“Vanderpump Rules” star Stassi Schroeder lost advertisers to her “Straight Up With Stassi” podcast Friday after some listeners accused her of criticizing women who’ve stepped forward to report sexual misconduct, People reported.
In an episode titled, “Are we on a male witch hunt?” – which has since been taken down – some listeners said they were “shocked” that she was “mocking #MeToo or questioning women of sexual assault.”
“How dare you question these victims, mock #metoo, or even defend men who push boundaries with women,” one person wrote.
TheWrap reached out to Schroeder’s reps for comment, but they have yet to respond.
Friday’s podcast had advertisers speaking up, too, with Rent the Runway, Simple Contacts and Framebridge all pulling their support.
We’re shocked by @stassi's comments re the #metoo campaign. It goes against everything RTR stands for as a company and has publicly advocated. Our 1st ads were slated to run on Mon but effective immediately we’ve terminated our relationship with her podcast.
— Rent the Runway (@RenttheRunway) November 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/SimpleContacts/status/934169952222941184
In no way do @stassi's comments about the #metoo campaign reflect our beliefs. We are ending our relationship with the Straight Up with Stassi Podcast effective immediately. We will always stand by brave women sharing their stories.
— Framebridge 🖼️ (@framebridge) November 25, 2017
Schroeder’s viewers had strong opinions of their own. Here are just a few.
https://twitter.com/MarissaLace/status/934175706354814976
https://twitter.com/MarissaLace/status/934176507500494848
https://twitter.com/MarissaLace/status/934177248269053952
https://twitter.com/alikokjohn4/status/934540536526065664
Schroeder stood her ground, but the critics persisted.
About 5 ppl heard this podcast & everyone else read ONE quote without the backstory or context of a TWO hour episode. pic.twitter.com/23EMPZpcMU
— Stassi Schroeder Clark (@stassi) November 25, 2017
“I did listen,” one Twitter user responded, “and the context did not make it any better. I wish I could support you on this, but I need you to acknowledge the ignorance here and not blame those who couldn’t listen of not understanding. You deleted it and didn’t give them the chance at context.”
@stassi I did listen, and the context did not make it any better. I wish I could support you on this, but I need you to acknowledge the ignorance here and not blame those who couldn’t listen of not understanding. You deleted it and didn’t give them the chance at context
— Lucia Nichols (@lunicby) November 25, 2017
Despite the backlash, Schroeder will be getting the last word:
Just finished recording a follow up episode… stay tuned 😉 pic.twitter.com/D9j5xlv4V9
— Stassi Schroeder Clark (@stassi) November 25, 2017