How Faith Stowers really feels after the Vanderpump Rules firings

How Faith Stowers really feels after the Vanderpump Rules firings

06/10/2020

After Black Lives Matter protests erupted around the country (and around the world), more celebrities are speaking out about their racist experiences on set in Hollywood. Case in point: Lea Michele’s former Glee co-star, Samantha Ware, accused the Broadway alum of making her “first television gig a living hell.” Michele has since apologized, but it didn’t stop other coworkers from coming out of the woodwork and sharing their stories about the actress.

Since then, several television stars, including Dee Nguyen from The Challenge and Hartley Sawyer from The Flash, have been fired for racist remarks. Following suit, Bravo revealed on June 9, 2020 that Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute would not be returning to Vanderpump Rules after Faith Stowers talked about the racist treatment she experienced while filming the Bravo show. Stassi and Kristen called the cops on Faith in 2018, claiming that she looked like an African American woman in a Daily Mail article who was allegedly drugging and robbing men in Los Angeles, according to Page Six.

Stassi and Kristen have since apologized for their actions, but it’s clear these two won’t be making a comeback anytime soon. Stassi’s agent and publicist quit, according to Variety, and brands including Billie, Ritual, and Secret deodorant have cut ties with Stassi following the incident, Page Six reported.

So, how does Faith feel about everything? Let’s find out. 

Faith Stowers feels 'vindicated' after Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were fired

After Faith Stowers — who’s the only black star Vanderpump Rules has ever had besides Tina McDowelle, who had a recurring role early on (per Us Weekly) — was accused of drugging and stealing from men by cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute, she was obviously hurt by the false allegations. Now that Stassi and Kristen have been fired by Bravo, Faith told Page Six she feels “so vindicated [that] 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.”

“I was in the middle of prayer and I felt a sense of — I know it sounds corny — I felt a sense of glory,” Faith continued. “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.”

Naturally, viewers were happy that Bravo did the right thing in this case. One person wrote on Twitter, “They can all kick rocks!! I hope #FaithStowers sues each and every one of them!”, while another added, “Idea for Bravo: Invite Faith Stowers onto #WWHL to be interviewed by Andy Cohen, so she can share her side of the story on a bigger platform (if she would even want to do so). #AmplifyMelinatedVoices #PumpRules.” 

Here's why Faith Stowers is happy she spoke up

Faith Stowers stuck up for herself following racist remarks made by her coworkers, and luckily, it all worked out for the Bravo star. “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,” she told Page Six in June 2020. “But I’m glad I did.” 

Clearly, Faith’s decision to speak out has not only helped herself, but others, too. “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,” she 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.” 

Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute are not the only two leaving the show: Bravo also confirmed Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni, who previously posted racist tweets, will not be returning to the popular Bravo series, Page Six reported. “I hope they use this time that they have now to educate themselves to why this happened to them and try to use [their] voice later for real change,” Faith added. 

Ultimately, Faith is hopeful that this momentum continues, and in the future, production companies are “ready to hire casting directors and producers of color to make sure these changes are not just a one-time thing.”

Faith Stowers said being 'the only black person on the show' was 'a lot'

Faith Stowers certainly stirred the pot when she joined Vanderpump Rules in Seasons 4 and 6 by sleeping with Jax Taylor, despite him being in a relationship with his now-wife, Brittany Cartwright. As a result, the women on the show didn’t come after Jax for cheating, but instead slammed Faith. “I was wrong, I was this, I was that, calling me names, saying my hair was nappy, which is weird coming out of their mouths,” Faith told Floribama Shore star Candace Rice via Instagram Live in June 2020, per People.

In the past, fans have pointed out that Vanderpump Rules is known for its predominantly white cast, and Faith wasn’t afraid to admit she was tired of it. “I did a show with an all-white cast,” Faith added. “I was the only black person on the show. It was a lot.”

Faith, who is a military veteran, also explained she never got “a chance to tell [her] story,” since she didn’t participate in interviews or confessionals. “Which was a very interesting story, being a black woman in the military at the time. At the time I was still in the army… I didn’t feel like [the show] appreciated that,” she said during the IG Live.

Thankfully, Faith feels like she is now in a “way better position” after leaving the show. We applaud Faith for her fearlessness and bravery.

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