What you need to know
Arianna Biermann and Hudson McCleroy have split after taking on the next big city of New York.
Ariana, the daughter of The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, told Next Generation New York’s cameras that she had an on-again, off-again relationship with Hudson for nine years after they met in high school.
In October 2025, Ariana shared a post on her Instagram Stories confirming that she and Hudson had “decided to go their separate ways.”
A year earlier, in October 2024, while the couple was still together, the Don’t Be Tardy alum shared an Instagram to celebrate Hudson’s birthday, in which she called him her “favorite person in the world.”
Ariana wrote, “I can’t imagine life without you and our love. I’m so grateful to have grown with you.” “We’ve been through it together, and that’s part of what makes us who we are. I’ve never loved anyone this much, I didn’t even know my heart was capable of it.”
So, who is Ariana Biermann’s ex-boyfriend? Here’s everything you need to know about Hudson McLeroy and the Next Generation NYC star’s former relationship.
he grew up in atlanta
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Like Ariana, Hudson also grew up in Atlanta, according to Bravo TV.
According to his Bravo TV profile, Hudson already has a successful career as an investor. According to his Instagram profile, he is also an artist.
Hudson comes from a prestigious family.
Hudson McLeroy/Instagram
Hudson’s parents may not be Bravo stars like Ariana, but his family still makes headlines for their business success.
His father, Zach McCleroy, co-founder of chicken chain Zaxby’s, has a net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes.
According to the outlet, Zack opened the first Zaxby’s chain in Georgia in 1990, before selling his 20% stake to Goldman Sachs in 2020 for an estimated $400 million. Zack will serve as the chain’s CEO until 2022 and remains chairman of the board, according to Forbes.
Meanwhile, Hudson’s half-brother Parker Lipman appeared on MTV’s Buckhead Shore in 2022.
they started dating in high school
Ariana Biermann/Instagram
According to Bravo TV, Ariana and Hudson met in high school and began dating in October 2018 when they attended the homecoming dance together.
At the time, Ariana shared a photo from the moment on Instagram, and her mother also gave her approval in the comments section.
“Where does the time go??” Kim wrote. “My angel @arianabiermann is heading to Homecoming with @hudson.mcleroy. Aren’t these two the cutest!!?! They’re only a few hours apart and they’re both turning 17 this week!!”
According to the media, they got back together in 2022 after a short breakup.
In October of the same year, Ariana reflected on their longtime relationship in an Instagram post for Hudson’s birthday, writing, “You are everything I dreamed of and have been since you were 14.”
“You have brought me more happiness than I could have ever imagined,” she continued. “Thank you for helping me fight these past seven years. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Ariana and Hudson will move to New York together in July 2024
Hudson McLeroy/Instagram
In July 2024, Ariana shared in an Instagram post that she and Hudson were embarking on a new chapter in New York.
“Taking our love story to a new city :),” she captioned a photo taken in front of the Manhattan skyline. “We are officially living in New York!!!! Thank you God for making this possible and making my dream come true with my best friend under 3.”
In an October 2024 Instagram post on Ariana’s birthday, Hudson reflected on their new life in New York, writing, “It’s not a walk in the park as a young couple, but moving your entire life three times in 12 months.”
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy to live in a new city with family and friends just a plane ride away and no longer just a short drive, but we’re taking it one day at a time,” he continued. “I am extremely proud of all the challenges we have overcome this year and the goals we have achieved together.”
they traveled around the world together
Ariana Biermann/Instagram
Although they are based in New York, they have traveled all over the world together, including a trip to Alaska in August 2023.
“I love seeing the world with you ♡,” Ariana captioned an Instagram photo taken at Sheldon Chalet in Alaska.
In March 2024, she shared a glimpse of them watching the Northern Lights together, followed by photos from their trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands the following month.
Ariana called Hudson her “soulmate”
Ariana Biermann/Instagram
Ariana has shared many heartfelt messages with Hudson on social media throughout their relationship. In October 2023, she posted a sweet message on Instagram for Hudson’s birthday, in which she called him her “soulmate.”
“There are no words to explain how grateful I am to you,” she wrote. “I have never enjoyed every moment with someone as much as I do with you. You truly are my absolute best friend. Our love is so pure.”
Hudson shared a sweet message of his own. In October 2022, Hudson shared 21 reasons he loves her in an Instagram post, including “the way[she]finds joy in the little things” and how she makes him “happier than[he]has ever been.”
To celebrate that year, Ariana celebrated her 21st birthday with a cake decorated with her own mug shot, which was taken after she and Hudson were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in August 2024, according to public records obtained by PEOPLE.
In 2025, Ariana pleaded guilty to reckless driving and possession and use of drug paraphernalia. She will serve two years’ probation, pay a $2,000 fine and perform 40 hours of community service, according to multiple media outlets.
Co-starred with Biermann in “Next Gen NYC”
Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo
Ariana and Hudson were both main cast members on the debut season of Next Gen NYC, appearing alongside other Bravo star children.
The show follows a group of 20-somethings who grew up in the spotlight, including Teresa Giudice’s daughter Gia Giudice, as they navigate early adulthood.
In April 2025, Ariana commented on Hudson’s Instagram promo for the show, saying, “I’m so happy we’re together, I love you 🩷.”
Ahead of the June 3 premiere, Hudson told PEOPLE that stepping into the spotlight was an “interesting experience” and one that included “some nerves throughout the process.”
He went on to say that being in front of the camera has allowed him to see a new side of himself, explaining that he’s “branching out.”
“It used to be a lot quieter,” he said. “It made me talk more and be more authentic.”
Ariana announces disbandment in October 2025
Ariana revealed in a post on her Instagram Story that her relationship with Hudson ended on October 14th.
“Hudson and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she wrote. “These things are never easy, but we both know it’s what’s best for us right now. We’re so grateful for all the love and support you’ve shown us over the years. Sometimes life takes you in a different direction and that’s okay <3 We love you all."