Tori Spelling Says Ian Ziering’s Dating Advice Felt ‘Offensive’ amid Divorce

As she learns to navigate life as a single woman, Tori Spelling is getting candid about a part of modern dating she may not be ready for.

On a recent episode of her misSPELLING podcast, the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, 50, opened up about reuniting with her former costars, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty at Steel City Con. While catching up with her friends, Spelling confessed that she received a suggestion that took her aback.

Noting that the convention was the “first time I saw the entire group since I filed for divorce [from Dean McDermott]” in late March, Spelling revealed that she tried her best to “step beyond” the sad news in her life and cracked “silly” jokes as a coping mechanism. After exchanging a hug with Priestley, the actress had her first in-person conversation with Ziering since the split.

“At dinner one night, he said, ‘So what’s the next step? And I was like, ‘Wait, like literally, like in the divorce? And he’s like, ‘Well, no, for you personally, like, what do you feel?'” she recalled of Ziering. “He goes, ‘You’re on a dating sites?’ I was like, ‘No.’ And I had that moment where I’m like, What? Oh, my God. It’s as if you said the most offensive thing to me.”

Ziering explained that dating apps were “the evolution” of how people met their romantic partners.

“Eventually, you’re going to get yourself back out there, and it’s going to be great. And it’s your second chapter and all that,” Spelling said, repeating Ziering’s words. “But I had that moment where I was like, ‘No, I would never. I’m never getting on a dating site.'”

Tori Spelling.

Taylor Hill/WireImage


When she mulled over the prospect of online dating, the mom of five wondered if she should sign up.

“Remember, I’ve never done it,” she explained her apprehension. “I’ve been married for 18 years. Like dating sites didn’t exist then.”

In late March, PEOPLE confirmed that Spelling, 50, filed for divorce from McDermott after 18 years of marriage. In her court filing, the actress cited irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their split.

Over the past few years, the couple have fielded rumors about the status of their marriage, especially after Spelling shared a holiday card on Instagram where McDermott was notably absent.

(L-R) Stella Spelling, Tori Spelling, Beau Spelling, Dean McDermott, Finn Spelling, and Hattie Spelling.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images


In recent months, the two have both moved on. McDermott is seeing new girlfriend Lily Calo while Spelling was spotted kissing Ryan Cramer, the CEO of Santa Monica-based agency Neuron Syndicate Inc., in November.

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On the inaugural episode of her misSPELLING podcast, Spelling broke her silence about the dissolution of her marriage and how she’s been affected by the split.

“I’ve never felt more alone,” she confessed. “I don’t feel worth loving. That’s the truth. And that’s something that’s just in you, it’s not something I wanted or created. That starts when you’re young. [And changing it], that’s not easy to do. … I don’t know if you can.”

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