Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute out at 'Vanderpump Rules' for racist actions

Over the past two weeks, the Black Lives Matter movement has, in many ways, inspired a global awakening. Within this revolution, individuals and brands—regardless of perceived influence, power, or stature—are being held accountable for actions or statements that perpetuate systemic racism and white supremacy. The cast of Vanderpump Rules, as it stands, is no exception.

Last week, former Vanderpump Rules cast member Faith Stowers spoke out about the discriminatory treatment she received from her cast-mates Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute, when they reported her to the police for a crime she did not commit.On June 9, Bravo issued a statement saying, “Bravo and Evolution Media confirmed today that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules.” This news comes after various sponsors and even Schroeder's PR agency reported that they cut ties with the reality star.During an Instagram Live, Stowers explained how the incident unfolded. “There was this article on Daily Mail where there was an African American lady. It was a weird photo, so she looked very light-skinned and had these different, weird tattoos. They showcased her, and I guess this woman was robbing people. And they called the cops and said it was me. This is like, a true story. I heard this from actually Stassi during an interview.”[video_embed id='1973977']RELATED: Bachelor Nation rallies for Black Bachelor[/video_embed]

According to Stowers, Schroeder and Doute told the military police she had "gone AWOL" and accused her of stealing castmate Jax Taylor’s car. Schroeder even boasted about the incident in detail on a Bitch Bible podcast episode in 2018.

Doute, on the other hand, took to Twitter to share a link about the woman involved in the crime stating, “hey tweeties, doesn’t this ex #pumprules thief look familiar? someone put her on mtv & gave her a platform for press. I didn’t wanna go there but I’m going there.” After resurfacing this week, the tweet has since been deleted.

As news of their past indiscretion resurfaced, both Schroeder and Doute quickly issued public apologies to their social platforms. Schroeder noted, “It is important that I continue to take accountability for what I have said and done, while pushing myself to do better. I have grown significantly from the person I was then, and I am still filled with remorse and regret for the hurt I caused.” She also promised to take this time to listen, learn, and take accountability for her own privilege.

In Doute’s apology, the reality star insists that “although her actions were not racially driven," she is now aware of how her privilege blinded her from the reality of law enforcement’s treatment of the Black community, and how dangerous her actions could have been to Faith.

Both apologies have come under scrutiny, with detractors commenting that they should have apologized directly to Faith.

Friendly reminder that Stassi and Kristen did NOT even personally reach out to Faith to apologize. Their public-facing apologies are to save face. Nothing more than that. (Screenshot from reddit) #PumpRules pic.twitter.com/p1lIIrCn0q

— Sophie Ross (@SophRossss) June 8, 2020

Last week, recent Vanderpump cast additions Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni also came under fire after past racist tweets were uncovered. Both men issued apologies and, at the time, Lisa Vanderpump stood by her decision to keep them as a part of her staff. Addressing the backlash to Andy Cohen, Vanderpump stated, "If I fired every one of you that have made mistakes, it doesn't matter to what degree, probably none of you would have a job.”Bravo’s decision to cut ties with the cast members comes after viewers have been increasingly adamant that the stars face consequences for their actions.

Y’all fired Stassi, Kristen, Max, and Brett yet? https://t.co/Pl1NxKxjl5

— Ira Madison III (@ira) June 8, 2020

Fans have also pointed out that Jax took part in spreading the initial rumours about Faith, and has come under fire for homophobic behaviour over the years, which begs the question of what will happen with Jax as the show as it gears up for its ninth season.

[video_embed id='1973107']RELATED: Michael B. Jordan wants Hollywood to 'commit to Black hiring'[/video_embed]