Why Stassi Schroeder And Kristen Doute Were Fired From Vanderpump Rules

Arguably the most dramatic incident in Vanderpump Rules history went down on June 9, 2020, when Bravo issued a statement to Variety confirming "that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens, and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules." 

The show that is notorious for constantly adding new cast members instead of firing anyone, arrived at the shocking decision after former VR cast member Faith Stowers called out Stassi and Kristen for calling the cops on her in 2018. 

As Faith recalled, the women made the report after reading a Daily Mail article about an African American woman who was allegedly drugging and robbing men in Los Angeles, according to Page Six. Faith recalled during an Instagram Live session (via NBC News), "It was a weird photo, so she looked very light-skinned and had these different, weird tattoos. I guess this woman was robbing people." She added, "And they called the cops and said it was me. This is like, a true story. I heard this from, actually, Stassi during an interview." 

As a result of the revelation, multiple brands stopped sponsoring Stassi.

On June 7, 2020, Stassi apologized for her actions on Instagram, as did Kristen. However, the posts were too little, too late. On June 8, 2020, Variety reported that Stassi was dropped by her agent, who works for United Talent Agency, and her longtime publicist from Metro Public Relations quit as well. The PR firm told Variety, "We made the decision this weekend to part ways with Stassi."

Faith Stowers' revelation about Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute's past behavior led to their dismissal from the show, but the drama didn't stop there. In January 2020, racist tweets from Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni's past resurfaced.

Max addressed the controversy with Entertainment Tonight, stating, "I want to sincerely apologize for what I tweeted in 2012 — it was wrong on every level. It is not a representation of who I am. I am shocked I ever tweeted that — and I am disgusted and embarrassed — I am truly sorry." Brett told People, "I want to express my deepest apologies for the insensitive, ignorant, and hurtful comments I made. I am incredibly ashamed and accept full responsibility, and acknowledge that this language was as unacceptable then as it is now... From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry."

Lisa Vanderpump explained why she didn't fire Max and Brett during a June 2, 2020 episode of Vanderpump Rules, saying (via Page Six), "If I fired every one of you that have made mistakes, it doesn't matter to what degree, probably none of you would have a job." She added, "I have never seen any inkling of anything that would make me believe that that's the beliefs they're holding now. And if I had, they wouldn't be working for me."

On May 31, 2020, Bravo tweeted, "Bravo stands in solidarity with the Black community against systemic racism and oppression experienced every day in America. We owe it to our Black staff, talent, production partners & viewers to demand change and accountability. To be silent is to be complicit. #BlackLivesMatter." 

Then on June 8, 2020, Bravo announced that its parent company, Comcast NBCUniversal, has "committed to a $100 million multiyear plan to advance social justice and equality." The plan includes partnering with organizations that are "working to eradicate injustice and inequality.⁠" There will also be efforts toward diversity and inclusion among employees. The company plans to "amplify Black voices and Black stories, highlighting diverse cultures and shedding light on inequality.⁠"

Additionally, Bravo aired a two-part episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen dedicated to a discussion about Black Lives Matter on June 8, 2020, featuring Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams and comedian/activist, W. Kamau Bell. Earlier that day, the Bravo Instagram account shared a live discussion hosted by Justin Sylvester featuring Real Housewives cast members Porsha, Kandi Burruss, Gizelle Bryant on the same subject matter. 

With the network stepping up to take action in so many constructive ways, it was only logical that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens, and Brett Caprioni were fired from Vanderpump Rules. 

Following the news that Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were fired from Vanderpump Rules for making a false police report against her, Faith Stowers told Page Six on June 9, 2020, "I feel so vindicated studios and production are able to see blatant racism and make these positive changes and help move the race forward — help with the fight forward."

"I was in the middle of prayer and I felt a sense of — I know it sounds corny — I felt a sense of glory," Faith continued. "I felt God's presence and I'm seeing now [that the news has been revealed] maybe that is what that was. He gave me a sign of optimism meant to be hopeful and showing that all of this was worth it."

The reality star added that she was "ready to put [her]self in the line of fire" because she doesn't know what would have happened if she hadn't spoken up. "Now I'm seeing Bravo follow suit — the same as MTV and The Challenge — [by] letting go of castmates that have also made racist remarks," she said. "Bravo is releasing women that have given them crazy ratings because they want to be on the right side of history, and I'm seeing [that] people are finally hearing us."

Faith noted that she hopes that others in the industry are "ready to hire casting directors and producers of color to make sure these changes are not just a one-time thing."