Ashtyn Zerboni, a cast member on Netflix’s ‘Selling the O.C.’, has publicly accused her fellow castmates of bullying her during the show’s fourth season, while also denying rumors that she used sugar dating apps to meet her husband.
In a recent interview on Hollywood Boulevard, Zerboni opened up about her experience on the reality series, which premiered its latest season last week. She expressed feeling completely vilified by the production and her fellow agents, claiming that the show distorted her actions to paint her as the antagonist. This portrayal, she argued, was exacerbated by the fact that she was pregnant during filming, a vulnerable time when she needed support but instead faced harsh treatment from others on the cast.
Zerboni highlighted the lack of empathy she received, suggesting that reality TV often amplifies conflicts for entertainment, at the expense of personal well-being. She lamented that the narrative constructed around her was misleading, as she typically acts as a peacemaker in her daily life. However, the show’s editing choices emphasized moments where she delivered ‘hard truths,’ leading to her being labeled the villain and instigating trouble rather than mediating disputes.
According to her, the reason for this negative portrayal stems from her candid approach, which clashed with the dynamics of the cast. Zerboni insisted that in her off-screen life, she strives to resolve conflicts, but the production twisted her intentions for dramatic effect. This experience has left her questioning the ethics of reality television, where personal struggles are often exploited for viewer engagement without regard for the individuals involved.
Addressing persistent rumors, Zerboni categorically denied that she met her husband, Jeff, on Seeking, an app formerly associated with sugar dating that rebranded in 2022 and no longer condones such activities. She clarified that they connected through Luxy, a dating platform for affluent individuals that explicitly prohibits sugar daddy arrangements on its website. This denial aims to set the record straight amid increased public interest in dating apps following mentions on the show.
Zerboni noted that many women have mistakenly signed up for Seeking after the Netflix shoutout, hoping to replicate her relationship success, but she emphasized that her story is tied to Luxy, not the controversial app. This clarification underscores the impact of media portrayals on public behavior and the importance of accurate information in the age of viral content and reality TV influence.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Zerboni described Season 4 as largely negative, leaving her uncertain about returning for a potential fifth season. The bullying allegations and public scrutiny have taken a toll, raising questions about the long-term effects of such shows on cast members’ mental health and careers. Her candid remarks may prompt broader discussions within the entertainment industry about ethical production practices and support for participants.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by reality TV stars, who often grapple with edited portrayals and online backlash. As networks continue to produce high-drama content, Zerboni’s story serves as a reminder of the need for balance between entertainment and fairness, potentially influencing future approaches to how conflicts and personal stories are handled on screen.
