Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"It's almost like I conquered something that I don't, I don't cry about anymore. It's like it was very healing." — Adrienne Bailon Davenport
"The word doesn't necessarily mean physical. And it's, you know, toxic relationships like it's not right, you got to get out of it, you need support like get yourself out, and it's not easy once you're in it." — Adrienne Bailon Davenport
"Don't do it because once you bring a baby into it into the world, things don't get easier, it gets harder and then marriage on top of that with finances and parenting and decisions like that all makes such a difference." — Adrienne Bailon Davenport
Adrienne Bailon Davenport joins Alex Cooper to discuss her deeply personal memoir, "Choices: To the Hills and Back Again." The book chronicles her journey through the highs and lows of reality television fame, her complex relationships, and her experiences with abuse. Davenport explains that fan DMs and her own desire to set the record straight inspired her to write the book, covering everything from "The Hills" to her relationships that were often scrutinized in the media. She describes the writing process as intensely difficult, often leading to emotional breakdowns, but ultimately therapeutic, helping her to "conquer something."
The conversation delves into Davenport's early career, including her casting on "The Hills," her initial impressions of castmates like Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag, and her infamous relationship with Justin Bobby. She candidly addresses the challenges of navigating fame and personal life under constant camera scrutiny, noting how reality television can distort perceptions and create pressure to perform. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on her past relationship with Corey, detailing experiences of infidelity, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and physical abuse. Davenport emphasizes that abusive relationships are not solely physical but can encompass profound emotional and verbal degradation, and she shares her journey of recognizing red flags and the courage it took to leave.
Davenport highlights the critical role of her support system, including her family, friends, and faith, in her recovery. She explains how turning to God and seeking guidance helped her find the strength to leave an abusive situation and prioritize her well-being and that of her daughter. The interview concludes with Davenport discussing her current perspective on relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and setting boundaries, and her desire to find a truly healthy and solid partnership. She also touches on the evolution of reality television, suggesting that it has become increasingly "scripted" and can be detrimental to participants' mental health.