Recently, New Times spoke with cast members Amara La Negra, Chyng Diamond, and Shay Johnson to hear about their perspectives and personal triumphs as they re-watch lived experiences and share how they've been shaped by them.
That "Jailbird" Comment
Even as a cast member, there can be plenty of mystery behind the filmed fallout of a friendship. Shay, a well-established reality TV alum, describes how eye-opening it was to see the fallout between Zoe Brinxx and new member Chyng Diamond in episode 13. Chyng opened up to Zoe about her boyfriend's upcoming release from jail. Zoe aired her concerns, calling Chyng's boyfriend a "jailbird." Their argument almost led to a fight. Chyng hoped for a peaceful debut but was deeply upset by Zoe's remarks.Chyng spent time in prison, as did her sister and little brother. "You're not just talking about my boyfriend. You're talking about almost anybody I love," Chyng explains.
Shay asks Chyng if she can forgive Zoe. Chyng says that Zoe had already attempted a private apology after the episode aired, failing to address the public disrespect Chyng felt. It can be hard to repair relationships in general, but being on reality TV heightens the tension tremendously.
Amara and Shay are no strangers to navigating interpersonal conflict on television. They describe how watching a scene in hindsight is often revealing, which is likely why Zoe apologized. Amara gained a deeper understanding of her mistakes while watching scenes after they aired, stating that forgiveness is possible when apologies are eventually exchanged. As they encourage Chyng to reconsider Zoe's apology, Amara exclaims, "Shay and I have gone at it for seven, eight years, and look at us now!"
Shay pointed out how difficult it is to repair relationships once certain boundaries are crossed, referencing the season-defining feud between Amara and Princess Love. She found it difficult to watch. "It got physical. As Amara said, when it gets physical, sometimes you don't know how to come back from that."
Amara adds, "I think it's just unfortunate that instead of being able to come together, we have to showcase this negative side of us as women. But it is what it is. We support each other, and sometimes we just gotta fight each other."
Amara Is Used to the Drama
Amara has long ago come to terms with the potential for negativity and chaos to be thrown her way on the show. Amara described season six as The Amara La Negra Show in episode 13. Plenty of suspicion and shade has been thrown in her direction, which usually means more camera time. Amara discussed Eliza Reign spitefully wearing her name on a shirt (defining "Amara" as a "husband stealer") during Blac Chyna's two-year sobriety celebration, taking it all in stride. "That's just the way life goes. You're not always going to please everyone. Everyone is not always going to like you."
Shay Johnson says it's difficult to repair relationships once certain boundaries are crossed.
VH1 photo
As these firebrands prepare to watch the rest of the season and our reactions to it, they share what viewers can expect to see on and off camera. Chyng hopes to attain millionaire status by the finale. She just released the music video for her banger "Sauce." The perfume Eternal Beauty by Amara launched on Valentine's Day, and she remains excited to showcase more growth. Shay continues demonstrating entrepreneurial prowess with the Healthy Hand. She collaborated with her daughter to create a new multivitamin to be released in May.
Of course, the ladies promise plenty more drama. Things are far from calm among the cast at this point. You'll also see that there's plenty to relate to and learn. They've cultivated incredible brands alongside constant schisms and strife.
Love & Hip Hop: Miami airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on VH1.
