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After choosing defiance as her first response to backlash she received for a recent podcast where she questioned the #MeToo campaign and some of the sexual assault stories that have come to light in recent weeks, "Vanderpump Rules" star Stassi Schroeder apologized and removed the "Straight Up With Stassi" episode in question.
"My podcast is an outlet for me to share my unfiltered opinion with my listeners; but on my latest episode I crossed a line," Schroeder posted to Twitter on Saturday afternoon. "It was irresponsible for me to make generalized statements about a very serious topic, such as sexual harassment, as it is not my place to speak about anyone else's experience. I apologize."
She then invited parties "on either side" to share their stories on her podcast, describing the past 24 hours as "sobering."
These 24 hours have been sobering: I want to share your stories on my podcast: on either side, being accused of something you didn't do or being victimized & left helpless. Let's discuss it all. Stassi@juststassi.com
@stassi
The original podcast was titled "Are we on a male witch hunt?"," after which Schroeder was accused of questioning some women's stories and jumping on the #MeToo bandwagon.
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View StoryAlmost immediately, three of her podcast sponsors backed out of their relationship with Schroeder with statements condemning her comments.
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
Simple Contacts doesn't agree with or condone the opinions of @stassi. We've pulled our ads from her podcast. Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/xnPU0Sl62S
@SimpleContacts
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.
@RenttheRunway
Even as the fans lashed out against her "ignorance," Schroeder was initially defiant, saying that her words were being taken out of context, and then Tweeted Friday that she'd finished recording a "follow up episode... stay tuned ;)"
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View StoryThe invite for parties on "both sides" to discuss their stories came Sunday, two days after a more defiant Schroeder posted that she'd finished her follow up episode. It's unclear if that episode will still air, considering the apology and "sobering" 24 hour period. Fans will just have to stay tuned.
Following are some of the tweets -- both against and in support -- Schroeder got for her podcast and varying responses:
If there is ANYONE on this planet who should keep their mouth shut about serious topics, it's this vapid little girl.
@AmeliaBenedict8
“You can say no or push them away.” - @stassi on #rape and #assault CC: @LisaVanderpump @MusicKillsKate @kristendoute
@gohardprincess
Screenshots are forever babe. Looking forward to your apology pic.twitter.com/MTWYSnBHHA
@singthewaltz
There was no need to apologize. The topic was serious, but false allegations are also serious and need to be part of the discussion.
@taylorm1973
@stassi No. You were right the first time. Social media has created a new moral low that condones witch hunts & mob lynchings & effectively eliminated innocent until proven guilty. All someone has to do now is open their mouth & we have to accept it as truth or be condemned??🙄
@mamuffin100
In case you didn't get to hear @stassi episode where she stands on the side of sexual predators. This is what happens when the bleach hits too close to the roots. Only explanation for such idiotic, misogynistic thinking 🤔 https://t.co/S0Wj6kLAfS
@fancydrank
Hey @stassi I used to be your biggest fan but after your mocking of #metoo we are done. I only hope you continue your sheltered life without sexual harassment princess. Time to start unfollowing....
@beckynoblog
Looks like Stassi's latest podcast was taken down. Two sponsors have dropped her already Heard it was HORRIBLE...the sex Roman Polanski had with a minor was consensual, you can't MAKE a woman suck a dick...etc.
@LoveAndyC
Disappointed in People mag, giving haters any attention for misinterpreting @stassi's podcast. If there is anyone that takes a stand for women it's her! ❤️ #shameonyouPeople #poorjournalism #khaleesiforlife
@Amanda_Renae81
It doesn't seem like you are really sorry when you're still retweeting people who said you did nothing wrong 🙄 #fake
@KirstenMShort
I'm with you here. It would be ignorant to think the scenarios she talked about don't happen too. It's not discounting #metoo, it's bringing to light another very possible situation no one seems to be talking about.
@Z_tweets_
Let's discuss how women are less likely to come forward with their stories because of people like you
@singthewaltz
She spent yesterday mocking people who didn't agree with her. How do you have a dialogue with someone like that?
@CalifTessa
She's trying 2 offer a fair & balanced platform. Would U settle down if she offered 2 just hear from women? I think not cuz some people can't forgive & she's in a damned if she does, damned if she doesn't position. I agree I would prefer 2 hear from women & I feel she is sincere.
@Anita_Goodnap
Last night you were making jokes about the offense you inflicted on victims.. i don't know if you're actually sorry
@alikokjohn4
she's still trying to "prove" her point. Which negates any attempts at thoughtful consideration or her PR apology. Which only came after sponsors dumped her. Cuzz Friday she was gloating, calling everyone morons after the first backlash
@PumpersNation
You can't apologize and then continue to deny that you did anything wrong. That's not how it works.
@KaileyA
"on either side"
@rjcc
"victimized & left helpless"
great apology.
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