Stassi Schroeder Alleges Vanderpump Rules Shielded Male Stars From Accountability

In a candid conversation with co-star Katie Maloney, Stassi Schroeder reflected on her time on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules, expressing gratitude for opportunities provided while acknowledging lasting trauma suffered. According to Us Magazine, Stassi said she loved Vanderpump Rules but it also left her with PTSD, noting: “We’re gonna have to talk to therapists about it for the rest of our lives.”

During the interview, Stassi also shared her criticism of how the show portrayed female cast members. She claimed: “They covered for the boys, they covered for the men,” suggesting male stars were given preferential treatment. This assertion implies the show's producers often presented women in an unfairly negative light.

Moreover, Stassi criticized the way the show normalized unhealthy dynamics. She noted: “It normalized so much darkness” and added that the series initially rewarded these behaviors before eventually losing favor. By making such comments, Stassi suggests that the show's portrayal of toxic relationships can have long-lasting consequences.

As someone shaped and scarred by her experience, Stassi expressed mixed feelings about returning to reality television. She admitted: “It’s all I know, I love it but I’m also traumatized by it.” When asked why she wanted to distance herself from her legacy, Stassi replied: “I had to make this happen. I had to.”

The timing of Stassi's reflections is notable given her recent involvement in new projects, including House of Stassi on Hulu and Freeform. Her statement underscores the complexities surrounding her decision to leave behind a part of her past, particularly following eight years as a mainstay on the show.

First appearing on The Amazing Race in 2013, Stassi later worked at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant before joining Vanderpump Rules. After a controversy led to her firing alongside Kristin Doute in 2020, Stassi appears determined to break free from the shadows of her previous life.

With two young children and multiple projects underway, including releasing Off With My Head, Stassi seems poised to write a new chapter in her story – one where she regains control over her narrative.