Ariana Biermann, the 23-year-old star of Bravo’s sizzling new series Next Gen: NYC, found herself in the hot seat during a jaw-dropping June 2025 episode of Watch What Happens Live. Host Andy Cohen, known for his no-holds-barred questioning, didn’t shy away from diving into the messy drama surrounding Ariana’s mother, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak, and her highly publicized divorce from former NFL player Kroy Biermann. But when the conversation turned to Kim’s alleged gambling addiction, Ariana’s lips were sealed tighter than a vault, leaving viewers stunned and craving answers.
A Rising Star in the Big Apple
After growing up in the spotlight on RHOA and the family’s spin-off Don’t Be Tardy, Ariana is finally stepping out of her mother’s shadow with Next Gen: NYC. The Bravo hit follows the next generation of Housewives kids and their friends as they chase dreams, forge friendships, and navigate the electric energy of New York City. Ariana, now carving her own path, is ready to show the world she’s more than just Kim Zolciak’s daughter. “People still think I’m 12 years old,” she told US Weekly with a laugh. “I’m like, ‘Girl, I’m 23, OK? I’m actually grown up now.’”
But the glitz of her new life in NYC was overshadowed by the storm brewing back home, where her parents’ divorce has spiraled into a public spectacle of accusations, financial ruin, and shocking revelations.
The Gambling Allegations That Rocked the Biermann Family
The drama reached a boiling point when Andy Cohen pressed Ariana about her mother’s rumored gambling addiction on WWHL. “There were rumors about your mom’s gambling. Anything you can say there?” he asked, his signature smirk hinting at the bombshell he was dropping. Ariana’s response? A firm shake of her head and a curt, “No. Talk to him about that.” Her refusal to engage sent shockwaves through the audience, leaving Andy to pivot quickly to safer territory.
The allegations stem from a 2023 report by Page Six, where Kroy Biermann claimed to police that Kim had blown through a staggering $1.5 million during their marriage on illegal online gambling. “It’s probably been going on for pretty much our entire marriage and it’s gotten significantly worse,” Kroy alleged, painting a picture of a family fortune squandered in secret. The former NFL star’s claims suggested that Kim’s gambling habits had contributed to the couple’s financial downfall, a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle they once flaunted on reality TV.
Ariana’s Heartbreak: “My Parents Spent All My Money”
Adding fuel to the fire, Ariana dropped a bombshell of her own in the premiere episode of Next Gen: NYC. She revealed to viewers that the money she earned as a child star through social media brand deals and reality TV appearances had vanished. “I found out that it was gone two years ago,” she told Page Six, admitting she’s still in the dark about the exact amount or where it went. The betrayal cut deep, but Ariana’s loyalty to her family shone through on WWHL. “I don’t want to know how much money my parents took from me, because money shouldn’t break a family,” she said, her voice steady but heavy with emotion.
Despite the financial strain, Ariana shared that her mother still occasionally borrows money from her, though Kim makes an effort to repay her when she can. “The only time my mom asks me for money is if it’s regarding the bills or something she needs for the kids,” Ariana explained, showcasing a maturity beyond her years as she navigates her family’s turbulent dynamics.
A Divorce That Keeps Getting Messier
Kim and Kroy’s divorce, first filed in April 2023, has been a rollercoaster of reconciliations and relapses. After a brief attempt to mend their marriage, the couple called it quits again, with court documents revealing a laundry list of grievances. Kroy accused Kim of gambling away their wealth, while Kim countered with allegations of Kroy’s marijuana use, even requesting he be drug tested for the safety of their six children. Tensions escalated when Kim claimed Kroy had physically assaulted her in front of their kids, an incident that led to police involvement, according to US Weekly. The final blow came in 2025 when the couple lost their Georgia mansion to foreclosure, a devastating loss that forced them out of the home they once shared.
Through it all, Ariana remains her mother’s fiercest supporter. “She’s my best friend in the world,” she told US Weekly. “She just moved into a new house, and she’s really doing great.” Despite the grueling two-and-a-half-year divorce battle, Kim is finding her footing, even dipping her toes back into the dating pool after nearly 14 years with Kroy. Ariana, ever the protective daughter, is thrilled to see her mom “thriving” but cautions her to tread carefully in today’s wild dating world. “I tell her, ‘Don’t get anything serious yet,’” Ariana said with a grin. “These people are f***ing crazy.”
A New Chapter for Ariana
As Kim and Kroy’s divorce saga drags on, Ariana is focused on building her own legacy. Next Gen: NYC offers a front-row seat to her journey as she and her co-stars navigate love, friendship, and ambition in the city that never sleeps. “It’s going to be really exciting to see all of us come into our own as adults,” she told US Weekly. From dodging questions about her mom’s scandals to embracing her newfound independence, Ariana is proving she’s ready to write her own story—one that’s just as captivating as the drama that surrounds her family.
With her infectious charm and resilience, Ariana Biermann is stepping into the spotlight, ready to show the world that she’s more than just a Housewives kid. As for the gambling allegations and family secrets? For now, Ariana’s keeping those cards close to her chest.