Stassi Schroeder heard Joanna Krupa’s “thoughts” on all those nasty women taking advantage of poor Harvey Weinstein and said, “Hold my beer.” Her latest podcast, titled “Are We On a Male Witch Hunt?” targets what she calls “attention seeking #MeToo girls.” She and her guest, friend Jennifer Hoffner (co-founder of Pucker & Pout, Katie Maloney’s beauty blog), spent two hours explaining how easy it is to avoid sexual assault and that women only joined the #MeToo trend to cover up bad decisions. Needless to say, Twitter went beserk. So far three sponsors have publicly cut ties with Straight Up with Stassi and more are sure to follow.
Stassi claims her words have been taken out of context and if anyone bothered to listen to the podcast, they’d realize she was standing up for sexual assault victims. Is it possible this is all being blown out of perspective? Is Stassi the victim of a witch hunt herself? Since Stassi immediately pulled the podcast (as one does when they feel strong in their convictions), we can’t check the tape ourselves. But this is the internet. Nothing ever really goes away. So let’s read a quote posted on Twitter to form our own opinion: “It’s the easiest thing in the entire world to not go to somebody’s hotel room late at night. It’s the easiest thing in the world to not make out with that person if you don’t want to. It’s the easiest thing in the world to not suck that person’s dick if you don’t want to.” Sometimes one quote is enough.
I can’t imagine anyone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment interpreting Stassi’s words as supportive. Victims don’t speak out because they know they won’t be believed. Stassi just proved them right in a big way. Her statements not only hurt the #MeToo movement and what it stands for, they hurt all victims of sexual assault and harassment. It’s bad enough that power structures have supported this kind of behavior for years (as we speak, politicians are supporting a child molester based on party lines). The last thing we need is some “reality star” throwing gas on an already all-consuming fire.
Press is ramping up for the Vanderpump Rules season 6 premiere on December 4. I can’t imagine anyone at Bravo is excited to be embroiled in this mess right now. But then again, Bravo, home of the felonini, never bothered to address Nene wishing rape on a fan so maybe they’ll be okay with it. One thing we know for certain: Stassi isn’t done defending herself. She claims she just taped a follow-up episode. I wonder if she’ll leave it up long enough for anyone to hear it this time?
That’s some statement. Piece of work.
I thought the funniest thing was when she tweeted saying only about five people heard the podcast. Maybe that is why the sponsors are really pulling out of her podcast and have found a convenient excuse. If she doesn’t have enough listeners for the advertisers to get some bang for their bucks, they aren’t going to stick around.
I listened to it and it was worse than you can imagine. She said it’s so easy not to be assaulted. She said you can just say no. She says most women probably lead guys on when they make out with them, and that they probably regret hooking up with them after the fact so they just say it’s rape. She says it doesn’t matter if an old man grabs your ass, he’s just old. She said women are just making it up to get attention, because it’s a cool thing to do now. She worried that guys won’t tell her inappropriate jokes anymore, and she feels really bad for them. She said ‘old actresses’ coming forward just want attention for sure, bc why else would they wait so long? She said Harvey probably is a rapists bc LOTS of people came forward but she doubts everyone else and their stories. She says she’s never been treated bad in the film industry, so it’s probably not really a big thing.
One of the most vile things I’ve ever heard tbh.
She’s in the film industry?
Eek. Thanks for the recap. What an idiot.
OMG! What a bag of BULLSHIT! No wonder that podcast was taken down so quickly! Thanks for the details! What a piece of shit Stassi is!
IEPRGirl, Stassi has always been “a piece of shit”. People just forgot that after she went on her charm offensive to rehabilitate her relationships with the cast of Vanderpump Rules and get back on tv.
I can post a link to d/l the podcast if that’s compliant with the site’s rules
Will you send it to me or TT, please? Tamara Tattles at the G mail or The Lady Cocotte at the G mail. Thanks!
Yes, there is nothing about her comments about how easy it is to avoid sexual assault that was in anyway supporting of the victims, even the the ones she acknowledged might possibly be telling the truth. She is not just not supportive, she’s literally blaming the victims.
Shut up, Stassi, you vapid cunt.
Well said.
No, don’t shut her up. That’s a huge huge problem now. People SHOULD be able to say what they want. Just because you don’t like what they say, doesn’t mean they should shut up. When campus activists shut down Conservative speech, I think it’s wrong and hateful and I despise the way the admins cave to those asshole activists. Same thing with Stassi-you don’t get to shut her up just because her point of view is different from yours. She gets to deal with the fallout and you get to frown because you don’t agree with her.
And we get to call her a cunt. And you need to use your real nic when making comments.
Um, having a podcast is not the same as university speaking. Universities have historically been bastions of free speech. They’ve started acting like making money is their primary purpose, shutting down anyone their “customers” (students) find objectionable. Universities are supposed to be places where ideas can be debated freely. It’s one of those things they’re supposed to be teaching students.
If a speaker has a known history of violent supporters or antagonists, it’s the schools responsibility to maintain order and keep all students safe.
Said speeches can and should be heard off campus.
Seven minutes in and I want to throat punch both of these entitled, illiterate morons. And “Anonymous:” why are you hiding? And if this vapid cunt is so proud of her pov, why is SHE hiding the controversial podcast by “deleting” it?
Anyone can listen still. There are plenty of links in her twitter feed. She really is stupid on so many levels.
I’m listening to it. She thinks the #metoo movement is a bunch of wannabes or washed up actresses who are preying on men for attention. The chick on the show with her has a term for them – Hamsters. (Hooker, Actress, Model, Stripper, Trainer, Entertainer, Runaway.) She claims to be a Hollywood insider and that the majority of women in LA are Hamsters. It’s so insulting to have women portrayed this way. I don’t know how much more I can take without vomiting. I’m not even at the part with the quote that’s been circulating yet.
I disagree completely with Stassi, her words represent victim-shaming at its finest. Also, do any of these sponsors review their own workplace practices and staff ? Withdrawing sponsorship never addresses the underlying issues. Let them start with their own workplaces, customers, suppliers etc.
I totally disagree with Stassi but I do in part agree with Anonymous.. Unless TT says Freedom of Speech is not allowed on her website. While I don’t like what Stassi said, she has the right to say it. And, Lady Cocotte, you call out politicians for support of a child molester – I must have missed the charges and trial…when did that happen??
Most decent people, particularly women tend to believe women when they come forward to say they have been molested. On the other hand there are people like you, some of whom don’t even believe their own children when they come forward. At least you use your real name when you say abhorrent things.
Well, ok. I didn’t know you knew me personally, to make a comment about me –
TT doesn’t have to allow free speech on her website. That’s not how free speech works. Surely they must teach this in elementary school down there? I’m Canadian and I don’t understand why it’s so hard for some of you to grasp.
So many Americans are truly clueless about “free speech”. They think it allows them to spout nonsense in any public or private forum without repercussions.
Our constitution only protects speech from government interference. A person who runs a private blog can lawfully restrict speech in anyway they see fit.
And free speech in a public forum is not protected from public criticism. Individual are free to boycott, criticize and offer rebuttals for speech they find offensive.
“Unless TT doesn’t allow freedom of speech”
LOL fucking moron; typical “family values, Constiution crusader” that doesn’t even bother knowing the very basics of what they feign to uphold.
Every now and then I have an existential crisis wondering how people can fall for such blatant acts of propaganda and misinformation, and then I remember that the average IQ is less than deficient; then I have an existential crisis that the rest of us have to suffer a lower quality of life because of them.
Former Governor Mitt Romney: “Innocent until proven guilty is for criminal convictions, not elections. I believe Leigh Corfman. Her account is too serious to ignore. Moore is unfit for office and should step aside.”
Roy Moore was BANNED FROM A GODDAMN MALL because he wouldn’t stop harassing teen girls there. That alone makes him unfit to go near the National Mall.
Several women in Alabama have come forward to claim they had sexual encounters with Alabama State Senator Roy Moore, ( currently running for office) many years ago, while they were under-age. At least one woman was fourteen another sixteen and several under 18, I believe. Moore was over 30 at the time of the alleged incidents. There is a lot more online-I apologize if I stated anything incorrectly.
Trump is still supporting Moore despite the accusations because Moore claims, “He said he didn’t do it” and Trump said that’s good enough for him.
Oops, I mis-read you comment. I was trying to be kind. My bad obviously. ; (
Never a Stassi fan…..never will be now.
that I agree with can’t stand her .She is a mean girl through and through.This latest just makes her that uglier
Sexual Harassment and the rule of the Patriarchy must end but Am I the first to think some of these women and men are trying to get their names in the press? Some stories are weak. Is there a fine line between I went to the hotel room and he made a move and I went to the hotel room and was attacked because I needed a job. I think there is not. Don’t get me wrong, all claims should be taken seriously and investigated. Still any person who cast doubt on a victim’s story for a PR move should be cast into the puts of hell.
Each and every victim has their story to tell. If they believe they were harassed, they were harassed. If they believe they were attacked and/or assaulted, they were attacked/assaulted. It is not our place to judge the voracity or truth of their stories. As women we must believe and validate the stories they have chosen to share, no matter how belated, no matter how severe or less severe. I’ve been around long enough to know that what may seem confrontational to one woman, may not seem confrontational to another, but our individual reactions to various victim’s stories are based on our own perceptions. Those perceptions could be in line with a victim’s accounting of events, or they could be far, far skewed or outright wrong. Something that cannot be denied, over the ages too many men in powerful positions have used and abused women simply because they could. Women like Stassi don’t like that society has said ENOUGH! Women like Stassi want to gain favors and advancements based on their appearance and not their talents. Women like Stassi want to pretend that just because they haven’t been abused, others have not. Women like Stassi suck. I am beyond thankful for the women who have risked reputations and careers to speak out and force an end to patriarchal bullshit. I want this world to be a better place for my daughter and future granddaughters. I don’t want any of them to put up with the bullshit I, and so many others had to endure simply because we went to work Monday through Friday to do our jobs. Thanks to the #MeToo movement, hopefully future generations of women won’t have to avoid assholes at work who want to fuck them sexually, and then fuck them professionally if they don’t do what they want. Fuck you Stassi.
Thank you! This comment is exactly how I feel but couldn’t find the words express it.
YES!!!
Here’s where I am with this. While I believe AND it’s clearly proven many women are victims of sexual harassment and assault there are also those who come forward in a time like this that aren’t completely honest. That is why I have a real problem with those who say we MUST believe all women when they make claims. There is a reason the term “gold digger” has been around for eternity. It doesn’t only relate to a woman trying to marry for money. There are too many scenarios to mention. And those woman make it very difficult for those who have truly suffered to be believed. The reality is it’s a very dirty world that we live in and the elite whether they are liberal/conservative/civilian/government should be an example for right instead of wrong. I feel this is going to get much dirtier than we can even imagine right now.
And while I mostly speak of women I’m fully aware this relates to men and even more unfortunate children. I personally believe children until they are proven to be deceitful and even then they are the victims of something larger than themselves. Adults these days I have to question but am fully aware of the problem in our society!
Disclaimer- I have not seen Stassi’s video and am ready for incoming!
I stand with you. I’m not required to believe all of them for speaking up because if we I did, then I am not exercising my right to my own thoughts. That is cult mentality, and let’s face it–some women HAVE made up stories like this for attention, and done the true victims of things like this a disservice. Do I believe in most of these people (men AND women), and support them? Absolutely. Too many stories, bearing too many similarities.However, that is not to say that some people might not be using it for their own reasons.
I see people blaming the older women for stepping forward about Bill Cosby–yet my mom was an avid reader of the “national Enquirer,” as I was growing up many many years ago, and I seem to remember women, including Janice Dickinson, talking about being assaulted by Cosby back then (I think it was in the 70’s, maybe early 80’s.) And that is where the stories stayed–on a tabloid that also featured stories such as “I was abducted by aliens and forced to bear them children.” (This was even before him admitting in 2005 that he gave them an exclusive story in return for shelving another accuser’s interview.)
My hat is off to these women who finally stepped forward to be heard. But I also think that they came forward even now, as a group, to get the attention it needed, and not as individuals, because they would not be believed.
However, Stassi’s side is completely that of blaming the victims–ANY victims, and I am not ok with that. I’m not required by any law to believe all of the women, nor will I–but labeling them all makes me sick and furious. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, coming from a woman as shallow as she. We all have the right to free speech–as well as the right to suffer the consequences in exercising that right, hence her losing her sponsors/advertisers.
“Yes we live in a democracy where you are allowed to say your peace but here at home mom rules.” This is a direct quote I have said to my boys multiple times. Same applies to TT space.
Whose bright idea at Bravo was it to bring this abhorrent cunt back to our TV screens?! Stassi’s mother should have swallowed. I am shocked and disgusted with women who continuosly shame and blame the victims. She is beyond ignorant and delusional if she belives that she was standing up for the victims. I hope Lala eviscerates her. What a cunting cunt!
At the risk of being sent away to lick windows, I’ll admit that I do listen to stassi’s podcast occasionally and that I sometimes find her amusing. She does suffer from foot in mouth syndrome. I don’t believe she was targeting victims of traumatic sexual assault. The problem with the “me too” movement is that there is such a wide range of victims. If you are someone who was pinched in the ass, I don’t appreciate hearing about your story in the same conversation as women who have been violently assaulted– never mind children (male and female) who have suffered at the hands of horrible predators. It isn’t even apples and oranges. So if someone rubbed up against you 30 years ago and you weren’t traumatized the way so many women actually have been, then shut up and go away.
It’s not your place to decide how traumatized someone else can feel about being rubbed up against, and nobody is claiming an ass pinch is the same as rape.
I didn’t, but thanks for suggesting otherwise.
I wish as many people had been angry about Patti Stanger dismissing the idea that Mariah Carey could sexually harass someone just because she’s a woman (she said it on Jeff Lewis’s Sirius show a couple of weeks ago).
CBS News Sunday Morning did a piece on lawyer, writer and activist Ronan Farrow. Farrow is the reason why we are having a world wide discussion on sexual abuse and harassment. He broke the Weinstein scandal. I read both his articles in the New Yorker which were well detailed and informative. I am writing this because I cannot help but think of Woody Allen. I have always believe that there was something creepy about dude. And then came the allegations of Woody sexually abusing his daughter Dylan (also read her open letter, a real tear jerker) at the age of seven. Allen was found not guilty. In my court of public opinion my initial thought of him remains steadfast. OJ anyone?
Stassi’s comments for the majority of that podcast were abhorrent! She’s a fucking idiot that much is certain.
However, the rhetoric of automatically blaming a person accused without any sort of due process is a valid one. Some of these accusations sadly are being made by attention seekers riding the waves created by true abuse victims and it’s diluting the whole movement.
For instance, the lastest #MeToo is by Lily Allen (a former British Singer and all round c*nt) stating that SHE only flirted with James Corden on HER talk show 5 years ago because she didn’t want to come off cold. So he’s now being branded a creep because of a discussion encouraged and lead by her.
How in the hell does that even remotely equate to Polanski escaping justice for decades for sleeping with a 13 year old, the scores of women assaulted by Weinstien which he’s now claimed is due to a ‘sex addiction’, or, Spacey trying to seduce a 14 year old minor and using it as a platorm to come out, as if that’s an excuse?!
Sometimes its not victim blaming to say “I’ll believe it when its been proven”.
But who is saying these things are equal? I don’t think anyone is.
What people like you really want is for women to shut up about it. I’m not familiar with Lily Allen’s story but why is she not allowed to discuss how women are conditioned to feel like they should behave in a certain way when men are around, lest they be seen as “mean”, “cold”, “bitchy”, “uptight” or “prudish”? I think that’s a valid conversation to have.
SHE said those things were equal.
So its a discussion to have that she inititated a fliration with a man on television, they had banter, it was left at that and its somehow his fault because shes been conditioned that way? Eh no. ?
I in no way want women to shut up about it, I think its incredibly brave for women to speak up, even more so in a piblic forum.. so please don’t try and speak for me ever random internet person ? What I do want though is for the #metoo movement to not be turned into a witch hunt and a bandwagon for idiots such as the above mentioned, to jump on.
I have worked as an Emergency Responder for 13 years on a government installation, and have seen so many sexual assaults and harassment. I can’t wrap my mind around why Stassi would think her Podcast wouldn’t ruffle some feathers. Is it because she lives in a world where nothing matters but partying and fashion? I am the only female in my department right now and in my previous department I was one of 7. To say I have been harassed is an under statement. This #metoo movement is bringing back so many memories. So many things that I kept quite on because I didn’t want to commit career suicide. At this point in my life I would feel comfortable speaking publicly about them even though they happened years ago. Does that make me an opportunist? I have just done so much work on myself that I feel comfortable speaking out and I could care less if I ever get promoted again before I retire. Stassi needs to learn some empathy and to walk a mile in some other women’s shoes. Look at the epidemic of rape and assault on women in the military??? It took years for many to speak out because they were terrified.
So, just a guess, Stassi doesn’t know anyone who was ever sexually assualted. If she had, she wouldn’t make such an ignorant, flippant remark.
And 2nd, just want to add, that Bravo has turned a blind eye to Andy groping some of the male models (models? Strippers?) on WWHL. It’s uncomfortable to watch. So if Bravo will step in & want to distance themselves from Stassi, they should also address his busy hands as well.
Stassi has issued another statement. It’s one part apology, 7 parts justification, and 2 parts “I’m just more enlightened than you and you are just not ready for the conversation yet.” SMH
Dear Khalessis,
I need to share my thoughts with you regarding my most recent (and deleted) podcast episode.
I am someone who has always been pro-women. My whole podcast was built around this notion, a notion revolving around women supporting women and having a safe space to discuss whatever we wanted in the most uncensored way possible. I’ve spent 3 years now discussing the fact that as women, we should feel comfortable to express ourselves/feelings/thoughts without feeling ashamed. I feel motivated and inspired to help women & express the importance of exposing abuse. I feel motivated to be honest in the face of unjust actions, whether it be by a man or a woman. I have ALWAYS been about justice. I have had the great fortune of being an example to young women & my honesty is what got me to that point; therefore, my honesty is something I am not willing to compromise.
The idea of anyone being sexually assaulted horrifies me. The fact that I’ve upset women who have been sexually assaulted horrifies me. And for that I am truly, truly sorry.
My intentions with this latest episode got lost with some of the comments I made that were insensitive and thoughtless. Before I explain my intent, I want to WHOLLY apologize for the flippant remarks where I said that no one could make me go down on someone, where I said it is easy to say no, and where I said it’s easy to not go to someone’s hotel room alone. I don’t know what each individual woman was being put through in each instance. That was inexcusable and reckless of me.
I’ve read countless emails from you where you’ve shared your stories with me. Some of your stories have shown me just how sorry I am for lumping sexual assault victims into one category and making those ignorant remarks. Other stories have made me realize that there still is a dialogue that people are having privately, a dialogue that we might not be ready for publicly. It was the one I inarticulately tried to have.
The comments I’ve apologized for were 40 seconds of a two-hour long episode, that very few people have heard. What is really unfortunate is that this backlash has made me the story, when the whole purpose of the episode was to bring attention to real victims of sexual assault. I have a point of view that reflects the way a lot of women are feeling, because I spoke to many victims prior to and after the podcast came out. There are many women who feel that so many of the stories we are hearing now in the media are incomparable to real sexual assault. While we all have a different level of what we deem assault, a story about a man touching a woman’s backside isn’t the same as being sexually raped. And I have felt that these stories have taken away from the women who have truly been violated.
The attack on Al Franken is one of the stories that really inspired me to bring up this sensitive topic. A man, who I believe has been doing great things, might see his life/work/family go down in flames. And then, I continued to research. And I read about men who were fired within hours of one allegation. Without any investigation whatsoever. This doesn’t just affect the men, it trickles down to, not only their families, but also their colleagues. Movies and television shows that are now being canceled are putting artists and people out of work. What about the screenwriter of the show? Or the set director? Or the sound technicians? All because of one uninvestigated allegation. (I use the entertainment industry as my example because that is what I know).
The reaction to my podcast has really shaken me. I should be able to express what I think and feel. Should I not? I made mistakes with some inappropriate comments, but does that discredit everything else I stand for?
I’m now torn. Truly torn. I was never trying to hurt anyone. I was trying to express my opinion and start a dialogue that I think may have come too soon. And I have been condemned for it. Is that not the opposite of what we stand for? I would NEVER protect a sexual predator. I would find ways to burn sexual predators alive in boiling oil. And I would NEVER shame a victim. I am a woman, after all. I am one of you. And I have very close people around me who have experienced being raped. I’ve been put in some very compromising positions that I was lucky enough to fight my way out of. I was one of the lucky ones, and I should have realized that not everyone has the same luck.
I believe there is a strong message behind what I said and I didn’t explain it properly because of my flippant, ignorant remarks. I have felt that there have been opportunistic people who have used this time to gain attention, fame, money etc. and that frustrates me. There are real victims out there, and they are being put in the shadows. I am proud of ANYONE who is brave enough to come out with her/his story.
This shouldn’t be about men vs women. This could happen to me. This could happen to my best girlfriend, my sister, my mom. One allegation, one accusation… and everything you’ve worked so hard for is over. This is about an abuse of power. Men have abused their power, and women have abused their power. And now with social media, the abuse of power is rampant.
I’ve now realized just how big this issue is and it’s something I can’t even begin to tackle. When the dialogue becomes acceptable, I hope to be a part of it. It’s about the victims. And it’s about justice in the right way. I only care about what is just and right. If people misconstrue my message because of some ignorant comments, I cannot control that. But I can control the consistency of my message, and I have always been that way with my podcast. My hopes moving forward are for women (and men) to always feel they have a safe place to come out with their stories, but for us to not condemn people immediately and blindly without question. I am someone who wants true equality. I don’t want hand outs JUST because I am a woman.
Thank you to everyone who emailed me their stories.
I am truly sorry to anyone I hurt.
– Stassi
And Katies wants the people replying to Stassi to watch a bullying video and lean to mind their words. The replies to her tweet are hysterical and can be read here. For now.
https://twitter.com/musickillskate/status/934827304588472321
So she’s against women reporting ‘Too much’ and thinks she can judge how offended a woman who ‘just had her butt touched’ as compared to a woman who had sexual penetration? Should the woman who gets told by her boss every single day how great her tits are be told to shut up? What about all the unwanted sexual talk, pursuance, emails etc that women are told to just tolerate? All while making 70% of what a man does?
No. Stassi has proven once again that she lives in a bubble. And she probably doesn’t understand what sexual harassment even is, because she’s willing to get naked in front of cameras on a reality show, be naked in calendars, and has no modesty.
Maybe she’ll grow up one day. But until she gets educated about this, she needs to STFU.