The strong bond between Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan on Netflix’s Selling Sunset, once a fan favorite, has fractured significantly, leading to a public falling out primarily over Hernan’s relationship with Blake Davis. This comprehensive guide unravels their friendship’s evolution across nine seasons, culminating in the surprising and dramatic split.
For several seasons, Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan were the epitome of reality TV best friends, a united front navigating the dramatic landscape of The Oppenheim Group on Netflix’s hit series, Selling Sunset. Their unwavering loyalty and shared sense of humor endeared them to countless fans. However, even the strongest alliances can crumble, and for Chrishell and Emma, the catalyst was Emma’s relationship with Blake Davis.
The distance between the two real estate agents became glaringly apparent after filming wrapped on Season 9. While Chrishell initially hinted at disagreements, the full scope of the fallout, rooted in differing opinions on Emma’s dating life and her partner’s alleged behavior, has since been confirmed.
The Foundation of a Fierce Friendship: Seasons 4-8
Their bond began in Season 4 when Emma joined the cast, quickly integrating into the office dynamics. Chrishell, a veteran since the show’s 2019 debut, was openly supportive of both Emma and fellow newcomer Vanessa Villela. “They are in different stages in their real estate [careers] and obviously, it definitely stirs the pot a little bit. But I will say they’re really lovely,” Chrishell told Us Weekly in June 2021, expressing her hopes that the new cast members would be well-received by fans.
Season 4: New Beginnings, Instant Chemistry
The instant connection between Emma and Chrishell was undeniable. They quickly became each other’s confidantes and allies, a crucial dynamic in the often-contentious environment of the Oppenheim Group.
Season 5: Standing Against Christine Quinn
Their bond solidified when they faced external conflict together. In Season 5, Emma and Chrishell presented a united front amidst Emma’s serious accusations against Christine Quinn, claiming Quinn attempted to bribe one of her clients. Quinn ultimately departed the show, leaving Chrishell and Emma’s friendship stronger than ever.
Season 6: Defending Against Nicole Young’s Claims
The arrival of Nicole Young in Season 6 tested many relationships, but Emma and Chrishell remained steadfast. Emma notably defended Chrishell when Nicole suggested that their boss, Jason Oppenheim, showed favoritism due to his past romance with Chrishell. (Chrishell is now married to partner G Flip).
Season 7: Office Dynamics and Group Exclusion
While still united, Season 7 saw Emma and Chrishell distancing themselves from other cast members, particularly avoiding group activities that included Nicole. This decision notably upset Amanza Smith, highlighting the depth of their loyalty to each other even if it meant creating rifts with others.
Season 8: Defending Emma Against Damaging Rumors
The peak of their solidarity arrived in Season 8 when Nicole Young circulated rumors about Emma allegedly sleeping with a married man. Emma vehemently denied the claims, and Nicole later apologized. Before the season even aired, Chrishell took to Instagram, criticizing Nicole and calling out the Selling Sunset production company for “blindsiding” Emma with such damaging and “categorically false” allegations in 2024.
The Unraveling: Blake Davis and the Season 9 Fallout
Despite their history of unwavering support, Season 9 introduced a fissure that their friendship couldn’t bridge: Emma’s relationship with Blake Davis. Chrishell’s concerns about Blake began long before he appeared on screen, as indicated by her social media remarks.
In September 2024, Chrishell posted on Instagram, revealing that a scene introducing Emma’s then-mystery boyfriend had been cut from a previous season. “This was pretty funny bc I didn’t like him. So maybe it’s for the best,” she wrote, foreshadowing future tensions. Emma, for her part, expressed frustration with production to Us Weekly in December 2024, stating that scenes with Blake were cut, leaving viewers and Emma herself feeling misled. She highlighted instances where viewers were meant to infer a mystery man, despite him having filmed for the show.
Emma emphasized her discomfort with sharing her private life, especially after experiencing such edits. She noted, “I want people to connect with me and I want people to see my real life and know what I’m doing. Then they cut my real life and go to this life that has zero truth to it and then I don’t even know about it!”
Season 9: Blake’s On-Screen Debut and Chrishell’s Disapproval
When Blake finally appeared on Selling Sunset in Season 9, joining Chrishell, Emma, and Chelsea for lunch, Chrishell’s displeasure was evident. An interaction where Blake claimed he had never tried a vegetable or fruit in his life prompted Chrishell to warn Emma she would have to “mother” him. As the season progressed, Chrishell grew increasingly concerned about Emma considering engagement to Blake, whose political views and alleged past comments became a major point of conflict.
Before any Season 9 episodes aired, Chrishell confirmed rumors of a significant falling out with Emma. In a candid Instagram post in May, she wrote, “Ask her about her MAGA bf who told me pronouns are dumb,” and further accused Emma’s partner of using a racial slur. Chrishell declared, “I just can’t with that. Too old to allow that in. But love her from afar.”
Blake Davis’s Response and Future Hopes
Blake Davis later shared his direct messages with Chrishell from Instagram in November 2024, attempting to show a different side. In his messages, he allegedly wrote: “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!!!” This exchange suggests a complex dynamic, with Blake hoping for reconciliation despite the public accusations.
The Impact on Fans and the Future of Their Friendship
The dramatic turn in Chrishell and Emma’s friendship left many Selling Sunset viewers disheartened. Their bond was a consistent source of positive energy and unwavering support within the typically turbulent reality show environment. The public nature of the disagreement, fueled by Chrishell’s direct accusations and Blake’s alleged messages, has undoubtedly reshaped how fans view their dynamic.
While Emma and Blake are reportedly still together, the future of Emma and Chrishell’s friendship remains uncertain. Chrishell’s stance, prioritizing her values over the continuation of the friendship, suggests a deep-seated rift. The potential for reconciliation, as hoped for by Blake, will likely be a central storyline if the duo continues to film for future seasons of Selling Sunset.
