Stassi Schroeder claims 'Vanderpump Rules' made women ‘look psychotic’
The reality star said she is grateful for the opportunities provided, but believes the series normalised unhealthy behaviour
Stassi Schroeder has criticised the producers behind Vanderpump Rules, claiming the long-running reality series gave preferential treatment to its male stars while portraying the women unfairly.
The 38-year-old reality TV personality made the comments during the premiere episode of House of Stassi on Freeform and Hulu while speaking with former co-star Katie Maloney.
“I loved Vanderpump Rules but it also is literally what we’re gonna have PTSD about and have to talk to therapists about for the rest of our life,” Schroeder said.
She went on to accuse the show's producers of editing the series in a way that painted the female cast in a negative light.
“It was always, ‘Make the girls look psychotic, make the girls look like they have issues.’ They covered for the boys, they covered for the men,” she claimed.
Schroeder, who appeared on Vanderpump Rules from 2013 until 2020, acknowledged the show helped launch her career but said it also came with lasting emotional consequences.
“I’m so appreciative of it, and it’s given me so many opportunities. But it normalized so much darkness,” she said.
“It rewarded so much darkness until it didn’t. I’m scared of reality TV but it’s all I know. I love it but I’m also traumatized by it. But I can’t stay away from it. But I was not gonna let Vanderpump Rules be my legacy.”
Meanwhile, Lisa Vanderpump has previously defended the rebooted version of the series, saying its new cast offers viewers “a lot more depth” beyond the on-screen drama.
Speaking during Bravo’s Watch Party: Vanderpump Rules Premiere panel, Vanderpump said the latest stars reveal more personal and emotional sides of themselves, giving audiences a deeper understanding of who they are.