Lala Kent Faces Unexpected Backlash from 'VPR' Fans Despite Anticipated Support for Comments on Ariana Madix

Lala Kent Thought 'VPR' Fans Would Side With Her Before Major Backlash Over Ariana Madix Comments

Lala Kent, Katie Maloney, and Ariana Madix. Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Vanderpump Rules fans recently discovered that Lala Kent misunderstood their reaction to her storyline in season 11.

During an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in March, Lala, 33, addressed her comments from the season 11 trailer about Ariana Madix. She suggested that there was additional information to be revealed later in the season for viewers to understand the full context.

"I told host Andy Cohen that by the end of the season, you will understand why I said that. I believe many of you will agree with me," she said in a clip that has resurfaced.

However, Bravo fans are still confused about why Lala thought they would support her.

Lala was very confident that the audience would support her this season. However, it turned out that she was wrong. A fan account on X commented, "Stunned how her, production, and Andy so misread the room here."

Another viewer raised a question about whether the backlash Lala faced caused her to become upset at the reunion. They wrote, "I think that’s really why she had a breakdown at the reunion. She really thought she was going to go in and do something and she watched it backfire in real time."

Lala Kent Thought 'VPR' Fans Would Side With Her Before Major Backlash Over Ariana Madix Comments

Lala Kent, Ariana Madix, and Tom Sandoval. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Gersh

Not everyone stopped watching Lala after a controversial scene in season 11.

One social media user defended Lala, saying, "Lala is the main reason to watch the show now. People are just bothered."

When Vanderpump Rules came back to Bravo this year, Lala initially supported Ariana, 38, following Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal with Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. However, Lala's loyalty shifted once she let go of her anger towards Sandoval. Towards the end of the season, Lala began to question Ariana's choices in the aftermath of the scandal.

During an episode of the Vanderpump Rules After Show earlier this month, Lala expressed her thoughts on Ariana. She criticized Ariana for coasting through each season without much effort. Lala also pointed out that despite living with Sandoval, Ariana couldn't even have a single conversation with him when asked.

Lala pointed out that everyone on Vanderpump Rules has had difficult discussions except for Ariana. During the season 11 finale, she even broke the fourth wall to express her frustration about Ariana leaving an event after a tense encounter with Sandoval. Lala defended her actions at the reunion but later apologized for calling fans who disagreed with her "rabid."

Lala Kent Thought 'VPR' Fans Would Side With Her Before Major Backlash Over Ariana Madix Comments

"Filming this season was bittersweet," Lala shared during the latest episode of her "Give Them Lala" podcast on Wednesday, May 29. She expressed that reliving the season was tough, and she believed it was one of the most challenging seasons she had experienced. Lala confessed that she had stopped discussing the season because she found it difficult to see certain things on social media.

Lala admitted to making unkind comments on a podcast in the past, acknowledging her tendency to react emotionally. She expressed feeling frustrated with herself for getting into trouble and having to apologize frequently. Lala explained that her reactions are triggered by feeling hurt when she sees or hears something she dislikes.

Lala shared that it has been a journey for her to come to terms with the fact that her personal reality is different from what is portrayed in the public eye.

In her own words, she explained, “This past season marked the first time in my eight years on the show where my reality and the show's reality couldn't coexist. They had to remain completely separate, because if they overlapped, it would throw me off balance.” She emphasized, “Right now, my priority is to focus on what is real and tangible. My emotions may not always reflect the truth, but one thing I can say for certain is that this show is all about perspective. That's a fact. Each member of the cast and every viewer will have their own unique perspective.”

Lala expressed that the opinions of both the cast and the audience play a crucial role in making Vanderpump Rules successful for the past 11 years. She emphasized her gratitude for the show.

Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules is now available for streaming on Peacock.

Editor's P/S:

The recent backlash faced by Lala Kent on "Vanderpump Rules" has raised questions about her perception of audience support. Despite her initial confidence, Kent's comments and actions throughout season 11 have alienated many viewers. Her criticism of Ariana Madix and her defense of Tom Sandoval's cheating have been met with disapproval, highlighting a disconnect between Kent's expectations and the show's fanbase.

Kent's acknowledgment that her personal reality differs from the show's portrayal suggests a recognition of the subjective nature of the narrative. However, her tendency to react emotionally and make unkind comments has damaged her reputation. As "Vanderpump Rules" continues, it remains to be seen if Kent can bridge the gap between her own perspective and the perceptions of the audience. The show's success depends on balancing the perspectives of cast and viewers, and Kent's ability to navigate this dynamic will be crucial in determining her future on the series.