There’s some off-camera drama happening for Siesta Key. Main cast member Kelsey Owens announced last week that she was let go from the hit reality series without any warning. The show is currently filming in Miami for its fifth season, and Owens was already there in the Florida city with the rest of the cast when the news broke. She is not the first main cast member to be cut from season 5 though. Garrett Miller announced a few months ago that MTV had also let him go. Read both their statements below, and see what other details have been uncovered since.
Kelsey Owens: “Despite the way things were handled I am so grateful”
Kelsey Owens was initially heartbroken by the news of her Siesta Key firing, because it happened right before she was supposed to film a scene – in “a freaking strip club of all places,” her Instagram read. She shed a few tears, but then filmed her final scene with grace and maturity.
The news came out of nowhere, especially since Kelsey posted a month ago about her move to Miami, Florida for the show. The July 14 Instagram read: “New city, new selfie.❤️🔥 What’s y’all’s predictions for this upcoming season?🎬.”
View this post on InstagramThen just 10 days after that, she posted a photo with fellow Siesta Key cast members Juliette Porter, Madisson Hausburg, and Chloe (Trautman) Long. “Choose your player 🎮😜 #siestakey,” the caption read.
Her bombshell announcement came on August 5, alongside a photo of her runway walk from JMP’s Miami Week Fashion Show. “Last night I was walking into scene at a freaking strip club of all places and was informed that I will be cut moving forward on Siesta Key with absolutely no warning. It’s mind blowing & truly disgusting that after working on a show since I was 19 years old where I’ve shared things about my personal life I wasn’t always comfortable with, revolved my whole life around, and put so much effort into could come to an end in such a disrespectful manner and so abrupt,” Owens wrote.
But, even though she was frustrated and hurt by the hasty decision, she was grateful for her friends and fans, adding: “Despite the way things were handled I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made, once in a lifetime opportunities I’ve been given, and most of all the fans. I wish I could hug each & every one of you. You have no idea how much your kind words and support have meant to me and how much they’ve helped me get through some of my toughest times. I couldn’t have made it these past 5 years without y’all so thank you for that. I am truly a better person because of y’all.”
Kelsey’s goodbye post was met with lots of support from her Siesta Key cast mates. Juliette Porter wrote: “The crown may tilt but never falls!! 💖 we’ve made some amazing memories…Love you forever❤️.” Madisson Hausburg added: “I’m still in shock and can’t seem to find the right words. You deserve the world. I love you so much Kels, and I cannot wait to watch you flourish.”
Amanda Miller commented: “I’ll always be so thankful to have met you through the show, but you my friend deserve much better and I can’t wait to see what comes next for you. love you always Kels.”
Max Strong stood by his girlfriend’s side. “I’m so sorry you were treated this way Kelsey. You are an incredible person and I promise you the best is yet to come 🙏🏼 love you so much,” he wrote.
“I’m so sorry Kelsey. F*** them I love you 💕,” Camilla Cattaneo wrote. Makenna Quesenberry chimed in with: “I’m so sorry you were treated like that. You didn’t deserve this but your future is so bright and you’re going to accomplish so many amazing things ❤️.”
Kelsey ended her long social media post with an uplifting statement: “My time on the show may have come to an end but this is just the beginning for me. 💗Time to strut my way into this next chapter.”
Garrett Miller: “It wasn’t my decision & something I wasn’t expecting”
A few months prior to Kelsey Owens’ exit, Garrett Miller announced that he was leaving the show. “It saddens me to say, I officially will no longer be on SIESTA KEY,” the post began. “Unfortunately it wasn’t my decision & something I wasn’t expecting. Ever since I started the show I always told myself I’d stay true to myself & would never become somebody I’m not which I can proudly say I did,” he continued.
Like Kelsey, Garrett had been an original cast member since Siesta Key debuted on MTV back in 2017. Over the last 5 years, he allowed fans into his life, and was open about many things going on. From successful business ventures, to finding true love, and everything in between, Garrett shared a lot with Siesta Key viewers.
It was interesting to see the ups and downs in his journey, and his relationship with now-fiancée Makenna Quesenberry has definitely been an up. “As you all know this show has been apart of my life for the last 6 years full of ups & down but only up’s since I met the love of my life,” Garrett added on Instagram. “Although you guys don’t get to see the rest of my story or me & Kenna’s through the show just know I found my happiness + get to spend the rest of my life with my forever.”
Garrett took the high road in his caption too, writing: “As much as I’d like to be upset at MTV for not seeing the vision of us I’m not gonna do that but rather say thank you for the opportunity. I never in my life would’ve thought at 20 years old transitioning out of sports that I’d be put on a tv show for majority of my 20’s. Honestly, sometimes it still doesn’t seem real. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, had some of the craziest experiences, & was lucky enough to follow + build up my career along the way.”
Wrapping up his post, he thanked his fans, as well as his cast mates and crew. “To the fans…You guys have been nothing but supportive to me & have always showed me love. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for you guys. Thank you for being along the journey the entire way. To the cast + crew…I just want to say I love you guys & will forever cherish the memories we’ve made these last 5+ years. It’s been a roller coaster to say the least but at the end of the day we’ve been through it all together which has created a bond. Despite the bullshit, the drama, & all the negativity you guys are family & always will be.”
So, what does this mean moving forward? What are Kelsey and Garrett up to now?
Siesta Key is still currently filming for season 5. Fans won’t see Garrett or Makenna on the new season (although they haven’t ruled out an appearance on a reunion special!), and they can expect a rather abrupt ending to Kelsey’s storyline in the middle of the season. As of right now, all other main cast members are still present for filming, including Juliette Porter, Madisson Hausburg, Brandon Gomes, Amanda Miller, and Chloe (Trautman) Long. Obviously some of their significant others could still make appearances, such as Ismael Soto, Clark Drum, and Chris Long.
Meanwhile, Garrett’s been keeping busy with his fitness website, personal training, and building his social media brand. His work with Forge supplements is still going strong too. He and Makenna even started vlogging on YouTube!
Kelsey’s been active on social media too, posting partnerships with brands like Women’s Best activewear, Hyundai, and FabFitFun. She and Max have been working on buying their dream home, all while hanging out with their boxer puppy Bella!
Be sure you’re following Kelsey and Max, as well as Garrett and Kenna on Instagram to keep up to date with their post Siesta Key projects.
MORE SIESTA KEY NEWS
Camilla Cattaneo Reveals One Scene Cut from ‘Siesta Key’
Who is Meghan Bischoff, Sam Logan’s New Girlfriend?
What to Expect on ‘Siesta Key’ Season 4B + Watch Trailer!
Kari Highman is a Beauty and Fashion Blogger at Feeling the Vibe Magazine. Otterbein Alum (2017) – English & Psychology. Always learning & creating. Avid fan of mid 2000’s TV & pop music. Comments or tips, email kari@feelingthevibe.com
