Van’s lawsuit was the last straw for Ryan.
Ryan and Van used to be close on “Black Ink Crew Chicago.” In fact, Ryan was there for Van when he got locked up. However, their friendship took a turn after Van was released. He came back to the shop and took issue with how Ryan was running 9 Mag. This led to blowups between them. And Ryan wanted Van to respect and understand that 9 Mag is the business that he created. So he ultimately has the last say when it comes to how things will run.
Van felt like Ryan wasn’t being loyal to his day ones. So the tension between them began to impact the rest of the group. Ultimately, Van and Ryan were able to get to a more cordial space. However, Ryan rubbed Van the wrong way after he decided to close down the original 9 Mag. Prior to his decision, he decided to make Van the manager of the old shop. However, Ryan felt it was time to pull the plug when he saw that the drama between employees was not being shut down by Van. So that pretty much put an end to the friendship.
Interestingly enough, Van will make his return on the upcoming episodes. In one scene of the preview, Van asks Ryan what happened to make Ryan stop speaking to him. Don is there to answer. He says, “That tattoo from years ago.”
Don is most likely referring to the tattoo Van did on the show years ago in which a client claimed they got an infection.
Van makes an interesting revelation about the client’s response to a bad tattoo done by him, “She actually sued me for over $600,000.”
Don then says, “Ryan ended up having to pay that bill, G.”
Is Ryan ready to walk away from the show?
Ryan is also having some issues with his current employees. One of his artists makes it clear they are tired of doing the show, “**** the show, bro! We don’t have to do the show for people to respect us.”
And Ryan is starting to question if it’s best to keep doing the show.
“Did we not go around the world and let people know that 9 Mag was about great art? That’s what we are and that’s what we gon continue to do whether it’s with or without TV. I may not be able to do this **** no more. I gotta take a step back from everything.”
Another major source of drama takes place between Phor and his child’s mother, Nina. In one scene she tells Phor, “You crossed all of my ******* boundaries, but when it comes to yours, you want me to step aside.” Fans have been critical of this scene because Phor ends up getting up in Nina’s face and going off. And they have been calling him out on social media because they feel it’s inappropriate for him to get in Nina’s face.
Ashley and Don seemingly have a blowup in therapy. And Ashley is not okay with Don telling her she hasn’t been a good wife.
Other important moments from the preview include a touching scene between Miss Kitty and her father. She breaks down in tears as she opens up about wishing she could call her mother. Her mother passed away from cancer. And Draya wants to learn more about her family. But she must confront some tough truths first.
“Black Ink Crew Chicago” returns Tuesday, August 8 at 8/7c on VH1.
“I gotta take a step back from EVERYTHING.” 🤯
The future of 9MAG is on the line. Don’t miss the return of #BlackInkCHI THIS TUESDAY at 8/7c on @VH1! 💥 pic.twitter.com/aOcngLBmBk
— Black Ink Crew (@BlackInkCrew) August 3, 2022
Phor and Nina has a child together before they really got to know each other. That never ends well.
Aww Kitty. I know it’s tough to lose a parent. I pray she finds peace. I used to like Phor but I don’t like the little passive aggressive things he did to Charmaine and Kitty. He kicked them while they were down but got so much support when he was going through depression. He should have shown them the same kind of compassion. Not cool.
The show sucks. It’s okay if Ryan leaves….