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The Family Finances Were a Mess: Cole McBee's Damning Claims About the Weaver Dynasty

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 3:13 GMT by Bravo
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The drama on Southern Charm continues to escalate, and this time it’s not just about petty squabbles or questionable relationships. Former cast member Cole McBee has dropped a bombshell, alleging that the Weaver family – Craig Conover, Austen Kroll, and Shep Rose's business partners and friends – have been operating with shockingly lax financial practices within their successful tequila brand, Sweetgrass. In an interview with The Skinny Confidential Podcast, McBee’s claims paint a picture of disorganization, potential mismanagement, and a general lack of oversight that could jeopardize the future of the burgeoning alcohol empire.

McBee, who was previously involved in Sweetgrass' early days as a consultant, didn’t mince words when describing his experience. He stated he left the company due to concerns about the financial structure and how money was being handled. The core of his accusations revolves around a perceived lack of accountability and transparency within the Weaver family's management of the business.

One of McBee’s most startling claims is that Craig Conover, Austen Kroll, and Shep Rose were essentially operating without a formal accounting system for several years. He alleges that money was being moved between accounts with little to no documentation, making it difficult to track expenses or understand the true financial health of Sweetgrass. This lack of structure, according to McBee, created an environment ripe for potential errors and even fraud.

"They were just kind of moving money around," McBee explained on the podcast. "There wasn't really a formal accounting system in place for years. It was like, 'Oh, we need $50,000, let’s move it from this account to that account.'" He emphasized that while he doesn't believe anyone intentionally acted maliciously, the lack of proper financial controls created significant risk.

He further elaborated on a specific incident involving a large sum of money – reportedly around $200,000 – that was allegedly transferred between accounts without clear justification or documentation. This event, according to McBee, solidified his concerns and ultimately led to his departure from the company. He felt uncomfortable being involved in a business operating with such loose financial practices.

McBee’s allegations aren't just about disorganization; they also touch on potential legal ramifications. Without proper accounting records, Sweetgrass could face difficulties during audits or if any disputes arise regarding finances. The lack of transparency could also make it challenging to secure further investment or expand the business in the future.

The response from the Southern Charm crew has been predictably mixed. Craig Conover initially dismissed McBee's claims as "clickbait" and suggested that he was attempting to generate attention through controversy. He acknowledged that Sweetgrass’ early financial practices were less structured, but insisted they have since implemented more robust systems.

“We’ve grown a lot,” Conover stated in an Instagram story responding to the allegations. “When we started, it was just us three guys trying to figure things out. We didn't know what we were doing.” He added that they now have a dedicated team handling finances and accounting.

Austen Kroll echoed Conover’s sentiment, downplaying McBee’s accusations while acknowledging the company’s evolution. Shep Rose has remained relatively silent on the matter, likely opting to avoid further fueling the controversy.

However, some fans are questioning the sincerity of their denials, pointing out that McBee's claims align with previous reports suggesting financial mismanagement within Sweetgrass. The fact that McBee was a consultant involved in the early stages of the business lends credibility to his perspective. He wasn’t an outsider looking in; he was actively participating and witnessing these practices firsthand.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by rapidly growing businesses, particularly those founded by individuals with limited financial expertise. While Sweetgrass has undoubtedly achieved significant success, McBee's allegations raise serious questions about the underlying financial health of the company and the potential risks associated with its management structure. Whether or not his claims are fully substantiated remains to be seen, but they have undeniably injected a new layer of drama into the already complex world of Southern Charm. The future of Sweetgrass tequila may depend on how the Weaver family addresses these accusations and demonstrates their commitment to sound financial practices moving forward. Ultimately, McBee's statements serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of establishing robust financial controls from the outset, even for seemingly successful ventures. It also underscores the potential consequences of prioritizing growth over proper governance, leaving the door open for future complications and reputational damage.