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Lisa Vanderpump is speaking out following a volatile week in which four Vanderpump Rules stars were fired, and more received backlash for past racially insensitive comments.
Earlier in the week it was announced that Bravo had fired and cut ties with Vanderpump Rules stars Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni, and it seems the woman behind the restaurant where the show is based supports the decision.
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“Over the past two weeks, many things have been brought to my attention, of which I and many others were previously unaware. It was necessary for me to be quiet until now, until decisions had been made. Now I can freely speak from the heart,” she began her post in which she condemned “all forms of cruelty, racism, homophobia, bigotry and unequal treatment.”
“As we’ve seen such devastating sadness that has played out globally, we all have a part to play to create a kinder, more just society,” she wrote. “My hope is for this generation to treat each other with respect and humanity, and realize that actions have; and should have, consequences.”
“I love and adore our employees and I am deeply saddened by some of the lack of judgment that has been displayed. As many of you know, after watching me for 10 years, I have always been an equal rights activist and ally – my family, my businesses and I condemn all forms of cruelty, racism, homophobia, bigotry and unequal treatment. We’ve never tolerated it in the workplace or our lives. While you only see a fraction of our employees on the show, a specific friend group, across all of our companies, we have always been a very diverse group of people – every color, ethnicity and sexual orientation,” she continued.
“Most of our employees have worked for us for over a decade, and we have become a family; one that embraces and celebrates each other’s differences. I am proud of the inclusive company that we’ve created. We will continue to embrace diversity as one of our greatest strengths, and I’m excited to give you deeper look into the multi-faceted fabric of our company in the future.”
The 59-year-old concluded, “The world needs to move forward with a kinder generation. Everybody deserves to feel safe, heard and appreciated in their communities. So much of what has transpired in the world is not right, fair or acceptable. We all have work to do to create a society we can be proud of and I hope as we venture forward, we strive to live in a world where kindness and compassion are our highest values. Thank you for listening, love Lisa.”
Since their firing, Doute, Schroeder, Boyens and Caprioni have released statements and apologies about their comments and actions.
Following news of Schroeder and Doute’s firing, Faith Stowers revealed she has no regrets about speaking up.
“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,” she told Page Six. “I was ready to put myself in the line of fire because I don’t know what will happen if I don’t say anything, but I’m glad I did.”