Bre Tiesi firmly established her boundaries. “I try not to talk about my religion. I don’t talk about pronouns or Mariah,” she stated, making it unequivocally clear. She concluded with a definitive warning for the future: “Just for the future, those are things that are my no’s.” This statement, while brief, offered a rare glimpse into the topics Bre considers off-limits, highlighting her commitment to privacy.
The Complex World of Nick Cannon’s Family Dynamics
The public’s fascination with Nick Cannon’s unconventional family structure is well-documented. He shares his 12 children with six different women. His ex-wife, Mariah Carey, welcomed twins Monroe and Moroccan with Nick in 2011. The couple divorced in 2016 after six years of marriage, maintaining an amicable co-parenting relationship for their now 14-year-old children.
Nick Cannon himself has spoken about his interactions with Mariah regarding his growing family. On “The Jason Lee Show” podcast in May 2023, Cannon shared Carey’s reaction: “She is high frequency, man. She always asks me, ‘You aight? You good? How you doing? You handling it all?’… She’s like, ‘As long as you don’t bring none of that bulls*** to the Manor of Carey.’ Like, she lives in her own world, nothing can infiltrate that stuff. When we talk daily, she’s just checking on my spirit.” This quote offers valuable insight into the mutual respect and distinct boundaries that exist between Nick and Mariah, a dynamic that mirrors Bre’s own approach.
Beyond Mariah, Nick Cannon’s children include:
- Golden (7), Rise (2), and Powerful (3) with Brittany Bell.
- Twin sons Zion and Zillion (3), and daughter Beautiful (2) with Abby De La Rosa.
- Son Zen, who tragically passed away at 5 months in 2021, and daughter Halo (2) with Alyssa Scott.
- Son Legendary (2) with Bre Tiesi.
- Daughter Onyx (2) with LaNisha Cole.
Cannon has consistently emphasized prioritizing his children’s well-being and maintaining peace among the mothers of his children. He told Yahoo Entertainment in August 2024, “Everybody lives their own life, before me and after me… I think that’s how you keep the peace and [keep] everybody moving. Like, everybody [is] worried about themselves and not worried about what someone else is [doing]. As long as the kids are happy and they have the strongest understanding, I think that’s what makes sense. You gotta operate out of that.” This philosophy underlines the intentional approach Nick takes to his unique family setup.
Bre Tiesi’s Personal Journey and Future Outlook
Despite the public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with Nick Cannon, Bre Tiesi has consistently affirmed the strength of their bond. She exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2023, “I always say this, he’s my best friend no matter what. We are super close.” She added that being in the social media and TV world makes their unique situation “fun” for them.
Regarding expanding her own family, Bre has been candid about her reservations. While she and Nick share a deep connection, she revealed to Us Weekly that she has no immediate plans for more children. “I would feel so much more guilt that I don’t have the time. I already am feeling like I don’t have enough time with [Legendary],” she explained. “To add another child — I just feel like it wouldn’t be fair. Maybe in a couple years that will change.”
Bre is also open to her son Legendary developing relationships with his many siblings. She shared in an interview on the “We Need To Talk” podcast in March, “They’re just young right now, so they don’t really interact as much… I just want to make sure I’m keeping the door open and that everyone involved is happy.” This shows her proactive approach to fostering a harmonious blended family environment, respecting individual needs while ensuring connections.
Beyond the Headlines: Why These Boundaries Matter
Bre Tiesi’s firm stance on not discussing Mariah Carey, or other deeply personal topics like religion and pronouns, is more than just a passing moment on reality television. It underscores her strong sense of self and her determination to control her own narrative amidst intense public and cast scrutiny. For fans, this moment provided a deeper understanding of the unspoken rules and personal integrity that guide Bre’s interactions on Selling Sunset.
Her clear communication sets a precedent, indicating that while she is part of a reality show, certain aspects of her life, especially those impacting others not directly involved in the show’s core premise, remain private. This dedication to personal boundaries resonates with viewers and solidifies Bre’s image as a fiercely independent individual, further shaping the evolving dynamics of the Oppenheim Group.
Conclusion: A Definitive Statement in Reality TV
The latest season of Selling Sunset continues to peel back the layers of its cast members’ lives, and Bre Tiesi’s rare comment about Mariah Carey has proven to be one of the most significant revelations. It not only offered an unexpected insight into her personal ‘no’s’ but also highlighted the delicate balance she maintains between her reality TV persona and her private life as a mother and partner to Nick Cannon.
As fans continue to stream Season 9 on Netflix, Bre’s commitment to her boundaries and her transparent communication about her unique family dynamics ensure that her storyline remains one of the most compelling and discussed aspects of the show.