Explore the complete timeline of Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan’s once-strong Selling Sunset friendship, from their early bond to the surprising offscreen falling out fueled by differing views over Emma’s partner, Blake Davis.
On Netflix’s hit reality series Selling Sunset, viewers became accustomed to seeing Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan as an unbreakable duo. Their bond, forged early in Emma’s tenure at The Oppenheim Group, often saw them standing united against office conflicts and personal dramas. However, as revealed by Chrishell herself, this seemingly impenetrable friendship has fractured off-screen, primarily due to disagreements surrounding Emma’s boyfriend, Blake Davis.
The surprise split between the two real estate agents has left fans wondering about the true timeline of their friendship and the underlying reasons for its dissolution. What started as a strong alliance against common foes evolved, with Emma’s personal life becoming an unexpected wedge.
The Formative Years: Season 4 & 5
The foundation of Chrishell and Emma’s friendship began in Selling Sunset season 4, when Emma joined The Oppenheim Group. Chrishell was quick to express her enthusiasm for the new cast members, telling Us Weekly in June 2021 that Emma was “really lovely,” despite the potential for drama.
Their bond solidified in season 5 as they found common ground in their individual issues with castmate Christine Quinn. This alliance became a recurring theme, establishing them as a united front within the Oppenheim Group dynamics. Emma accused Christine of attempting to bribe one of her clients, a claim Christine dismissed, eventually leading to her departure from the show.
Standing United: Season 6 & 7
The friendship continued to thrive in subsequent seasons, particularly when new conflicts arose. In season 6, Emma stood firmly by Chrishell’s side after Nicole Young made claims of favoritism from their boss, Jason Oppenheim, due to his past relationship with Chrishell. This unwavering support underscored the strength of their connection.
By season 7, their solidarity led them to distance themselves from some group activities, notably those involving Nicole. This further highlighted their exclusive bond, although it did cause friction with other cast members like Amanza Smith, who was reportedly upset by their withdrawal from group events.
The Seeds of Discontent: Season 8 and Blake’s Early Presence
Season 8 saw renewed conflict with Nicole, who brought up rumors alleging Emma was involved with a married man. Emma vehemently denied these claims, and Nicole later apologized. However, before the season aired, Chrishell took to Instagram to defend her friend, calling out the Selling Sunset production for “blindsiding” Emma with such a “disgusting lie.”
Behind the scenes, Emma had been introducing her then-boyfriend, Blake Davis, to the show’s narrative since season 4. These scenes, however, were largely cut. Emma expressed her frustration to Yahoo Entertainment in December 2024, noting the “super messed-up” way her real-life relationship was portrayed – or rather, not portrayed. This editorial decision, she felt, misrepresented her life to viewers, creating a “life that has zero truth to it.”
The Unraveling: Season 9 and the Controversial Boyfriend
The latest season, Selling Sunset season 9, finally offered viewers a glimpse of Blake Davis on screen, joining Chrishell, Emma, and Chelsea for lunch. It was during this introduction that the first signs of friction between Chrishell and Emma became apparent.
Chrishell expressed visible displeasure, particularly after an interaction where Blake claimed he had never tried a vegetable or fruit, prompting Chrishell to warn Emma that she would have to “mother” him. As the season progressed, Chrishell’s concerns escalated, especially as Emma contemplated getting engaged to Blake.
The turning point, however, came off-screen. Chrishell publicly confirmed the rumors of a falling out via Instagram in May 2024, just before the season aired. She attributed the rift directly to Blake, stating, “Ask her about her MAGA bf who told me pronouns are dumb.” Chrishell further accused Emma’s partner of using a racial slur, declaring, “I just can’t with that. Too old to allow that in. But love her from afar.”
In response, Blake Davis later shared direct messages with Chrishell from Instagram, which Yahoo Entertainment reported in December 2024, showing his attempt to mend fences:
- “Hope you know that I do love you very much and support you and very proud of you and all of your success and your wonderful relationship and support to my GF.”
- “I knew we disagree on things and that’s ok but I do think very highly of you.”
- “I really do pray that one day we can have a great friendship. Happy holidays and I hope many blessings [come] to you and your family/friends!!!”
Despite Blake’s efforts, the friendship between Chrishell and Emma appears to remain fractured. While Emma and Blake are reportedly still together, the once-strong alliance between the Oppenheim Group agents has taken a significant, and public, pause.
Impact on the Selling Sunset Community
The dissolution of Chrishell and Emma’s friendship has sent ripples through the Selling Sunset fan community. For many, their bond represented a rare constant in the often tumultuous world of reality television, a testament to genuine connection amidst manufactured drama. The revelation of the off-screen fallout, especially with the added layer of political and social disagreements, has sparked widespread discussion among viewers.
Fans are now left to reconcile the on-screen camaraderie with the stark reality of their fractured relationship. This shift not only impacts the dynamic of future seasons but also underscores the complexities of personal beliefs intersecting with public personas in the age of reality TV.
