Nicole Young’s tumultuous journey on Selling Sunset has seen her evolve from a long-standing but quiet agent into a central figure of escalating drama, culminating in a temporary production pause for Season 9. This comprehensive guide unpacks her history, the key feuds with Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan, and the profound impact these conflicts have had on The Oppenheim Group and the show’s future.
The hit Netflix reality TV series Selling Sunset thrives on high-stakes real estate and even higher-stakes interpersonal drama. While veteran agents have long held the spotlight, a new wave of conflict has emerged, largely centered around Nicole Young. Once a background presence, Young has become a central catalyst for recent seasons’ most intense confrontations, leading to significant behind-the-scenes turmoil, including a temporary halt in filming for Season 9.
From Background to Blasting Off: Nicole Young’s ‘Selling Sunset’ Evolution
Nicole Young is far from new to The Oppenheim Group. She has been an employee since 2014, making her one of the longest-tenured agents at the luxury real estate brokerage. Fans might recall her early, non-central appearances, most notably officiating the wedding of fellow agents Mary Fitzgerald and Romain Bonnet in the Season 2 finale.
Interestingly, Young was originally slated to be part of the main cast from Selling Sunset’s inception. However, she reportedly backed out just before filming began, hesitant to expose her entire life, clients, and business to the public eye. Despite this initial reluctance, her deep ties to the brokerage, including a past romantic relationship and a 15-year friendship with owner Jason Oppenheim, always kept her connected to the show’s world.
Her professional acumen is also undeniable; Young has a track record of over $100 million in sales, proving her capabilities in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market. Outside of her professional life, Nicole is happily married to Brandon Young, having tied the knot in April 2017, celebrating their fifth anniversary in 2022 with an Instagram post.
The Spark of Conflict: Seasons 6 & 7’s Unfolding Dramas
Nicole Young officially joined the main cast for Selling Sunset Seasons 6 and 7, alongside Bre Tiesi, stepping into the void left by the departure of previous “villain” Christine Quinn. Her entry immediately injected a fresh wave of drama into the office dynamic, which some reports suggested was exactly what Netflix sought.
Her arrival quickly ignited a fervent feud with Chrishell Stause, marked by accusations of favoritism and even drug use, as seen in Season 6. This season, which premiered on Netflix on May 12, was noted for taking the drama “too far,” prioritizing feuds over real estate showings and leading to uncomfortable disagreements among the cast.
Season 7 continued this trajectory, promising even more “messy” interactions. Released on November 3, Season 7 saw The Oppenheim Group agents traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a new office visit, with group vacation dynamics creating significant tension. The season teased “enough shade…to cover every cabana in Los Angeles,” with unresolved storylines, including Chrishell Stause’s ongoing feud with Nicole Young and Amanza Smith’s health concerns, carrying over.
Season 9 Shocker: The Incident That Paused Production
The drama surrounding Nicole Young escalated to an unprecedented level during the filming of Season 9. A trailer offered a compelling glimpse into an intense argument where Amanza Smith confronted Young directly, telling her, “You need to get the f*** out.” Young, in turn, defended her actions to Jason Oppenheim, stating she “didn’t call her names,” to which Oppenheim suggested it “would have been better” if she had simply thrown shade.
This on-screen confrontation was reportedly just one facet of a broader conflict. Production for Selling Sunset Season 9 was temporarily paused due to a “messy feud” between Nicole Young and Chrishell Stause. Young confirmed this development to Us Weekly, expressing her frustration with “infuriating double standards” and debating her continued participation in the show. She voiced concerns that her “life and personality can’t be edited or misconstrued to portray me negatively to fit into a produced storyline.”
The trailer for Selling Sunset Season 9 was released on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, and the season is expected to return to Netflix on Wednesday, October 29. Fans are eagerly awaiting how these heightened tensions play out on screen.
Emma Hernan’s Allegations and Nicole’s Unaccepted Apology
The origins of much of Nicole Young’s drama can be traced back to Season 8, particularly her feud with Emma Hernan. Young accused Hernan of sleeping with a married man, an accusation that deeply impacted Emma. Hernan revealed to Us Weekly that she was “blindsided” by these rumors, having “zero idea” what was being filmed behind her back and feeling that she was portrayed in a “false and unfair” light.
Despite Young later issuing a public apology, Hernan emphatically refused to accept it. She characterized Nicole as “not a good person” and accused her of lying, stating, “I will never accept her apology.” Emma expressed her desire to “clear the air” and tell her “truth” in Season 9, driven by the significant hurt and damage caused by the accusations. This ongoing animosity further fueled the contentious environment on set.
The Oppenheim Group Expands: A Broader Horizon for Drama
While the agents grapple with their personal and professional conflicts, The Oppenheim Group continues its expansion. Owner Jason Oppenheim has broadened the company’s reach by opening a second office in Newport Beach, featured in the spin-off series Selling the OC. This growth underscores the dynamic nature of the brokerage and hints at a continually expanding landscape for high-stakes real estate deals and, inevitably, more interpersonal drama.
What This Means for Fans: The Future of ‘Selling Sunset’ Drama
The consistent and escalating drama, particularly around figures like Nicole Young, ensures that Selling Sunset remains a hot topic for its dedicated fan base. The show’s ability to introduce new agents and compelling conflicts, even after the departure of central “villains” like Christine Quinn, highlights its successful formula. Fans are continually drawn to the personal and professional clashes, making agents like Nicole central to the show’s continued popularity and high engagement.
