The Controversial Diagnosis: What Thomas Ravenel Claimed About His Son, St. Julien Rembert Ravenel

The question surrounding the health and diagnosis of Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis's son, St. Julien Rembert Ravenel, remains one of the most contentious and sensitive aspects of the *Southern Charm* saga. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the most widely reported—and controversial—information stems from a 2019 court filing where Thomas Ravenel alleged that their son had been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). This claim was made public amidst a protracted and highly publicized custody battle, which ultimately resulted in Ravenel being awarded full custody of both children. The public's curiosity regarding "Thomas Ravenel son diagnosis" is rooted in the dramatic and often dark reality of the former couple's life, heavily documented on the Bravo reality series. The specific allegation of FAS, a severe condition, was a central point in Ravenel's argument for primary custody, citing Kathryn Dennis's alleged excessive drug and alcohol consumption while pregnant. The lack of a recent, independent, or joint public statement confirming the diagnosis means the information remains a disputed claim from a legal proceeding, but it frames the entire narrative around their son's early life and development.

Thomas Ravenel: A Profile in Brief

Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel is an American politician, real estate developer, and reality television personality known primarily for his role on the Bravo series *Southern Charm*. His life has been marked by both political ambition and significant controversy.

• Full Name: Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel
• Date of Birth: August 11, 1962
• Age: 63 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Charleston, South Carolina
• Political Career: Served as the State Treasurer of South Carolina (2004–2007). His political career ended after he was indicted on federal cocaine charges.
• Reality TV Career: One of the original cast members of *Southern Charm*, which premiered in 2014.
• Family: Son of former U.S. Congressman Arthur Ravenel Jr. He has three children: Kensington Calhoun Ravenel (Kensie), St. Julien Rembert Ravenel (Saint), with Kathryn Dennis, and a third child, Jonathan, with ex-girlfriend Ashley Landis.

The Core of the Controversy: The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Claim

The diagnosis claim that ignited public interest was first detailed in court documents filed by Thomas Ravenel in 2019. The documents alleged that his son, St. Julien Rembert Ravenel (born in 2015), was "formally diagnosed with FAS" (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). Ravenel attributed this alleged diagnosis directly to Kathryn Dennis's substance use during her pregnancy.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a serious, non-curable condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It can lead to a range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems, including:

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• Abnormal facial features (e.g., a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose)
• Growth problems (short stature, low body weight)
• Central nervous system problems (poor balance, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties)
• Behavioral issues (hyperactivity, poor impulse control)

While Ravenel’s legal team presented this as a fact in court, the claim was disputed by Kathryn Dennis and her supporters. Furthermore, initial reports from the time of the custody battle also mentioned that the only documented health issue for their son, Saint, was the need for hearing tubes. This discrepancy is critical, as it highlights that the FAS claim was a central, yet contested, allegation in a highly adversarial legal environment rather than a universally accepted medical fact.

The Lengthy Custody Battle and Its Outcome

The discussion around St. Julien's diagnosis is inseparable from the years-long, tumultuous custody battle between the two former reality stars. The legal fight over their two children, Kensington Calhoun Ravenel and St. Julien Rembert Ravenel, was a recurring headline and a source of constant speculation for *Southern Charm* fans.

The custody proceedings were heavily influenced by allegations of substance abuse and mental health struggles on both sides. Kathryn Dennis, who had publicly struggled with substance use, faced numerous legal challenges regarding her fitness as a parent.

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In a significant development, Thomas Ravenel was ultimately awarded primary legal custody of both children. While the exact details of the final court ruling remain private, the outcome confirmed that the court had ruled in Ravenel's favor, giving him the primary role in making key decisions regarding the children's education, health care, and residence.

The custody decision, which has been in effect for some time, is considered the latest major update in the family's legal saga. It solidifies Ravenel's role as the primary caregiver, removing the children from the environment of constant legal and public drama that had surrounded their mother.

St. Julien Rembert Ravenel's Current Life and Privacy

Since Thomas Ravenel was awarded full custody, the children's lives have become noticeably more private. Thomas Ravenel has largely stepped away from the public eye and reality television, a move that provides a greater sense of stability and privacy for his young children. St. Julien, often referred to as Saint, was born in November 2015, making him approximately nine years old as of 2025.

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The focus on St. Julien's diagnosis has largely shifted to his well-being and development away from the cameras. In the absence of new public statements from either parent or court records, the controversial FAS diagnosis remains an unverified claim from a past legal battle. The current reality is that St. Julien Rembert Ravenel is being raised primarily by his father, Thomas Ravenel, outside of the *Southern Charm* spotlight. This withdrawal from public life is the most definitive update on the children's status, prioritizing their stability over continued public scrutiny.