Stassi Schroeder Apologizes After 'Me Too' Controversy On Podcast
Stassi Schroeder faced backlash online after participating in an episode of her podcast, Straight Up with Stassi, that was titled "Are We on a Male Witch Hunt?"
According to reports, the Vanderpump Rules star allegedly mocked the victims of the Me Too campaign and quickly lost a number of advertisers shortly thereafter.
Right away, Schroeder took to her Twitter page in an attempt to combat the criticism by saying that she simply believed that the media frenzy surrounding the campaign was taking away from those who have actually been assaulted.
“About 5 ppl heard this podcast & everyone else read ONE quote without the backstory or context of a TWO hours episode,” she told her followers on Twitter.
Rent the Runway, an online rental service that provides users with designer clothing and accessories, was first to announce that they were cutting ties with the podcast host and reality star. As they explained, the company was shocked by Schroeder's comments and said she went against everything they stand for and advocate. A short time later, Simple Contacts released a statement on Twitter, saying they too had removed their ads from her show.
“Simple Contacts doesn’t agree with or condone the opinions of @stassi,” their Twitter announcement read.
The company also said that to suggest the women who have come forward as part of the Me Too campaign are simply attention seekers "belittles the pain and suffering" that so many females have endured and continue to endure on a regular basis.
Framebridge ended their ties with Schroeder last week as well and said they would instead stand by the brave women who have chosen to come forward and share their stories of abuse.
In a second statement, Schroeder said that her comments weren't meant to hurt anyone.
“I was trying to express my opinion and start a dialogue that I think may have come too soon,” she explained. “I’ve now realized just how big this issue is and it’s something I can’t even begin to tackle. When the dialogue becomes acceptable, I hope to be a part of it.”
For more of Stassi Schroeder and her co-stars, including Scheana Marie, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, Tom Sandoval, Kristen Doute, Tom Schwartz, and James Kennedy, don’t miss the sixth season of Vanderpump Rules, which is set to premiere on Monday, Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV.
