Ashley Kelsey recently shared her reasoning for voting against Amber Borzotra during episode 7 of *The Challenge All Stars: Rivals*. In a candid interview with Parade on March 20, 2025, Kelsey explained the pressures she faced, stating:
“And what people don’t know about this decision, though, is, the week before she goes home, the one that I go in that, I was asked to throw them in.”
Initially, Ashley hesitated to nominate her ally Amber Borzotra and Fessy Shafaat. However, the evolving dynamics within the game ultimately influenced her decision.
Ashley Kelsey’s Insight on a Difficult Vote
Forging a Connection with Amber
Ashley and Amber first bonded during their flight to Vietnam, opening up about their experiences as mothers.
“We were crying; I was crying. We were just the crying moms, just a hot mess,”Ashley reminisced.
This heartfelt encounter significantly deepened their connection, as both contestants relied on each other throughout *The Challenge All Stars: Rivals*. When the time came to make a voting decision, Ashley found herself torn between her friendship with Amber and the realities of competition.
“I was told I was the number they needed to vote for Fessy and Amber…I said no. There was no question. ‘Absolutely not. Figure it out,'”Ashley recounted.
Despite her initial rejection of the proposition, Ashley’s circumstances shifted as the game progressed.
Strategic Choices Amidst Tough Decisions
As the game unfolded, Ashley discerned that Amber and Fessy were likely to face elimination again.
“They’re gonna keep coming up until they go in. Unfortunately, that’s just what’s gonna happen,”stated Ashley.
Confronted with dwindling options, Ashley ultimately opted to cast her vote against Amber and Fessy, prioritizing her long-standing alliances with Frank and Sam, whom she affectionately described as her “number ones.”This allegiance forced her to reassess her bonds, demonstrating the balancing act required in competitive gameplay.
Additionally, Ashley’s partner, Dario, played a crucial role in her decision-making. He expressed the gravity of the situation with a stark warning.
“Dario looked at me and was like, ‘I will throw you in this river if you do that. We have to vote for them,'”she recalled.
Repercussions of the Vote
Voting to eliminate Amber was not without its consequences. Amber’s dissatisfaction with Ashley’s choice became evident, yet Ashley had proactively communicated her intentions beforehand.
“Dario didn’t want to tell them. He’s like, ‘We’re not telling them.’ I’m like, ‘Yes, we are 100% taking them aside,'”Ashley insisted.
This commitment to transparency, although it stirred tension within the house, signified Ashley’s understanding of the game’s complex nature. As she navigated through her multitiered relationships, her position became increasingly intricate.
“We weren’t a team of four; we were a team of two,”Ashley reflected.
This statement underscores the crux of *The Challenge*: while personal bonds are cherished, strategic action is crucial for survival in the competition.
For more updates and insights, tune in to *The Challenge All Stars: Rivals* every Wednesday at 8 PM on MTV.