"They do feel entitled" - Belle Collective star Marie opens up about her relationship with family

During the most recent reunion episode of Belle Collective, fittingly titled 'Reunited and It Feels...Good?,' star Marie Hamilton-Abston provided a frank and uncensored insight into the challenges of balancing family expectations in the limelight.

"They do feel entitled. I can't tell them no. If I say no, it's a problem. And I know I need to stop leading with my heart and lead with my mind," Marie confessed the same during a conversation with the host, the one and only Carlos King.

This revelation came during the December 27, 2024 episode that aired on OWN, the one and only, beloved television icon, Oprah Winfrey's very own network. The show, which follows the lives of successful Black female entrepreneurs in Jackson, Mississippi, has become known for its unflinching, raw portrayal of personal struggles beneath the veneer of success.

Marie's honest-to-God admission about her family dynamics is one that resonates deeply, highlighting the often-unseen or overlooked pressures faced by individuals with a certain degree of success and the necessity to remain in the public's all-seeing eye when navigating relationships with loved ones.

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Belle Collective’s Marie Hamilton-Abston’s relationship with her family explored

Marie's emotional talk with Carlos King revealed layers and layers of complexity in her familial ties :

"I had no idea that they felt that way because I felt like I was giving them time and also always being there financially," she said, addressing her cousins' sentiments of neglect.

This open dialogue exposed the usual difficulty of associating financial assistance with emotional presence, with Marie recognizing her involvement in the mismatch:

"I thought I was being there as much as I could possibly be there for them. But I see now that it wasn't good enough," she added.

The episode added a layer to Marie's family problems by focusing on a terrifying occurrence involving a gunshot at her house. When asked about the investigation's progress, Marie said:

"I still don't know. I have not heard from law enforcement on anything."

The episode acted as a sobering reminder of the potential risks that might develop during family arguments.

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What else was revealed during the reunion episode of Belle Collective?

While Marie's developments in the family front dominated the majority of the episode's discoveries, the Belle Collective reunion included other fascinating themes. Selena Johnson's controversial addition as the newest member of the cast sparked controversy, notably with her sharp remark about fellow cast member Sophia "So Gucci" Williams:

"She was never Gucci to me."

This episode of Belle Collective also explored Tambra Cherie's definitive journey into motherhood, complete with its challenges and complications.

Meanwhile, Sophia opened up about her daughter Dee's mental health journey, with Marie offering support based on her own experiences. "Healing won't happen overnight, but letting her know she's not alone is key," Marie advised, demonstrating her unending capacity for empathy despite whatever she is struggling with on a personal level.

The episode highlighted how success can complicate family dynamics, especially within tight-knit communities where individual achievement often comes with unspoken expectations of collective benefit.

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What to expect from Episode 10 of Belle Collective?

The men of Belle Collective are also finally stepping into the spotlight, in the highly anticipated new episode. Mark your calendars for Friday, January 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM on OWN, because "State of the Reunion" is about to serve up some serious entertainment.

Season 5's finale episode is bringing all the heavyweights to the stage, including - wait for it - Marie and Latrice, who will be attempting to hash out their differences.

JJ and Selena are finally going to be in the same room together. First-time face-offs on reality TV reunions are like watching a chef plate a soufflé - you never quite know if it's going to rise beautifully or collapse into chaos.

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Episode 10 of Belle Collective is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. ET on January 3, 2025.