With Black Lives Matter protests erupting around the country and the world, more celebrities
are speaking out about their racist experiences on set in Hollywood.
One recent example: Lea Michele's former Glee co-star, Samantha Ware, accused the Broadway
alumnus of making her first TV gig a, quote, "living hell."
Michele has since apologized, but it didn't stop other coworkers from coming out of the
woodwork and sharing their own stories about the actress, and she's not the only one in
the hot seat.
Several other television stars, including Dee Nguyen from The Challenge and Hartley
Sawyer from The Flash, have even been fired for making racist remarks.
Following suit, Bravo revealed on June 9, 2020 that Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute
would not be returning to Vanderpump Rules after Faith Stowers talked about the racist
treatment she experienced while filming the Bravo show.
According to Faith, Stassi and Kristen called the cops on her in 2018, attempting to identify
her as a different woman who was being sought by police for a string of robberies in Los
Angeles. The claim that the women had tried to frame and sic the authorities on their
co-star sparked an immediate backlash.
"They thought it was me because it was a black woman with a weave, so…they just assumed
it would be me."
Stassi and Kristen have since apologized for their actions, but it's clear these two won't
be making a comeback anytime soon. According to Variety, Stassi's agent and publicist both
quit in response to the controversy, while Page Six reported that several brands, including
Billie, Ritual, and Secret deodorant, have also cut ties with Stassi following the incident.
So, how does Faith feel about everything? After news broke that Stassi and Kristen have
been fired by Bravo, Faith told Page Six,
"I feel so vindicated [that] studios and production are able to see blatant racism and make these
positive changes and help move the race forward, help with the fight forward."
Faith continued,
"I was in the middle of prayer and I felt a sense of, I know it sounds corny, I felt
a sense of glory. I felt God's presence and I'm seeing now [that the news has been revealed]
maybe that is what that was. He gave me a sign of optimism meant to be hopeful and showing
that all of this was worth it."
Naturally, viewers were happy that Bravo did the right thing in this case. One person wrote
on Twitter,
"They can all kick rocks!! I hope #FaithStowers sues each and every one of them!"
Another added:
"Idea for Bravo: Invite Faith Stowers onto #WWHL to be interviewed by Andy Cohen, so
she can share her side of the story on a bigger platform (if she would even want to do so)."
Fortunately for Faith, the reaction to the controversy seems to be working out well for
the Bravo star. As she told Page Six,
"I was ready to put myself in the line of fire because I don't know what will happen
if I don't say anything, but I'm glad I did."
Clearly, Faith's decision to speak out has not only helped herself, but others, too.
She continued,
"Bravo is releasing women that have given them crazy ratings because they want to be
on the right side of history, and I'm seeing [that] people are finally hearing us."
Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute are not the only two leaving the show: Bravo also
confirmed Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni, who previously posted racist tweets, will not
be returning to the popular Bravo series.
Regarding all her fired former castmates, Faith told Page Six,
"I hope they use this time that they have now to educate themselves to why this happened
to them and try to use [their] voice later for real change."
Ultimately, Faith is hopeful that this momentum continues, and in the future, production companies
are, quote, "ready to hire casting directors and producers of color to make sure these
changes are not just a one-time thing."
In the past, fans have pointed out that Vanderpump Rules is known for its predominantly white
cast, and Faith wasn't afraid to admit she was tired of it, telling People,
"I did a show with an all-white cast. I was the only black person on the show. It was
a lot."
Faith, who is a military veteran, also explained she never got a chance to tell her story on
the series, since she didn't participate in interviews or confessionals. During an Instagram
Live chat with Floribama Shore star Candace Rice, she elaborated by saying,
"[It] was a very interesting story, being a black woman in the military at the time.
At the time I was still in the army...I didn't feel like [the show] appreciated that."
Thankfully, Faith feels like she is now in a much better place in life after leaving
the show. We applaud Faith for her fearlessness and bravery.
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