Bad Girls Club Season 7: The New Orleans Chaos
The seventh installment of the hit reality series, titled Bad Girls Club: New Orleans, brought a fresh level of intensity to the screen when it premiered on August 1, 2011, on the Oxygen network. Moving away from the traditional Los Angeles setting, this season transported the drama to the vibrant and historic backdrop of Louisiana, blending high-tension personality clashes with the unique atmosphere of the Big Easy.
Spanning 15 episodes and airing through November 14, 2011, the season followed seven original cast members as they navigated life in a shared luxury residence. From high-fashion appearances to legal disputes, Season 7 remains one of the most talked-about chapters in the franchise's history.
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Key Facts
- Location: Filmed primarily in New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana.
- Network: Aired on Oxygen.
- Budget: The production budget for the season was $6.5 million.
- Cast: Started with seven original members; three were removed, and one replacement (Cheyenne) was introduced.
- Timeline: Production began in February 2011; premiered August 1, 2011.
Production and Local Controversy
Production for the season kicked off in February 2011. The show utilized a massive estate in Kenner, Louisiana—the former home of Byron Scott, a former Hornets basketball coach. At the time, the project was referred to as "Bad Girls Boot Camp."
The arrival of the production was not without friction. Local residents expressed outrage over the show's presence, and the production faced significant hurdles with local businesses. Reports indicated that at least eight clubs banned the production to avoid being associated with the show's "bad image." Furthermore, the cast was barred from attending a high-profile Mardi Gras party hosted by Pierre Thomas at The Metropolitan Night Club.
Fashion and Public Appearances
Despite the local pushback, the cast made a mark in the city's fashion scene. In March 2011, three of the cast members appeared as models for House of Lounge lingerie during New Orleans Fashion Week.
The Residence: 100 Chateau Saint Michel Drive
The "Bad Girls" lived in a sprawling 9,300-square-foot mansion in Kenner. Designed by production designer Jeff Eyser and set decorator Alexis Karpf, the home featured six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a pool, and an outdoor bungalow. The property was later sold in 2013 for $825,000.
The interior was a blend of custom luxury and eclectic style:
- Main Room: Featured a custom-made indoor bar and botanical paintings by New Orleans artist Sarah Dunn.
- Dining Room: A small, doorless blue room featuring a large early 20th-century painting of New Orleans.
- Kitchen: Equipped with a marble table and furniture from IKEA.
- Specialty Rooms: A makeup room with an "industrial feel" and early 20th-century furniture, and a champagne room featuring red and black sofas and a stripper pole.
In a unique touch, the cast members were given Voodoo dolls designed to resemble themselves in the makeup room.
Legal Incidents and Cast Turmoil
The tension inside the house eventually spilled over into legal trouble. On April 12, 2011, the Kenner Police Department responded to a call from cast member Tasha Malek, who alleged she had been physically assaulted by her housemate, Nastasia Townsend. Townsend countered that Malek had initiated the altercation.
The incident resulted in both women being issued summons for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
Cast Changes
The season was marked by high turnover. Of the original seven girls, three were removed by production due to physical altercations: Nastasia (for attacking Shelly), Tasha (for fighting Nastasia), and Priscilla (for threatening Judi with a baton). Cheyenne joined the house as a replacement for Priscilla but was later tricked into leaving the house by Tiara.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Title | Bad Girls Club: New Orleans |
| Original Air Dates | August 1 – November 14, 2011 |
| Number of Episodes | 15 |
| Production Budget | $6.5 Million |
| Primary Location | Kenner, Louisiana |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Bad Girls Club Season 7 filmed?
The season was primarily filmed in New Orleans and Kenner, Louisiana, specifically at a residence located at 100 Chateau Saint Michel Drive.
Why were some cast members removed from the house?
Production removed Nastasia, Tasha, and Priscilla following various physical altercations and threats involving other housemates.
Did the show face any local opposition in New Orleans?
Yes, several local clubs banned the production to protect their image, and neighbors in Kenner expressed outrage during the pre-production phase.
What happened during the police incident in Season 7?
Tasha Malek and Nastasia Townsend were both issued summons for disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct following a physical fight at the residence.
Who replaced Priscilla in the house?
Cheyenne was introduced as the replacement for Priscilla, though she was later manipulated into leaving the house by Tiara.