Originally written June 8th, 2020
Dear BravoTV, Black lives matter, Faith’s life matters.
When I first started filming with the show Vanderpump Rules I walked into some tension with a black girl named Faith. All I knew was what the other cast members told me and she was often referred to her as the “home-wrecking whore.” I didn’t know at the time that I was her replacement. You see Faith and I were just the token black and trans girl. We were edited into a villain. To be first lifted up only to be torn down. A villain for someone else’s story. The star role was already taken by white privilege and her name was Stassi Schroeder. For those of you who don’t know, the show follows a group of white and privileged friends who work at a restaurant owned by a white and privileged cis woman. My first big scene with Stassi was her podcast interview. I thought that the focus would be about my trans experience. However, it quickly turned into a dramatic meltdown about Stassi being accused of being racist. A few of the cast members that are actually aware of their privilege confronted her about things she has previously said.
I’m not here to tell you that Stassi or any of my previous cast members are racists but I will tell you their white cis privilege cost me my job and it looks like their privilege could of cost a black girl her life. Who’s next? I will also tell you it’s not just Stassi. It’s her network BravoTV. BravoTV supported this girl after all the awful things she has done. Not only did they support her, they celebrated her with more airtime.
When I publicly questioned the show and network I got a call from Lisa herself demanding I not speak negatively about my experience and the show, “I made your career and I can take it away” she said. She also explained to me about how she has black people around, “My number one server is black.” Yes, Lisa you have staff that are black but your show (that has a massive audience) does not show him or any other black, gay, or trans person. Like Stassi, Lisa does not see how her actions are harming an entire race and gender.
An industry insider would joke calling BravoTV the “white-girl network who celebrates the mean girl.” So, I say this to you, BravoTV. Please stop. Please stop glorifying the racist, ignorant, and transphobic people on your network. You may have your token shows and your token cast members but with this revolution we see right through internal racism.
What about Faith? She is now in a position where the effects of her treatment on Vanderpump Rules could of lead to criminal charges. If you use and abuse a minority for your own gain, what do you expect? During an Instagram Live conversation with Floribama Shore‘s Candace Rice earlier this month, Faith spoke about her experience as the only black cast member on Vanderpump Rules.
“It was a lot, I felt like after their friend did something that we both were involved in that he’s done like, a thousand times, they wanted to attack me instead of him. They wanted to attack, attack, attack, attack, attack. I was wrong, I was this, I was that, calling me names, saying my hair was nappy.”
As of now BravoTV has not commented and has not apologized to Faith.
To you Stassi, I read your weak apology. What pisses me off more now than ever is that instead of using your platform; like your podcast, to have black voices on to share their experiences, so that you and your listeners can learn and grow. You decided to go silent by “taking a step back” from your podcast, despite being advised not to. How many times do we have to say that your silence is the problem? Your silence is dangerous. Period.
BravoTV and Vanderpump Rules I hope you do what is right with your platform moving forward. A town hall meeting is not enough. Add more people of color on ALL your shows! Add more LGBTQ+ on ALL your shows! We are all watching you. If you don’t check your privilege and do better, you will be canceled.
Update: As of June 9th Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute have been fired for racist actions by BravoTV.
Samantha
July 22, 2019 at 8:34 pmAlthough it’s sad that you’re leaving Sur, it’s always better to
leave a toxic environment. I am assuming you were referring to Jax as the ignorant idiot who stated he was afraid to say the wrong thing. He is an ugly person inside and out and he should have been the person to leave, not you. But for the exception of you, James, Ariana, Tom and Sheana the group has got so mean and ugly that I quit watching.
I wish nothing but the best for you, you are beautiful inside and out and don’t ever let anyone steal your thunder.
Debra
July 22, 2019 at 9:08 pmSending love and support your way. I for one am very sad that you decided not to return to VPR. Your light and love will be missed. Never let the haters win, please know that you are loved
I look forward to whatever comes next for you, and will be cheering you on.
Yvie Grastella of studioymw
July 22, 2019 at 9:25 pmYou are so beautiful and need to take this as your opportunity to grow and build an empire of your own.
Everything experience is a stepping stone on the path to your next adventure.
Judith
July 23, 2019 at 5:23 pmHi Billie Lee,
I’m so sorry you felt you had to quit VPR. I believe that Katie was the reason everyone turned against you. She is the biggest bully on the show now. She WAS mad at you for standing by James and she DID consciously exclude you from her Lady’s Night Out preparation on purpose. She is a master at passive aggressive bullying and I wish LVP could see through her behaviors.
I’m pretty sure it was Jax who didn’t want to film with you because he was afraid he would make an offensive comment to you. Jax is one of the dummest people on the show and probably would have finally said something stupid to you.
I’m sorry all of this happened to you because you were supporting James, I hope other viewers saw Katie’s passavie aggressive bullying against you.
You are beautiful inside and out and I hope you don’t think all people are against you. I actually enjoyed seeing you on the show and hope to see you again soon.
Elena Pecoraro
July 23, 2019 at 11:34 pmLove your story, your look, and your individuality. Keep it up because it’s people like you who help so many feel good about themselves. Good luck with everything.
Tracey Campbell
July 24, 2019 at 12:39 amBillie, as the mother of a gay son, it pains me to think anyone is still bullied for being who they were born to be. I applaud your strength to leave a television show that you feel was not presenting you in a good light. Sometimes the appeal of the spotlight is so intoxicating that it blinds one from doing what is right for them. I’m glad you looked beyond that to travel the road that is truly your path. I think Lisa Vanderpump is an amazing champion of the LGBTQ community and should be commended for all she does – particularly giving you a more public platform as you maneuver your “new” normal. You must be true to who you are and don’t let anyone ruin the many successes you will have as you venture forth on your journey. I wish you lots of good luck and love ……..