"There's true love" between Taylor Ann Green and Austen Kroll - Craig Conover

Widad September 21, 2023 0

Photo: Craig Conover. Credit: FilmMagic For Sport

Following their suspected hookup, Craig Conover said it's "too messy" for Austen Kroll and Taylor Ann Green to be together, but it doesn't mean they aren't a good fit.

Craig, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly on Wednesday, September 20, while promoting season 9 of Southern Charm, "I think there's a true love there." Although he believes they are in a romantic relationship, he also thinks they care for one another deeply.

Austen, 36, and Taylor, 28, were "going through weird relationships" in 2022, according to the founder of The Sewing Down South, which caused them to become attracted to one another. Shep Rose and Taylor's breakup was confirmed by Us in July 2022, while Olivia Flowers and Austen's separation was announced by Olivia Flowers during the season 8 reunion in October 2022.

“Austen and Olivia [breaking up] was mostly Austen’s fault that it was weird,” Craig confessed, noting that Austen and Taylor “were still going through a weird time and they were really close.”

Season 9 of Southern Charm will show how close they are as Austen and Taylor's apparent hookup comes to light. The relationship between Austen and Taylor following their respective breakups was revealed in March. Taylor swore to Olivia, 31, that they never had sex despite Austen hinting in the season 9 trailer that "something happened" with them. She later acknowledged having a "kiss" with Austen, but the ensemble isn't sure that's all that happened.

Craig told Us on Wednesday that if Taylor and Austen had begun dating before she and Shep, "in another world, I think it would've been a clean relationship." Madison LeCroy, a fellow cast member, echoed Craig's sentiments when she told Us earlier this month that she believes Austen and Taylor "would make a good couple" despite their breakup. Craig said he warned Austen to tread cautiously after Taylor and Shep, 43, called it quits, even though he might support Austen and Taylor in a different reality.

“I remember warning him, like, ‘Hey, this might not be the best idea to be spending this much time with Taylor.’ But they said that they were just friends,” Craig recalled, noting, Shep was initially OK with Austen and Taylor’s friendship. “Shep admitted [the Austen-Taylor connection] felt like a life raft to Taylor. It was his way of staying connected,” Craig added

Craig acknowledged he was "shocked" when news of Austen and Taylor's apparent encounter hit the press. "I was shocked to see how uneasy Austen gets in this moment," he admitted to Us. I think our friendship [is] at a terrific position, so you're just praying it's not true.

Craig recognized that "where there's smoke, a lot of times there's fire," despite Austen and Taylor's opposing assertions, and quipped that "this season's just a wild ride." Craig said to Us that despite the supposed Austen flirtation, he's not sure if Taylor and Shep are truly over each other as the drama continues to unfold on television.

“I know that Shep will always have deep feelings for her, and she’ll probably always have deep feelings for him,” Craig said. “And hanging out with your ex probably isn’t the answer. So, Charleston doesn’t allow you space, so we’ll see.” - US Magazine wrote