The Evolution of the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast's Salary Disclosures over Time
Unveiling the financial secrets of the 'Vanderpump Rules' cast members Delve into their rarely discussed salaries on the Bravo series Get exclusive insights into the earnings of Max Boyens, Brittany Cartwright, Raquel Leviss, Ariana Madix, Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, Dayna Kathan, Lala Kent, and Billie Lee
The Vanderpump Rules cast members have given glimpses of their earnings from their time on the popular Bravo series. The discussion of paychecks has arisen on multiple occasions since the show first aired in 2013. After the revelation of Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's affair behind Ariana Madix's back, which surfaced in March 2023, Leviss mentioned how money influenced her decision not to return for season 11.
On Bethenny Frankel's "ReWives" podcast in August 2023, Raquel alleged that she had requested equal pay and reimbursement for her treatment expenses, similar to what Tom and Ariana were receiving. However, she claimed that they refused to pay her on an equal basis. "Paying employees equally is a reflection of how much you value them," Raquel expressed.
Bethenny, on the other hand, argued that the network should have given Raquel a higher salary considering the significant success of Scandoval-related episodes, which included higher ratings.
Partially generated
"As individuals who are partly created... Let's just say that it's a genuine situation in a highly surreal circumstance. So now, there is one of the three characters who cannot even afford to pay for the treatment they recently underwent," stated the former Real Housewives of New York City cast member, referring to Raquel's stay at a mental health facility. "From what I understand, the amount you earn in a year is less than what my interns earn."
However, Raquel's fellow cast members were swift in criticizing Bethenny's perspective. "I am aware of the exact figure [of Raquel's earnings] because she expressed gratitude to me for connecting her with the attorney she worked with last season," shared Scheana Shay on her podcast, "Scheananigans," during the same month. "He managed to negotiate $19,000 per episode for her. With 19 episodes, that totals $361,000."
Scroll down for everything the Vanderpump Rules cast has said about their earnings over the years:
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Everything the 'Vanderpump Rules' Cast Has Said About Their Salaries Through the Years
The Vanderpump Rules cast members have provided insight into their earnings during their time on the popular Bravo series. The issue of pay has been a topic of discussion on multiple occasions since the show first aired in 2013. After the revelation of Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's affair, which was uncovered in March 2023, Leviss revealed that money was a factor in her decision not to return for season 11.
Raquel claimed on Bethenny Frankel's “ReWives” podcast in August 2023 that she requested equal pay and reimbursement for her treatment expenses, in comparison to Tom and Ariana. She stated that they refused to provide equal payment. "Paying employees equally demonstrates the value you place on them," she expressed.
On the other hand, Bethenny argued that the network should have offered Raquel a larger salary due to the significant success of Scandoval-related episodes, which included higher ratings.
"As individuals who have experienced the process ourselves, we can attest that the situation is undeniably real, despite its surreal nature. Imagine finding yourself in a position where you have just undergone treatment, only to discover that one of the three individuals involved cannot afford to pay for their own expenses.”
This statement was made by a former member of The Real Housewives of New York City, alluding to Raquel's stay in a mental health facility. She further added, "To my understanding, the compensation you receive in a year is even less than what my interns earn."
However, Raquel's fellow cast members were swift to criticize Bethenny's perspective. Scheana Shay, during her "Scheananigans" podcast in the same month, shared, "I personally know the amount Raquel made, as she expressed her gratitude towards me for connecting her with the attorney she worked with last season. He managed to negotiate a payment of $19,000 per episode, resulting in a total of $361,000 for the 19 episodes."
Scroll down for everything the Vanderpump Rules cast has said about their earnings over the years:
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Max Boyens
Max revealed on the "Up and Adam!" podcast in August 2023 that he received very little compensation for his role. Being a new cast member, he did not receive episodic pay or payment per episode, but rather a fixed amount. The amount he received was approximately $4,000, which was paid to him in installments. Additionally, Max mentioned that he received half of the payment initially to ensure his commitment to filming, with the remaining amount given towards the end. This payment structure covered his rent and some groceries, followed by another payment for the same expenses.
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Brittany Cartwright
Brittany, who joined Vanderpump Rules as a guest in season 4 after meeting Jax Taylor, revealed on their "When Reality Hits" podcast in August 2023 that she didn't receive payment for her first season until the very end, leaving her in a financially strained state. She expressed that this experience took a toll on her both mentally and emotionally.
Jax later reflected on Brittany's extravagant spending prior to her relocation to Los Angeles. "It was taking a toll on her. At the start of the show, she was spending around $800 to $900," he disclosed, referring to Brittany's trips to visit him during the filming of season 4. "Considering she was working at a bar and Hooters in Kentucky, $800 is a significant amount of money to spend on airfare."
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Raquel Leviss
Raquel revealed on Bethenny's podcast in August 2023 that producers had informed her about the payment structure being based on the previous season's performance. This knowledge motivated her to excel in season 10, considering it as her chance to truly shine, especially since she was single for the first time. She eagerly embraced this new phase of her life and was open to taking direction and guidance.
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Ariana Madix
The co-founder of Something About Her addressed concerns about her financial success from Scandoval, clarifying her position after viewer inquiries.
"On the internet, it appears that many people believe I am currently wealthy. However, there are various obligations and expenses that require the allocation of my resources," Ariana shared during an episode of the "Scheananigans" podcast in August 2023. "Contrary to what may be perceived, I am not affluent nor do I possess millions of dollars."
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Stassi Schroeder
Following her departure from Vanderpump Rules as an original cast member after season 3, she made a comeback in season 4 but in a recurring capacity, a decision that ultimately had consequences for her. (Stassi would later face termination by Bravo after season 8, alongside Kristen Doute.)
“You're compensated based on your seniority as a lead or main cast member. I was earning less than many others in the cast because I departed," Stassi shared on her "Straight Up with Stassi" podcast in August 2023. "I was a year behind my colleagues, but I never felt the need to contest it. If that's your policy, then that's your policy. I know my own value. It seemed trivial to me."
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Kristen Doute
Kristen mentioned in her "Sex, Love, and What Else Matters" podcast in July 2023 that they had a meager sum in their bank account during season 1. She stated that they received $5,000 initially, and if they became the main focus, an extra $5,000 was added to their paycheck. Moving ahead, Kristen remembered earning $15,000 for season 2 of Vanderpump Rules after three months.
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Jax Taylor
Back then, when I had next to nothing, any little thing we managed to acquire made me feel like I had struck gold. Can you believe it? A whopping $5,000? Considering I was shelling out $100 per week for my living expenses, I genuinely believed I could call it quits and retire. During the time we were shooting, I couldn't help but think, 'Wow, this is absolutely incredible.'" Jax divulged during his appearance on Kristen's podcast in July 2023. "I've been grinding throughout my entire existence, constantly living from paycheck to paycheck. I would juggle countless jobs, but by the time that cherished paycheck came around, I was already drowning in credit card debt."
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Dayna Kathan
Following her quick stint on the show in season 8, Dayna discussed what led to her exit.
"During the "Scheananigans" podcast in July 2023, she expressed her frustration with the misconception that reality TV stars make significant money when they first start out. According to her, this is not the case as they are not paid anything initially. She believes this is a way for the producers to test their worth and value to the show. However, Dayna pointed out that she couldn't continue working without payment, as she had already depleted her life savings during the COVID-19 pandemic and had been unemployed for a year, actively seeking employment."
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Lala Kent
In February 2022, Lala appeared on Jason Tartick's podcast "Trading Secrets" and shared her experience of initially relying on her position at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant when she first joined the show.
"When starting out, it was crucial for me to have that hostess job. Even as a model, I still had to continue being a hostess. The income I was making from the show wasn't sufficient," she shared at the time.
Lala further explained that her involvement in the show resulted in certain benefits based on her performance. She added, "The show rewards me for being confrontational and speaking up. I don't necessarily enjoy confrontation, but I can confidently say that I excel at it. It's not something that leaves me feeling amazing afterwards, but I knew what I was getting into and I am being compensated for sharing my thoughts."
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Billie Lee
Billie expressed dissatisfaction with her earnings for seasons 6 and 7, highlighting that the payment system for newcomers started at a meager level. In an interview with Page Six in June 2020, she revealed, "I faced financial difficulties trying to meet my expenses, yet I felt compelled to keep it to myself due to my fame and role as a transgender activist, which demanded a specific representation."
