Ariana Biermann Opens Up About Discovering Her Parents Drained Her Influencer Earnings

30 June 2025

Ariana Biermann and Kroy Biermann. Credit : Dave Kotinsky/Getty

Ariana Biermann, star of Next Gen NYC, recently unveiled a deeply personal revelation about her upbringing discovering that her parents, Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann, drained her entire earnings from influencer work and reality TV during her teenage years. This startling admission, shared during her debut appearance on Watch What Happens Live, marks a pivotal moment in Ariana’s path toward autonomy and transparency. It also underscores the emotional complexities of blending family loyalty with financial accountability.

Ariana explained that she began earning money at just 14, thanks to paid Instagram posts and brand partnerships built on her early reality TV exposure. But two years ago, she discovered her bank account completely empty, without explanation or warning. Even more unsettling was learning that both Kim and Kroy had access to and control over these funds a joint decision, not the action of a single parent.

When host Andy Cohen asked her to clarify Kim’s role, Ariana emphasized that this was a family-wide issue. “This was a joint partnership in taking the money,” she insisted, stressing that she had given her parents "notice" before speaking out publicly. This assertion addresses speculation that her mother acted alone and reinforces her commitment to accountability.

Despite the financial betrayal, Ariana has made a conscious choice to protect her relationship with her mother. She revealed that when Kim asks her for money now, it’s solely for household bills or to help with her younger siblings not for luxury or personal indulgence. Crucially, Kim repays her daughter whenever she can. Ariana’s philosophy is clear: “Money should never ruin a relationship with your family. You can always make more money. God blesses us in that way. And I have my mom and that’s all that matters”

Her story gained additional emotional depth weeks earlier during an appearance on the Casual Chaos podcast, where she disclosed that Kim had used Ariana’s earnings to buy expensive gifts like a $200 bottle of wine and Chanel handbags as holiday presents, without Ariana’s knowledge. The lack of transparency stung. Ariana confessed that she felt mature enough to understand her finances and was hurt by the secrecy surrounding them.

Ariana’s decision to relocate and assert financial independence also signals her commitment to moving forward on her own terms. Although she appears to be supporting Kim during a contentious divorce and financial strain Kim and Kroy reportedly owed over $1 million in back taxes and sold their Georgia mansion at a loss Ariana is clear about where loyalty and boundaries lie. She explained that she moved out to establish autonomy and eliminate family secrecy.

The reveal sparked reactions across Bravo communities. On Reddit fans praised Ariana’s courage, noting that she refused to play “the embattled princess role” and instead showed self-awareness and resolve . They lauded her maturity and hope she would break the cycle of dependency and public spectacle.

Kim who inherited the spotlight in part through her daughter and Brielle responded defensively. She denied taking Ariana’s money, instead pointing fingers at Kroy. Kim also accused him of selling family jewelry to cover expenses . In the midst of their protracted divorce, with accusations of gambling addiction and financial mismanagement, both parents are re-defining the family’s public narrative.

Ariana’s experience highlights deeper issues faced by young influencers raised in the glare of public attention. As a Gen Z figure building her own financial portfolio, she represents a cohort of digital natives demanding transparency and self-respect. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of financial education and autonomy, especially for those entering adulthood with early access to substantial income.

But Ariana’s journey is not just a critique; it is also an example of strength and resilience. She is carving a new brand around authenticity, emotional literacy, and boundary setting. Next Gen NYC presents her living in New York City, working, building relationships, and now stepping into financial control letting viewers witness her transition from reality-TV offspring to self-reliant adult.

Going forward, Ariana faces many challenges. Her relationship with both parents remains complicated. Kim continues to rely on her for financial help, while Kroy’s defensive stance in their divorce adds tension. Viewers and media alike will be observing whether Ariana’s newfound independence grows into sustained professional success or whether the turmoil of her upbringing continues to shadow her progress.

But on this night, sticking to her truth on national television and choosing integrity over silence is its own victory. She refused to let financial betrayal define her and set a standard for how public figures, especially young ones, can reclaim their narrative. If Ariana emerges from this experience with both financial stability and emotional clarity, her story will be far more than another reality-TV plot. It will be proof that honesty, boundaries, and grace can thrive even in the most public of upheavals.