What Happened To JD Madison From Southern Charm?

It surprised viewers to tune into "Southern Charm" and realize that JD Madison was no longer around. The Bravo hit chronicles the ups and downs of a group of wealthy socialites living in Charleston, South Carolina. In recent years the drama has focused on breakups, drug problems, custody battles, and rude things that may or may not have been said behind someone's back. You know, typical Bravo stuff.

JD was a unique presence, in that he never joined the cast. He appeared on the show thanks to his close friendship with the group, especially Thomas Ravenel. JD's wife, Elizabeth Madison, also appeared on the show. In 2018, JD revealed that he and Elizabeth were separating. "Over the last few years, whether it was from lifestyle differences, demanding work hours, high levels of stress, or the demands of marriage, we had grown apart," he said in an email to the Daily Dish when asked for an update. "At times, there were so many issues that it seemed impossible for us to reconcile. It seemed one of us was often hurting the other's feelings, and eventually she felt withdrawn and I felt rejected."

Since the separation, JD was seen less and less on "Southern Charm," until all of a sudden, he just stopped showing up entirely. So, what exactly happened to JD Madison?

While JD Madison's initial absence from "Southern Charm" might have been a response to his separation from Elizabeth Madison, his disappearance might also have something to do with his numerous legal problems.

Fans will remember that a year before his separation from Elizabeth, JD was accused of sexual assault. In August 2017, Susan Johson claimed that JD drugged and sexually assaulted her after a long night of partying in Charleston, per People. Johnson claimed the violence only stopped when JD received a phone call from his wife. While JD was never arrested on any charges, things became more complicated when Johnson was charged with filing a false report by the Charleston police after investigating her claims. Johnson allegedly hoped to get some money out of the wealthy reality star with her damning accusations.

Though the accusations and negative publicity (along with the ever-present cheating rumors) may have pushed JD and Elizabeth to separate, the couple is reportedly still together — never having filed for divorce, per The Cinemaholic. Neither is active on social media, it seems like JD and Elizabeth — in spite of JD's legal problems — have worked things out.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Though JD Madison never got a hefty Bravo salary as he wasn't an official cast member of "Southern Charm," the father of four still came off as extremely well-to-do during his tenure on the show. In hindsight, though, it seems that Madison may have been struggling with money all along.

In 2018, Madison was arrested for writing a bad check, per TMZ. He was reportedly booked after an arrest warrant was issued in Charleston, SC following the incident. It's little surprise that the check bounced, considering that a few months before his arrest, Madison was forced to close his famed Charleston hangout, Gentry Bar and Grill, where many episodes of "Southern Charm" took place per Reality Tea. The troubled star was reportedly evicted from the property and sued for over $160,000 worth of unpaid rent.

Madison's money troubles may have been the final nail in the coffin for his time Bravo, as he stopped appearing in the show entirely after the arrest. The good news is that Madison might not be completely broke just yet. You can still buy his bourbon online and in liquor stores across South Carolina for around $50 a bottle.