Scheana Shay Reveals 'VPR' EP's Displeasure Over Ariana Madix's Exit in Season 11 Finale

Scheana Shay Claims VPR EP Was Frustrated With Ariana Madix for Leaving

Nicole Weingart/Bravo (2)

Scheana Shay shared behind-the-scenes details about the drama that unfolded during the season 11 finale of Vanderpump Rules.

In a recent episode of her "Scheananigans" podcast on Friday, May 10, Scheana, 39, disclosed to guest Matt Rogers that executive producer Jeremiah Smith suggested breaking the fourth wall after Ariana Madix's unexpected exit during the finale.

Scheana shared that Jeremiah encouraged her to speak her mind freely. During the finale episode, Jeremiah was shown comforting Ariana, who was upset after her ex Tom Sandoval tried to surprise her with a conversation. Despite his efforts, Ariana chose to leave the event where the Vanderpump Rules cast was wrapping up the season.

Ariana was upset when Sandoval approached her while she was talking to Scheana. She felt like he didn't care about her well-being or respect her boundaries. According to Ariana, he was not considerate of her feelings and didn't deserve to talk to her. She believed he was only interested in putting on a show for the audience by seeking attention for a brief moment.

Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Ariana Madix

Ariana shared in a confessional her lack of trust in Sandoval's intentions following his cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss. She expressed that she believed whatever Tom was seeking from her was not genuine, but rather for his own benefit. Ariana compared herself to the final boss in Sandoval's redemption video game, indicating that he was frustrated because he was unable to reach her level.

Scheana mentioned on her podcast that Jeremiah didn't seem happy with Ariana, saying, "He was really upset that day. Being left behind like that felt like a betrayal to all of us."

On the other hand, Rogers defended Ariana by highlighting the exciting ending. In reply, Scheana reflected on the emotions she and her fellow cast members experienced during that particular moment.

"That was the thing. Looking back now, I realize," she said. "I get it, that was your truth. You were just being yourself in that moment and you weren't going to talk to him."

Scheana mentioned that the cast had mixed feelings about Ariana's choice back then. She explained, "The rest of us felt like she was saying, 'Forget about our jobs, forget about finishing the show. I'm going to do what I feel is right because I have my boundaries. Goodbye.'"

Scheana was upset by Sandoval's reaction, which only made the situation worse. She recalled, "And then for Tom to be like, ‘She talks s—t about all of this.’ It was just like, ‘What the f—k?'"

Scheana was talking about a rant Sandoval went on after Ariana left the room. He told Billie Lee, "Ariana is going around saying I am not being honest and I am performative. Do you know what it is? Ariana is f—king performative. She doesn’t like any of these motherf—kers. So she can f—k off saying I am performative."

Sandoval criticized Ariana for not putting in enough effort. He expressed his frustration, saying, "If you're not willing to film with your ex, then why are you on this show? Don't just sit around and collect a paycheck for doing nothing."

After talking to Billie, Sandoval angrily approached Lala Kent and Scheana.

Scheana Shay Claims VPR EP Was Frustrated With Ariana Madix for Leaving

Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix Casey Durkin/Bravo

Sandoval expressed frustration, not towards you, but towards the situation where someone is making false claims. He mentioned that Ariana does not have a good relationship with all of you.

On Tuesday's episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Sandoval admitted that his previous comments about Ariana were exaggerated. However, Scheana became upset on Friday as she talked about the impact of Sandoval's untrue statement.

Scheana clarified that she doesn't believe Ariana hates her. She mentioned that Ariana didn't specifically say that, but rather expressed dislike towards everyone. The tension may have been more towards Lala due to their past issues. However, the group dynamics have been affected, leading to Scheana viewing everyone differently and feeling unable to fully trust anyone, which is disheartening.

In a separate interview on the Vanderpump Rules After Show, Ariana defended her decisions. She emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and not being obligated to do anything that doesn't align with one's values. Ariana highlighted that this autonomy applies to all cast members on the show, reaffirming that everyone has the freedom to make choices based on what feels genuine to them.

The first part of the Vanderpump Rules season 11 reunion airs on Bravo Tuesday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET and is available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Editor's P/S:

The season 11 finale of Vanderpump Rules was filled with drama, and Scheana Shay has been sharing behind-the-scenes details on her podcast. One of the most talked-about moments was when Ariana Madix left the finale event after Tom Sandoval tried to talk to her. Scheana revealed that executive producer Jeremiah Smith encouraged her to speak her mind freely after Ariana's exit.

Scheana also discussed the impact of Sandoval's untrue statement that Ariana hates her. She said that it has led her to view everyone differently and feel unable to fully trust anyone. Ariana has defended her decision to leave the event, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not being obligated to do anything that doesn't align with one's values. The first part of the Vanderpump Rules season 11 reunion airs on Bravo Tuesday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET and is available to stream on Peacock the next day.