On June 9 — in the wake of troubling revelations steeped in racism — Bravo announced that it had fired four stars from one of its most popular shows. "Bravo and Evolution Media confirmed today that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules," the network said in a statement.
The move came a week after former season 4 and 6 "Vanderpump Rules" star Faith Stowers — the only black cast member on the show — revealed during an Instagram Live that a few years ago, original cast members Stassi and Kristen had falsely accused her of drugging men and stealing from them and even called the police to report her. Past racist tweets made by newer cast members Max and Brett in 2012 were brought to light earlier this year.
Faith spoke to Page Six to reveal how she feels in the wake of the firings. "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," Faith told the New York Post's gossip column.
"I was in the middle of prayer [for a family member] and I felt a sense of — I know it sounds corny — I felt a sense of glory," she said, explaining what she was doing shortly before she heard the news that the four Bravo celebrities had been let go. "I felt God's presence, and I'm seeing now [that the news has been revealed] maybe that is what that was. He gave me a sign of optimism meant to be hopeful and showing that all of this was worth it."
Faith explained why she spoke out last week to tell people what had happened with her co-stars. "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," she said. "Now I'm seeing Bravo follow suit — the same as MTV and 'The Challenge' — [by] letting go of castmates that have also made racist remarks,"
Faith continued, "Bravo is releasing women that have given them crazy ratings because they want to be on the right side of history and I'm seeing [that] people are finally hearing us." She also told Page Six that she felt hopeful that production companies and networks would now be "ready to hire casting directors and producers of color to make sure these changes are not just a one-time thing."
After news of the women's firing broke, E! News spoke to a source who shared how Stassi and Kristen were reacting. "Not only are Stassi and Kristen distraught, several of the other cast members are as well. They know the show will never be the same," an insider told E!, adding, "Stassi has been an emotional wreck. She's having a very hard time and has no idea what to do. She feels completely lost and is very disgusted by her actions in the past." According to E!'s source, "Stassi and Kristen have spoken about their actions, and have been in touch about what's going on. They both feel awful about what happened."
A second source further told E! News, "Stassi had, of course, been upset over the weekend but she's weathered social media backlash before and was hoping if she apologized, it would pass." She clearly didn't expect it to escalate. "Stassi and Kristen are completely distraught," the second source added. "They're in shock and crying."