"It wasn't good enough" — Belle Collective star Marie reflects on her relationship with her family

The latest episode of Belle Collective, titled Reunited and It Feels…Good?, aired on Friday, December 27, 2024, on OWN. This reunion episode gave fans a deeper glimpse into the cast's lives and ongoing conflicts.

A standout moment came when Marie Hamilton-Abston, one of the stars of Belle Collective, opened up about her relationship with her family. Reflecting on her efforts to support her relatives, Marie confessed,

“I thought I was being there as much as I could possibly be there for them. But I see now that it wasn't good enough.”

In addition to Marie’s emotional revelations, the episode highlighted other pivotal moments, including the arrival of Selena Johnson as the newest member of the Collective. Her entry reignited her rivalry with Sophia “Sogucci” Williams, promising further friction. The episode also sheds light on Tambra Cherie’s struggles as a new mother, adding a new dimension to the drama.

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Belle Collective: Carlos King’s conversation with Marie

Host Carlos King delved into Marie’s strained relationship with her family, asking whether she knew about her cousins’ feelings of neglect. Marie admitted,

“I had no idea that they felt that way because I felt like I was giving them time and also always being there financially.”

She acknowledged that while financial support is essential, it cannot replace emotional presence, which her family expected. Marie also spoke candidly about the challenges of being perceived as the “successful one” in her family. She revealed,

“They do feel entitled. I can't tell them no. If I say no, it's a problem. And I know I need to stop leading with my heart and lead with my mind.”

The conversation shifted to a shocking incident involving Marie’s home, which had been targeted in a shooting. When Carlos asked if there had been any progress in the investigation, Marie disclosed,

“To this day, I still don't know. Have not heard from law enforcement on anything.”

She expressed heartbreak over the ordeal, reflecting on how such incidents put conflicts into perspective.

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What happened in Belle Collective episode 9?

The reunion episode of Belle Collective was centered around revelations, unresolved tensions, and personal stories. A significant highlight was the addition of Selena Johnson to the Collective.

Her arrival reignited her long-standing feud with Sophia “Sogucci” Williams, leading to sharp exchanges. During a light-hearted segment about nicknames, dismissing Sophia’s persona, Selena remarked,

“She was never Gucci to me”

Another emotional segment unfolded in Belle Collective episode 9, with Sophia opening up about her daughter Dee’s mental health struggles. Sophia admitted that she had been unaware of the extent of Dee’s feelings, particularly the perception that she prioritized her husband, JJ, over her daughter. Reflecting on the conversation with Dee, Sophia said,

“I didn’t realize that she needed me more now than she needed me then.”

Marie also provided guidance to Sophia, drawing from her own experience with mental health challenges. She emphasized the importance of being present and listening, saying,

“Healing won’t happen overnight, but letting her know she’s not alone is key.”

The discussion expanded to address the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community, with Marie urging everyone to treat mental well-being with the same priority as physical health.

The episode also sheds light on Tambra Cherie’s journey as a new mother. Tambra recounted her experience of waking up in the ICU after giving birth and feeling overlooked as people focused on her baby rather than her recovery.

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Episode 10 of Belle Collective will air on January 3, 2025.