Charli Burnett and Raquel Leviss Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock (2)
Charli Burnett revealed the reason why she might not appear on season 11 of Vanderpump Rules, and it primarily revolves around Raquel Leviss. In an interview with Rolling Stone on June 14, the 26-year-old SUR waitress confirmed that she received a contract for the upcoming season. However, Charli remains uncertain about her participation due to the likelihood of having to film alongside Raquel, 28, following the beauty queen's involvement with Tom Sandoval.
"I have a strong affection for Ariana [Madix], so this situation is quite uncomfortable for me. As her friend, I am deeply upset by everything that is currently happening," Charli expressed, referring to Sandoval's previous romantic partner. "Therefore, I anticipate that participating in filming for the upcoming season would be incredibly strange and immensely stressful."
Throughout season 10, the esthetician supported Raquel amidst her ongoing conflict with Katie Maloney and Lala Kent. Being a native of California, Charli found herself in opposition to her fellow cast members when she showed interest in Tom Schwartz, Katie's former husband. (The couple had been married for six years before deciding to end their relationship in March 2022.)
Charli Burnett Tommy Garcia/Bravo
During March, it was revealed that Sandoval, aged 40, and Ariana, aged 37, had separated after being together for nine years. The reason behind their breakup was Sandoval's affair with Raquel. Charli, on the other hand, expressed regret for constantly defending Raquel throughout season 10. She tweeted during the same month while watching an episode of the Bravo series, saying, "Oh wow, these conversations would go differently now. I dislike it when people are not honest. To be honest, I feel incredibly foolish about certain things, obviously knowing what I know now. I am always willing to take responsibility for my actions."
Charli has been reflecting on her options since the season finale aired in May. As a social media influencer, she has expressed her concerns about filming with previous cast members due to the rumors of unexpected comebacks.
Speculation is rife about the possible return of previous cast members. It remains to be seen how their reentry will be received, but it is likely that they will come back with a vengeance in order to reclaim their position. Their motivation is driven by the desire to secure their financial stability, as they are unwilling to let go of their lucrative paycheck. The potential reinstatement of Jax Taylor, for example, might provoke a strong negative reaction from Tom Sandoval.
Charli expressed her intrigue in observing the ongoing aftermath of the cheating scandal, emphasizing how certain individuals thrive in chaotic circumstances. She also anticipates that allegiances within the group may shift, and wonders if the current friendships will remain intact. Despite the shared animosity towards Tom Sandoval and Raquel, she acknowledges that dynamics can change unexpectedly. She eagerly anticipates the messy and unpredictable developments that are likely to unfold before her eyes.
Filming season 10 has caused Charli to reevaluate her approach to friendships, leading her to feel a sense of disillusionment and bringing up past trust issues. Reflecting on her previous bond with Raquel, Charli admitted that watching those scenes back made her question her own awareness and perception. She acknowledged being blind to certain things at the time, possibly due to the exhaustion and chaos of filming.
She expressed her conclusion, stating that the complexity of the situation often obstructed a clear understanding. However, she now perceives it as if they were all mere pawns in Tom and Raquel's manipulative scheme. Reflecting on the events, she questions whether Tom possesses the qualities of a cult leader, pondering the persuasive tactics he employs to influence others.