Having someone you know date your ex is nothing new; it happens much more often than anyone would like. That’s what we’re seeing play out in the Ciara Miller, Amanda Batula, and West Wilson triangle. But in the case of these Summer House stars, it runs much deeper than your ex moving on to that girl from ’round the way.
In this case, it’s a friend, the one who promised to be there for you. What makes this cut even deeper is something that can’t be ignored when it comes to Black women: being tossed aside, overlooked and ultimately betrayed by people you were supposed to be able to trust.
When Miller started dating Wilson during Summer House, season 8, commentary came fast and furious, particularly around their interracial pairing. Their relationship ended in the summer of 2024, making season 9 especially challenging for Miller. Throughout its run, she struggled to forgive West.
By season 10, currently airing on Bravo, Miller and West seemed to have reached a more amicable place, with hints that the door to reconciliation wasn’t entirely closed. But real life, not on screen, creeped in. This past January, just before the season 10 February premiere, Batula announced her divorce from her husband, Kyle Cooke, whom she had been married to since 2021.
Like any true friend, Miller gave her support, as Batula shared in a March 2026 issue of Marie Claire. “It would have been a very difficult summer to get through without Ciara. She is one of the kindest, most loving, loyal friends I’ve ever had.” Which makes the March 31 announcement that she and West are now a couple even more devastating.
Historically, Black women have been conditioned to show up and care for others, even in spaces where that care has not been returned, extending grace and offering loyalty, only to find ourselves unprotected when it matters most. It’s seen in the film Hidden Figures, where Octavia Spencer’s character, after being dismissed or disrespected, still finds it within herself to help the very woman who overlooked her. It’s a hard truth, but at times, white women don’t see their Black counterparts as competition.
There’s a long-standing belief, rooted in bias, that Black women don’t feel pain at the same extremity as others, so we’re treated like there’s less urgency, given less anesthesia, or dismissed altogether. With Batula and West revealing their relationship in such a public way, it’s hard not to question whether they considered the impact or just assumed Miller would accept it.
When a Black woman is the only one in the room, on her own in a predominantly white space, she’s never at ease. She has to navigate dynamics that others never have to think about. Miller has pointed that out herself. In one interview, she stated, “I was the first Black person in this house and then, dating white guys publicly, it’s a whole contraption that I don’t think you guys even understand.” It’s a conversation that continues in this season.
We are not surprised by her reaction. Miller unfollowed both Batula and West, and canceled joint appearances. Other cast members have reacted with shock and disappointment. But Miller’s biggest support has come from the fans, who have rallied behind her.
We’re not mad at Miller for her actions. In times like these, protecting peace is a necessity. It’s about prioritizing when others didn’t and channeling that newfound energy toward where it rightfully belongs: yourself.