Brooks Marks explained why he chose not to model for Shai Fruchter‘s clothing line. The decision became a storyline during Next Gen NYC. Brooks initially cited needing approval from his agent. However, he later revealed there was more behind his decision.
Brooks says watching Shai’s comments made him glad he did not model for his clothing line.
Brooks discussed the situation on Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice. He explained that the agent issue was mainly about protecting his career. Brooks said he did not want to risk problems with anyone he worked with.
“The whole, like, agent thing … I feel like that was really turned into something that it wasn’t,” Brooks said. He added, “It simply was a logistical, I don’t want to get sued by anyone that I’m working with kind of thing.”
Brooks felt Shai had portrayed the situation differently on the show. He said the explanation was made to look like diva behavior. Brooks also questioned why a friend would want him to jeopardize his career.
“And it was weaponized as like a ‘look at this diva being like, talk to my agent,’” Brooks explained. He then admitted that watching the episode changed his feelings.
“If you’re actually my friend, why would you want me to jeopardize my career?” Brooks asked. He later added, “Watching it back, I’m honestly glad that I didn’t [model for him].”
Brooks said some of Shai’s comments about him were not kind. He also claimed those remarks were not made directly to him. That reportedly made Brooks more comfortable with his original decision.
The situation also appeared to carry into the Next Gen NYC reunion. Gia said Brooks “popped off” during the upcoming special and praised how he handled himself.
Brooks defended himself against accusations of avoiding conflict. He said he faced a double standard when responding to disagreements. Meanwhile, Shai described the reunion as “terrifying” and “uncomfortable.”
He also teased that viewers would hear unexpected truths. Some conflicts would reportedly receive resolutions during the reunion. Next Gen NYC airs Wednesday nights on Bravo.
