Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, and Tom Sandoval Shutterstock (3)
Scheana Shay and Lala Kent are addressing Vanderpump Rules fans who are confused about their decision to spend time with Tom Sandoval despite his past affair with Raquel Leviss. The cast members took to social media on Wednesday, July 19, to address the issue after a photo emerged of the cast, which also included Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy, and Scheana's husband, Brock Davies, posing with a fan during their trip to Lake Tahoe.
Scheana expressed her puzzlement regarding the necessity of defending herself for taking a photo with her hand formed into a fist behind someone, as shared on Instagram Stories while she was in bed with Lala.
Lala interjected with a statement asserting that "people are incredibly foolish."
"It's really frustrating that some people still don't understand that we're actually shooting a show. Plus, it happened to be that girl's birthday. Are we supposed to just say, 'No way!' Absolutely not. Instead, we wished her a happy birthday and took a damn picture," she expressed. "This is what being an adult is all about."
Although Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix are notable absentees during the first season 11 trip, Scheana and Lala emphasized the necessity of interacting with all their fellow cast members while filming the Bravo show.
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"We are all together as a group, and we gathered for a photo. Interestingly, I ended up standing in my current position," Scheana mentioned. "Every day, I find myself taking pictures with strangers. This is simply how you pose for a photo. You stand like so and genuinely smile... I also slightly tilt my head to highlight my good side."
Lala then concluded by saying, "Perhaps you've heard of Vanderpump Rules? It's a TV show that we star in."
The group has had a strained relationship with Sandoval ever since his affair with Raquel was revealed in March, resulting in the end of his long-term relationship with Ariana.
In addition to posting an Instagram video, Scheana retaliated against Twitter users who accused her of reconciling with Sandoval after stating that she would never be friends with him again.
“Who said all is forgiven?? We are all here for Lisa,” she responded to Queens of Bravo, referring to SUR boss Lisa Vanderpump.
(L-R) Lala Kent, James Kennedy, Katie Maloney, Ariana Madix, Andy Cohen, Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, and Scheana Shay pose for a photo with a fan. Addressing any concerns, she further explained, "I frequently take photos with strangers and sometimes have my arm positioned behind people. That's all there is to it. Should I appear unhappy in a fan photo that was unexpectedly taken while we were heading to our car?" ️.
Raquel, who has been undergoing treatment for mental health issues amidst the backlash, has yet to sign a contract for season 11. However, Sandoval has already resumed filming Vanderpump Rules despite Ariana's clear reluctance to film with him.
"We always face resistance when individuals refuse to shoot together due to strained relationships," producer Alex Baskin recently explained to The Hollywood Reporter. "Obviously, this situation is more intense. But it's important to note that Ariana and Tom Sandoval still live together. It's hard to comprehend the idea that they wouldn't film together when they share the same home."
Vanderpump Rules will likely return to Bravo later this year.