Shep Rose Explains His Reaction to Austen Kroll and Taylor Ann Green's "Hook Up"

Shep Rose is sharing some insight into the shocking moment that played out on Southern Charm Season 9, Episode 4 involving his best friend Austen Kroll and his ex-girlfriend Taylor Ann Green. 

To hear Shep reflect on his and Austen's conversation and explain why he reacted the way he did, keep reading.

Shep Rose's Initial Reaction to Austen Kroll's Bombshell About Hooking Up with Taylor Ann Green

In case you need a refresher, Austen revealed on the Oct. 5 episode of Southern Charm that, despite what Taylor previously told Olivia Flowers, he and Taylor had indeed hooked up one time. The episode concluded on a "to be continued" message before Austen could elaborate on what exactly that meant, but Andy Cohen made sure to ask Shep what he thought Austen meant on the subsequent episode of Watch What Happens Live. 

As Andy put it, "When Austen said to you at the end of tonight's episode, 'define hooking up,' your mind said what?"

"This is like Bill Clinton [saying] 'I did not have sexual relations,'" Shep replied with a laugh. "Well, what does that mean?"

Olivia, for her part, called Austen's vagueness "fitting." 

Shep Rose and Olivia Flowers Clarify the Timeline Involving Austen Kroll and Taylor Ann Green's Confession

Not wanting to give away any of the drama to come, Andy asked Shep and Olivia, "To this point where we are in the show right now, both of you did not believe they had hooked up?"

"At this point," Taylor responded, "I didn't think [so]." 

Shep's answer was more cryptic. "I'm not a detective ... I don't want to be a detective," he said. "I have to go with what my friend and what my ex-girlfriend say, so that's where my head was."

How Shep Rose Feels About Taylor Ann Green Today

Despite all the drama, Shep said in a recent interview that his current relationship with Taylor is "good."

"I choose to take the high road as much as I can in this life, and I care about her a lot," Shep added. "I always will. And I think that’s mutual."

Taylor Green and Shep Rose filming Season 9 Episode 1 of Southern Charm. Photo: Bravo

At the same time, Shep and Taylor are still keeping their distance for the most part. "[W]e haven’t really gotten into each other’s private lives as far as other companions or whatnot or dating scene. That’s probably good for now. I hope one day we could," Shep said. "I’m still close with her parents. I text with her mom every now and then, and I text with Taylor, too. She’s a big reason of the mosaic of who I am. She’s a major piece of that quilt, you know, and I respect that and love that. I would never turn my back on her. I would give her the zebra shirt off my back."

Hear more from Shep (and Olivia!) in the WWHL clip up top.