Will Scheana Shay return for ‘VPR’ Season 12? Reality star details decision to ‘fight for future’ of Bravo show
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Following the conclusion of 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 11 reunion on Tuesday, May 28, Scheana Shay and Lala Kent faced criticism for their actions towards Ariana Madix, specifically for pressuring her to film with Sandoval.
In response to backlash from fans, Lala issued an apology for her previous comments, while Scheana defended her stance, advocating for the continued success of 'Vanderpump Rules.'
“Watching it back and this is not me — even though people will probably say it is — trying to backpedal or gain 1 percent of the audience back. I think I’ve lost who I’ve lost, and maybe there will be a season 12, and people will understand more of me," the Bravo star shared.
She further added, "But I feel like with Ariana walking away, after we filmed the reunion and all of that, I do feel a little differently.”
The 33-year-old continued, “I always see both sides. I completely understand Lala. Then I also understand Ariana being like, ‘But this isn’t real and we’re supposed to film our real lives.’ So there are two things that can be true at the same time. And seeing her stand her ground, I’m like, ‘OK, respect. You didn’t cave, and you held on to your boundary.'”
Scheana Shay reveals ‘Vanderpump Rules’ nearly canceled due to ‘lack of drama’
Scheana Shay recently opened up about the criticism surrounding season 11 of 'Vanderpump Rules,' shedding light on a pivotal meeting with producers that ultimately shaped the direction of the show. By sharing her side of the story, she provided fans with a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in reality television production.
In the latest episode of her podcast 'Scheananigans' which was released on Friday, May 31, Scheana addressed the rumors about her involvement in encouraging her fellow cast members to interact with Tom Sandoval following his cheating scandal with Rachel 'Raquel' Leviss.
There have been claims that a conversation with producers offscreen may have influenced the cast's behavior towards Sandoval, but Scheana wanted to set the record straight and clarify any misunderstandings. She delved into the details of the situation, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics and providing insight into her own perspective on the matter.
“It was a whole season of feeling like we all kind of had to walk on eggshells. I know [executive producer] Alex Baskin has said that midseason, the show was not in a good place. It was, you know, ‘X, Y and Z needs to happen. Or we’re going to have a short season and the show’s going to be canceled and that’s it. Go live your lives.’” Scheana claimed.
She added, “I think Lala and I felt a lot of pressure after that day when it was like, ‘Well, we don’t want the show to get canceled.'”
‘Vanderpump Rules’ star Scheana Shay opens up on her bond with Ariana Madix in reunion special
During 'VPR' Season 11 reunion special, Scheana Shay delved into the intricacies of her friendship with Ariana, discussing the highs and lows, the moments of laughter and tears, and the evolution of their bond over the years.
Ariana mentioned that the past year had been particularly challenging for her, with Scheana pointing out that Ariana had been incredibly busy. Scheana further mentioned feeling a sense of distance between them even before filming 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 11.
During the episode, Andy Cohen asked Scheana if she was 'jealous' of the opportunities Ariana received because of Tom Sandoval's scandal. Scheana clarified that she didn't feel jealous but admitted to feeling 'left out.' In the reunion special, Scheana emphasized that her friendship with Ariana was genuine and authentic when the cameras were rolling.
‘Vanderpump Rules’ star Scheana Shay forgives Tom Sandoval on screen
Scheana Shay went into great detail about the factors that influenced her decision to forgive Sandoval, providing a thorough explanation for her willingness to do so while the cameras were rolling.
“There’s a crew of 80 to 100 people who work on this show. And I said this at the reunion — which you didn’t see — but I was like, ‘I feel like we’re doing our jobs also for all of these people. We want to keep this going.’ And so when someone does just walk away, they don’t care if the show ends, it’s not just about us," she shared on the podcast.
She went on to say, “There’s so many more people that do rely on this, and that’s where it just got really hard because I’m like, I do understand and respect your boundaries, but it just made it really difficult.”
