Lisa Vanderpump speaks out on ‘Vanderpump Rules’ stars being fired over racist claims
Lisa Vanderpump says she can now “freely speak from the heart” after cast members from her show, “Vanderpump Rules,” were fired following allegations of racism.
The restauranteur and Bravo reality star posted a statement Wednesday on her verified Instagram account.
“Over the past two weeks, many things have been brought to my attention, of which I and many others were previously unaware. It was necessary for me to be quiet until now, until decisions had been made,” Vanderpump wrote. “Now I can freely speak from the heart.”
Bravo confirmed to CNN that “Vanderpump Rules” cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute would not be returning to the show after Faith Stowers, who appeared on the series occasionally, accused the pair of racist actions against her. Schroeder and Doute are white, and Stowers is black.
New cast members Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni were also dismissed from the show after racist tweets from their past recirculated. Vanderpump owns several restaurants in the Los Angeles area, and the reality show focuses on the lives of some of her employees.
The firings come amidst more attention being paid to racism and racial injustice in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody.
Vanderpump wrote in her posted statement of the “devastating sadness that has played out globally,” adding, “My hope is for this generation to treat each other with respect and humanity, and realize that actions have; and should have, consequences.”
“I love and adore our employees and I am deeply saddened by some of the lack of judgment that has been displayed,” she wrote. “As many of you know, after watching me for 10 years, I have always been an equal rights activist and ally — my family, my businesses and I condemn all forms of cruelty, racism, homophobia, bigotry and unequal treatment. We’ve never tolerated it in the workplace or our lives.”
The former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member said viewers only see a fraction of her employees on the show, noted that her company is inclusive and added that they will continue to embrace diversity.
“So much of what has transpired in the world is not right, fair or acceptable,” Vanderpump wrote. “We all have work to do to create a society we can be proud of and I hope as we venture forward, we strive to live in a world where kindness and compassion are our highest values.”
