In her latest reality show, Stassi Schroeder candidly shared her perspective on how Vanderpump Rules seemed to prioritize men’s interests over women’s. During the debut episode of Freeform and Hulu’s House of Stassi, Stassi, 38, expressed to Katie Maloney that, while she loved Vanderpump Rules, it is something she believes will leave lasting emotional scars, requiring therapy for years to come.
Stassi criticized the Bravo series, noting, “It was always about making the girls appear unstable, as if they had issues. They protected the boys, they protected the men.” In a confessional, she delved into her “mixed feelings” about the show that brought her fame.
Though some things remain constant, the cast of Vanderpump Rules is accustomed to changes and updates. The show debuted on Bravo during a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in January 2013, featuring Lisa Vanderpump, Stassi Schroeder, Scheana Shay, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, and Tom Sandoval.
Stassi acknowledged her gratitude for the opportunities the show provided but criticized its tendency to normalize and reward negative behavior. Reflecting on her return to reality TV, she questioned her decision-making, saying, “Are you being a dumb bitch?”
Despite her fears, Stassi remains drawn to reality TV, describing a love-hate relationship with it. She asserted that she was determined not to let Vanderpump Rules define her legacy.
Stassi first appeared on reality TV as a contestant on season 8 of The Amazing Race and later on the short-lived series Queen Bees, which aired two years before she began working at Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant.
After gaining popularity on Vanderpump Rules, which premiered in 2013, Stassi expanded her career by publishing her first book, Next Level Basic: The Definitive Basic Bitch Handbook, in 2019.
When viewers first met the staff at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant during the 2013 premiere of Vanderpump Rules, it was evident that everyone was involved in each other’s personal lives. Stassi Schroeder’s tumultuous relationship with Jax Taylor changed dramatically when he became involved with her best friend Kristen Doute, while Peter Madrigal had casual connections with several cast members.
Following her departure from Vanderpump Rules alongside Kristin Doute after season 8 due to a controversy involving former co-star Faith Stowers, Stassi penned a second book, Off With My Head, and shifted her focus to her podcast.
In an interview with TV Insider, Stassi revealed that her ambition was always to pursue something greater after Vanderpump Rules. She acknowledged the show’s immense success but never intended to let it be her sole achievement, likening the experience to others seeking spinoffs from Bravo shows.
In her personal life, Stassi found happiness with Beau Clark. The couple married in 2020, welcomed their daughter Hartford in 2021, and expanded their family with a son, Messer, two years later.
House of Stassi is set to premiere on Hulu on Thursday, July 30.
