Who Is Maddi Reese? What to Know About the Republic Manager and DJ
Learn more about the cast member’s work drama and love life.
Though the title of Southern Hospitality evokes thoughts of warmth and kindness, Bravo fans now know not everything is peaches and cream among the staff members at Leva Bonaparte's nightclub, Republic Garden & Lounge.
VIP Manager Madison "Maddi" Reese often finds herself in the center of the drama, whether there’s speculation about her on-again-off-again boyfriend Trevor cheating or she’s dealing with employees who aren’t exactly fond of her managerial style.
Here’s what to know about the VIP Manager and DJ who works at Leva’s Charleston hotspot.
Where did Maddi Reese grow up?
The Southern Hospitality cast member grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina "by way of New York City."
Where did Maddi Reese go to college?
Before Maddi started working at the nightclub full-time, she attended the College of Charleston for her undergraduate degree (just like Southern Charm's Craig Conover and Naomie Olindo).
She studied Psychology and Communication, and she graduated in 2019.
Maddi Reese’s Sobriety Journey
On the series premiere, Maddi opened up about her nine-year sobriety journey. She shared that she had started drinking alcohol when she was 12, and that she "had to switch to drugs" when her parents bought her a breathalyzer. She noted that she went to four treatments before she got sober.
"I grew up at such a young age," Maddi said in an interview on the show. During a chat with Joe Bradley, Maddi said that she's practicing "enthusiastic sobriety," which is how she can be the life of the party at Republic.
When did Maddi Reese start working for Leva Bonaparte at Republic?
Maddi has been working for Leva for about five years (and she was a server at two other restaurants before that).
Before she started her VIP Manager job at Republic, Maddi was a server at one of Leva's other restaurants, Bourbon N' Bubbles.
As a manager at Republic, Maddi has found herself dealing with some drama — which is extra sticky considering many of the Republic employees are also her close friends.
In Season 2, Episode 4, Maddi mistakenly told Emmy Sharrett to wear her pink uniform when in fact it was a blue day. When Leva questioned Maddi as to why Emmy had the wrong uniform on, Maddi didn’t own up to her mistake and let Emmy take the fall.
Maddi Reese's DJ Career
When she isn't working at the Charleston club as a manager, she can be found DJing there, or at other places around the Southeast. In Season 2, Episode 5, Maddi got the opportunity to perform an opening set for Vanderpump Rules’ resident DJ James Kennedy.
RELATED: James Kennedy Just Popped Up on *Another* Bravo Show to Dish Out Career Advice
“My dream is to become a big-time DJ… so, to open for James Kennedy, a killer DJ from L.A. who has a huge following, like I’m one step closer to getting there,” Maddi said in a confessional interview.
When meeting James, Maddi sought advice from the former SURver on how she could “fully dive” into a DJ career without tampering with her job at Republic. James’ words of wisdom to Maddi were to find her “happy medium.”
Maddi Reese’s Relationship with Trevor Stokes
In Season 1 of Southern Hospitality, Maddi found herself entangled in a bit of a love triangle with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Trevor Stokes and her co-worker Joe.Maddi was in a relationship with Trevor, even though he had cheated on her in the past. Throughout that season, Joe admits to having a crush on Maddi in his confessionals, but he didn’t reveal his feelings to Maddi until the end of the season.
After learning that Joe has feelings for her, Maddi was conflicted... until she learned that, minutes after professing his love for her, Joe went and kissed their co-worker Mia Alario. Maddi and Mia confronted Joe together, ending Joe’s hopes of sparking something with Maddi.
RELATED: Maddi Reese Opens Up About "Super Complicated" Relationship with Trevor Stokes Amid Cheating Rumors
In the Season 2 premiere, Maddi shed more light on her relationship with Trevor and how it was different now from the first time around. “Trevor and I are living together, we’re happy, and I’m in love,” she said in a confessional in the episode. “Being in a relationship with him, it’s stability for me. It’s comforting. It’s looking into a future and seeing something.”
However, Maddi and Trevor found themselves on the rocks after Bradley Carter revealed that one of his personal training clients said she kissed Trevor while he was in a relationship with Maddi. Of course, Maddi was furious about the news, and in turn, she moved out of the home she shared with Trevor. “I can’t sleep in the same bed as you," Maddi told her boyfriend.
Eventually, Maddi and Trevor moved past their turmoil and resumed living together. However, things didn’t last very long: It was revealed in the Season 2 finale that Maddi and Trevor “broke up” three weeks after filming ended for the Season.
Originally published Nov 7, 2022.
