Scheana Shay, a longtime staple of Vanderpump Rules, has once again found herself at the center of social media chatter—but this time, her sister is stepping in to defend her. Amid speculation and criticism surrounding Scheana’s comments about the show’s upcoming twelfth season, Cortney Erin took to Instagram to clap back at the trolls.
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Scheana’s Podcast Sparks a Frenzy
The drama began on the December 13 episode of Scheana’s podcast, Scheananigans. During the episode, Scheana, 39, addressed the impending cast overhaul for the Bravo reality series, revealing her personal connection to at least one of the new cast members.
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“I don’t think they’ve announced who the cast is yet,” Scheana explained. “But I still go to SUR, and I’m still friends with Peter [Madrigal]. One of my girlfriends, who has been a SUR server for about eight years, filmed some stuff. She’s someone I’ve tried to bring onto the show for several seasons.”
Scheana expressed her excitement at the possibility of watching her friend’s journey on the show. “She actually works here, and we are actually friends! I just hope that when they announce the cast, she’s one of those people,” she said.
Fan Reactions: Praise and Criticism
While some fans appreciated Scheana’s candidness and her efforts to uplift others, others were quick to criticize. Her Instagram comments section became a hotbed of speculation, with many accusing her of trying to insert herself into the new season.
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One follower joked, “You gotta love Scheana with this energy. Of course, she’s gonna know the whole cast!” Another added, “OMG, is this the third week in a row she’s talked about the new VPR cast? Find something else to talk about.”
Others suggested that Scheana might be angling for a way to reclaim her spot in the revamped series. “Is she planting the seed to get back on the show?” speculated one commenter.
Cortney Erin Comes to Scheana’s Defense
Scheana’s sister, Cortney Erin, was quick to respond to the negativity. In a pointed reply to one critic who mocked Scheana’s connections with SUR staff, Cortney wrote, “Why is it shocking she’s friends with people she used to work with?” Her defense garnered support from loyal fans who praised her for standing up for her sister.
This isn’t the first time Scheana has faced scrutiny. As one of the original cast members of Vanderpump Rules, she’s no stranger to public opinion—both good and bad.
A Legacy on ‘Vanderpump Rules’
Scheana made her Bravo debut in 2013 when she appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside Brandi Glanville. That moment served as a springboard for Vanderpump Rules, where Scheana was a central figure for 11 seasons. Her journey on the show was marked by highs and lows, including her tumultuous relationships and friendships.
One recurring joke among fans has been Scheana’s tendency to center herself in drama. In season 11, for instance, she faced backlash for comments about how Tom Sandoval’s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss affected her.
“I just am hurting still. Why can I never have one moment where it can be about me?” she said during an emotional scene with Lala Kent. The comment—meant to express her feelings of loss over her friendship with Sandoval—was widely criticized as tone-deaf.
Stepping Back but Staying Relevant
With the announcement of a fresh cast for season 12, Scheana is stepping back from her role as a full-time cast member. However, her connection to the new generation of SUR servers ensures she’ll remain a topic of conversation. Her podcast has become a platform for her to share her unfiltered thoughts, something she’s leaned into despite the occasional backlash.
“As cringe as I might be sometimes, I don’t ever regret sharing. That is literally my job here,” Scheana said on her podcast earlier this year. “I’m putting it all out there because I hope it helps people who have gone through similar things.”
Fans Speculate About Scheana’s Future
While Scheana insists she’s content watching from the sidelines, some fans aren’t convinced. The transition to a new cast has been polarizing, with loyal viewers divided over whether the show can recapture its original magic without its OGs.
Scheana’s involvement—even peripherally—has only added to the intrigue. For her part, she seems focused on celebrating the new cast members and supporting her friends, even if it means stepping back from the spotlight.
A Season of New Beginnings
As Vanderpump Rules prepares to launch its twelfth season, the spotlight is on the fresh faces of Lisa Vanderpump’s iconic restaurant, SUR. While fans debate the merits of the cast overhaul, one thing is clear: Scheana Shay’s legacy as a Bravo star is secure.
Whether she returns to the show in the future or continues to share her life through her podcast, Scheana remains a significant part of the Vanderpump Rules story. And with her sister and loyal fans rallying behind her, she’s proving that she’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
