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.

Jessi Ngatikaura Addresses Scheana Shays Marciano Affair Claims

In a recent exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Jessi Ngatikaura from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” opened up about her response to Scheana Shay’s allegations regarding an affair involving Marciano Brunette. The drama unfolded after Scheana claimed to have witnessed an encounter between Jessi and Marciano, prompting Jessi to clarify her side of the story. Jessi expressed her shock upon hearing Scheana’s claims, especially since they had been close friends. “I was really close with her, so I was really shocked to see that,” she said. However, Jessi appreciated that Scheana had given her a heads-up about the podcast episode that would discuss the allegations, allowing her to prepare for the fallout. To address the situation, Jessi sent Scheana a detailed 10-minute voice message, explaining her perspective. “After it came out, I did send her a 10-minute voice memo going over my side of things because she had never really heard my side. After that, she was like, ‘Oh, this makes a lot of sense,’” Jessi recalled. The controversy surrounding Marciano Brunette has been a central theme in the second season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The season not only explored Marciano’s alleged romantic connection with Demi Engemann but also raised questions about his relationship with Jessi. This all began on “Vanderpump Villa,” where the rumors first surfaced. Jessi clarified that Scheana had some of the facts wrong regarding the situation. “There were things she didn’t know,” she stated. “So I set the record straight, and we’re good now.” Despite the initial shock, Jessi noted that she and Scheana managed to reconcile after discussing the matter. Throughout the season, Jessi has denied rumors that she was seen making out with Marciano at TomTom. In a twist, Marciano had previously suggested that he had an affair with Demi before claiming that his involvement was actually with Jessi, who is married to Jordan Ngatikaura. Scheana added fuel to the fire during her podcast, recalling that she had spent time with both Jessi and Marciano on the day of the alleged incident. “I have Marciano insinuating and alluding to like, ‘Yeah, that happened last night,’” Scheana recounted. Jessi, however, firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “No. He went and saw another girl and didn’t want to go back into your house that late in the middle of the night. He asked if he could come crash in my hotel room and he just slept on the little, like, couch chair.” As the drama unfolds, Jessi hinted that the truth behind Marciano’s claims will be addressed in the upcoming third season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” “I haven’t spoken to Marciano recently, but you will see in the next season,” she teased. “A lot of stuff comes out about that and just wait and buckle up. It’s going to be a ride.” Jessi revealed that she learned about Marciano’s claims before they aired, as filming for the next set of episodes was already in progress. “I knew about it because we were already filming the next set of episodes and we were dealing with it in real time. So I knew about it. But seeing it was so much harder than just hearing about it because I had to see the way he said things and what he did say.” With the second season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” ending on a cliffhanger regarding Marciano’s alleged affair with Jessi, fans are eagerly anticipating the third season. The show, which premiered in September 2024, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the lives of Mormon women navigating complex relationships. Jessi emphasized that the narrative presented is not the full story. “I’m excited for the next set of episodes where I can tell more about what actually happened,” she shared. She also expressed her thoughts on Marciano’s social media commentary, describing it as “cringey” and suggesting that it may be perceived as an attempt to gain attention. “He had a little credibility in the beginning, but now I think no one believes him. He’s making himself look worse,” she added. In the meantime, Jessi is also engaging with fans through her partnership with RumChata, offering an exciting opportunity to win a trip to Salt Lake City for a VIP experience. The winner, along with two friends, will enjoy a glam makeover, an intimate meal with Jessi, and a chance to share their favorite soda recipes. Fans can participate by commenting on RumChata’s Instagram post with their favorite dirty soda recipe and a housewife-style tagline. “I do cola as the base. You can do any base you want, but that’s the one I prefer. Then I do a little bit of coconut creamer and then I do the RumChata,” Jessi explained. “You can do a lemon in there if you want. Extra ice is always my go-to as well. But the RumChata is really creamy, so it kind of mimics the creamer that we do in our normal dirty soda. So it’s perfect.” As viewers await the next season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” they can stay updated on Jessi’s latest endeavors and the unfolding drama surrounding her and Marciano. The show continues to be available for streaming on Hulu, providing fans with a front-row seat to the lives of these intriguing women.