Insider Scoop: How Kristen Doute's Pay Was Adjusted Before Leaving 'Vanderpump Rules'

Kristen Doute Was Secretly 'Demoted' From Episodic Pay to a Day Rate Before 'Vanderpump Rules' Exit

Kristen Doute Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Kristen Doute shared some interesting details about her past Bravo salary on her podcast, "Sex, Love and What Else Matters."

During a recent episode, Kristen, 41, talked about the latest Vanderpump Rules episode where Scheana Shay mentioned receiving unexpected financial help from Tom Sandoval during the pandemic. Kristen then revealed that she had a similar experience with Sandoval a few years ago.

During my second to last season on Vanderpump Rules, there was a Witches of WeHo wine party where Katie, Stassi, and I were not on good terms. I want to be honest and share that during that time, I had been demoted from a paid cast member to a day rate.

I won't go into too much detail because talking about money can be awkward and it's really not anyone's business. I just want to say that during that episode, I was still a part of it, but my role was minimal. Love you all!

Kristen said she received a much smaller paycheck than usual. She explained that Tom Sandoval briefly appeared in the episode she was in, but it didn't occur to her at the time. However, when the episode aired, he received payment for his brief appearance.

Kristen, who dated Sandoval from 2007 to 2013, was surprised to receive money from him.

She received a PayPal payment of a few thousand dollars from Tom Sandoval without him mentioning it to her. Initially, she thought it was a mistake. However, he explained that he felt it was unfair for him to receive his full episodic payment for a brief appearance while she carried the episode and only received a small payment in comparison.

Kristen was part of the original cast of Vanderpump Rules when it first aired in 2013. However, after eight seasons, she was let go from the show along with Stassi. This was because of past behavior that was racially insensitive towards their former castmate Faith Stowers.

Kristen Doute Was Secretly 'Demoted' From Episodic Pay to a Day Rate Before 'Vanderpump Rules' Exit

Kristen Doute, known for her time on 'The Valley,' has recently shared some insights about her days on Vanderpump Rules. She revealed last year that the original cast members didn't earn much until the show gained widespread popularity.

On an episode of her podcast in July 2023, she shared that their bank account was nearly empty with only $5,000. However, they were able to receive an additional $5,000 by becoming a primary.

Kristen will make her return to Bravo after a brief appearance on season 10 of VPR. She will be starring in the upcoming Vanderpump Rules spinoff, The Valley. This eight-episode series will follow a group of friends transitioning from their wild younger years to parenthood and adult life in California's San Fernando Valley.

Who is the top guy in the Vanderpump Rules group? The Valley will feature Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright, former VPR stars who revealed their split after filming for the first season ended.

Jax’s friend Danny Booko and his wife, Nia Booko, a former Miss USA, will be making an appearance. Jesse Lally, who has been friends with Jax since their modeling days, will be starring alongside his wife Michelle Lally. Jason Caperna and Janet Caperna are also part of the cast. Additionally, Bachelor Nation’s Jasmine Goode and Brittany’s college friend Zack Wickham will be appearing as the "friends" of the cast.

Editor's P/S:

Kristen Doute's revelation about her past Bravo salary on "Vanderpump Rules" sheds light on the complexities of cast dynamics and pay disparities within reality television. While the show propelled Doute into the public eye, her initial compensation as a day-rate cast member was notably lower than her former full-time status. The subsequent gesture by her ex-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, to share a portion of his episode payment highlights the camaraderie and support that can exist among cast members despite personal differences.

The article also previews "The Valley," an upcoming spinoff featuring former "Vanderpump Rules" stars Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright. This new series promises to follow the group's transition into adulthood and parenting, capturing the challenges and joys of life in California's San Fernando Valley. The diverse cast, including friends and family members, adds a fresh perspective to the franchise and will likely resonate with viewers who have witnessed the original stars' evolution over the years.