Scheana Shay Opens Up About Her Demotion on Vanderpump Rules
Scheana Shay, a prominent figure from the hit reality show “Vanderpump Rules,” has recently shared some surprising insights regarding her experience on the show, particularly her demotion for two seasons. In her new memoir, “My Good Side,” Shay reveals that she was not considered a series regular during seasons 8 and 10, despite still appearing in every episode and maintaining her presence in the opening credits. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Shay explained how producers reassured her that she would still be viewed as a main character, even though her pay was significantly reduced. “They said, ‘The audience is never going to know. You’re still going to be in every episode, you’re still going to be in opening credits. You’re still a main character, you’re not anyone’s ‘friend’ of,’” Shay recounted. This tactic was also used for her co-stars Kristen Doute and James Kennedy in previous seasons. Despite the financial setback, Shay maintained a strong work ethic, describing herself as a “people-pleasing Scheana” who continued to show up and perform. She noted that during season 8, she played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the new cast members and the original group, and in season 10, she even contributed to a wedding storyline. “My story from watching the show every episode, you would never know that I wasn’t being paid the same,” she said. “It was the same expectations, less pay.” One notable exception occurred during the post-Scandoval episode, where Shay was compensated at a day rate that ultimately surpassed what other cast members earned for that episode. Reflecting on her demotion, Shay expressed gratitude for the experience, particularly for how it pushed her to explore new opportunities. “It forced me to start my YouTube channel, to be more open on my podcast, to put some more notes in my tab of things I want to talk about in a book one day,” she explained. “I feel like if I had stayed on my same salary, I might not have tried to think outside of the box as much as I did.” However, when the same situation arose ahead of season 10, Shay described it as “a kick in the ass.” Following the dramatic events of Scandoval, she reached out to the production team to inquire about her salary for the upcoming season. “I was like, ‘Are you guys going to put me back on my normal salary season 11, seeing how imperative I am?’ And they did, and I feel like I am valued, finally,” she shared. Shay emphasized that she now understands her worth and feels recognized by the network. In her memoir, Shay also discusses the lack of collective negotiation among the cast regarding their pay. “Tom Sandoval was actually the only person who called [Alex] Baskin and everyone in charge and was like, ‘This isn’t fair. We’ve got to fight for Scheana,’” she revealed. The rest of the cast seemed hesitant to take a stand, with many insisting, “It’s not my call.” One of the more surprising revelations in Shay’s memoir involves a scene from the season 9 finale, where she and her now-husband, Brock Davies, were accused of overshadowing James Kennedy and Rachel “Raquel” Leviss’ engagement. Shay admitted that she and Lala Kent had preplanned the scene without informing the production team. “We absolutely scripted that finale without production or anyone knowing,” she said. “We knew we had a job to do and that this story needed to be told for James and Raquel to finish out the narrative.” Shay hopes that her friend Ariana Madix reads her memoir to better understand the complexities of their friendship, which has shifted over the years. “We talk here and there. I think no matter what, Ariana and I are always going to have such a deep love for each other,” Shay reflected. The revelations in “My Good Side” provide a candid look into Shay’s experiences on “Vanderpump Rules,” shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of reality television. Shay’s journey is not just about the ups and downs of fame but also about personal growth, resilience, and the importance of knowing one’s worth in the competitive world of entertainment. “My Good Side” is available now, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the life of one of reality TV’s most talked-about personalities. With her unique perspective and engaging storytelling, Scheana Shay invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.