Vanderpump Rules brings us right back to SUR Pride. Watch entitled twits attack an untalented Brit, against a backdrop of neon and side ponies. Like, oh my God, the 80’s were so awesome! Raquel is at a crossroads. James’ cheating baggage is finally too big to ignore. It’s time to fully commit to his truth or walk away for good. She pulls Hope aside for more Coachella details. She wants reassurance, any excuse to maintain her current standard of living. But Hope’s not that kind of friend. Hope’s the kind of friend that sleeps with your boyfriend for 3 years. And tells you about it on camera. You know, a Hollywood friend.
A drunken James Kennedy enters Lisa Vanderpump’s radar. He’s White Kanye, boasting and mugging. As any responsible business woman would, LVP cedes all responsibility for the impending disaster to Raquel (one of the few cast members who doesn’t actually work for her). Raquel is a little more concerned with the threat to her TV career relationship. When confronted with all the Hope details, James screams, “Fake news!” in her face until she drops it. Raquel is frazzled. She blames the liars and haters. Don’t they realize she has her hands full enabling a raging alcoholic? She doesn’t need extra drama, thank you very much. At least she knows which path to take. “Bottom line: I want to stay with James.” Yeah. The truth is so overrated these days.
The persecution of James rages on. Katie conveniently remembers her mean-spirited “Like, what’s going on with your fucking pants, dude?” as a kindly attempt to help out a messy coworker. James plays the victim, ranting about how everyone is against him. Raquel, his captive audience, remembers things a little differently. Wasn’t she the one trapped in the bathroom with Kristen and Hope? Raquel is saved from speaking her mind by a well timed phone call disinviting James to Peter’s birthday. Actions have consequences, and James loses more camera time.
Considering all of the current RHOBH drama, it’s interesting to see Teddi Mellencamp visit LVP. What starts as a scripted cross-promotion turns into an exposé on grief. It’s choreographed pain, real and visceral.
Peter and Carter, the two most boring men in LA, have a birthday party. Luckily, Sandoval brings his heavily botoxed father (yeah, we get it now, Tom). The Witches of WeHo, clearly unaware of a Zaddy in their midst, focus on one of this season’s B lines: Scheana sucks, part 213. This week’s Scheana-gasm is her inability to form an opinion. She knows something happened between Hope and James, but she doesn’t know. Hope is a liar but she’s telling the truth. Stassi can’t trust her if she won’t take a side. Her side. Instead of working towards any kind of resolution, the Witches spend the rest of the party telling anyone who’ll listen why she’s not invited to girl’s night. And before you get upset, this isn’t them being mean girls. Scheana clearly brought this upon herself.
The first girl’s night of the season is a classy affair. Hair did, gowns asparkle, this group cleans up well . They’re barely one martini in before Brittany drops a bomb: Raquel is on her way. Brittany feels protective of Raquel. Barely a year ago she was in the exact same place. As someone who cares, someone who knows, she wants Raquel to have all the facts. Including Katie’s accusations. Raquel blames everything on James’ alcoholism. She’s desperate to prove he’s not innately evil, as if that somehow negates his prior bad acts. Facing a tough audience, Raquel throws out her strongest piece of evidence: he only mistreats her when he’s been drinking. The wall of stoney faces crumble. For one brief moment, they’re a table of women, scared for their friend.
Katie follows through on her threat and reports James to Lisa Vanderpump. We’re treated to a montage of the Many Rages of James Kennedy. LVP knows there’s only so far she can coddle him. Sometimes it’s just too ugly (and public) to keep on. Katie lays down the law. She’s not willing to work in place where derogatory comments and misogyny are tolerated. The ball is in Lisa’s court now. Dun dun dun.
Next week: TomTom interviews staff; Ariana and Stassi plan a joint birthday party; Lala claps in Raquel’s face; James sobs while begging for his job.
I cannot decide who I dislike more Tequila Katie or Vodka Gin James ! Unpleasant weasels to their core. Raquel makes Brittany look like a Rhodes scholar. This season of Vanderpump Rules is going to be memorable. Already looking forward to the reunion. Kristen Doute needs a spin off. I love me some crazy Kristen ! Great recap Lady C. I have been reading in London tabloids that James Kennedy will be one of the many recipients of his godfather ( the beloved George Michael ) beneficiaries. Any tea Lady C? Hoping T.T. does a story on it. Both James Kennedys mother & father have sold untold stories & photographs to the British press. Dying for T T’ s take on matters that be.
I don’t know if James is still in the running for any of that money. His parents thoroughly burned that bridge. And I just don’t trust what the British press has to say about it. But, if you’re looking for a good story, check out the time James’ mom stole Kristen’s credit card for Botox.
It would shock me if James was in line for any money. Also, didn’t the boyfriend spend it all? At any rate things left in the will to his god children were probably amended when James’ parents started selling torrid stories about George Michael to the press in order to exclude James’. I don’t think anyone knows for sure.
Plus should the assets have been distributed a long time ago?
Last article I read stated that George left a tape recorded message between himself & Princess Diama to James Kennedys father.( who promptly sold it to the tabloids) . James’s father was always referred to as George Michael’s cousin but was actually just a childhood friend who became a paid assistant. The will has yet to be fully dispensed. Both former boyfriends were left nothing. The bulk of cash & properties were left to his two sisters & the rest to be given to his godchildren nieces nephews & numerous charities. What I have yet to ascertain is where future royalties for all the songs song writing credits etc go. I loved Heorg6e Michael so I am reading everything I can get my eyes on.
I’m going off my old ass memory but I’m 95% sure James himself said he was in line for some money in the first episode where his Dad was in LA. He was talking to Lisa and he also said nothing had been distributed and it could still be years to get through the court system.
Thanks Lady C !
I don’t think Scheana was flip flopping. I think she was trying to say that while she knows Hope exaggerates stories sometimes, she does believe something happened, she just doesn’t know what or have proof. The witches are just back to their mean girl ways. They pick a target and isolate them out each season. They are wil into their 30s now. Time to grow up and stop with the high school drama.
No matter how many times they claim they’re not being mean girls, they’re mean girls.
Agreed. I think they just keep saying it to try to convince themselves. Scheana isn’t so bad, a bit vapid, but she’s a decent human….unlike others
If I’m your boss and you give me an ultimatum, you are gone. There is nothing special about Katie that I would allow her to tell me how to run my business. James may get fired also but it would be MY decision, not my employees.
I’m with you, MIke. Katie has gotten way too big for her britches since that engagement ring was put on her finger. I think Katie’s a miserable human being in a sexless marriage & takes it out on everyone else.
It is against the law for an employee to inform their boss about sexual harassment in the workplace. This is something LVP has learned all too well after losing many millions of dollars in multiple lawsuits. LVP has no choice but to fire James.
Here is just a small portion of my coverage of the sexual harrassment lawsuits against Lisa and Todd.
http://tamaratattles.com/tag/bustillos/
They are in reverse order so you might prefer to scroll down and read up.
Lisa doesn’t have to fire James. What she has to do is add this infraction to his file, give him a warning and not have Katie work the shame shifts or days that James is on. Frankly, I would’ve given Katie the boot for coming to me with that ultimatum. And note that it is NOT against the law for an employee to inform their boss about sexual harassment in the workplace.
And calling someone fat is NOT sexual harassment! And she insulted his appearance first so anything he is guilty of she is also guilty of so legally any consequences has to apply to BOTH of them. If not the one singled out can sue and would win.
It’s a good thing that the bravolebrities can’t sue one another, because Lisa is knowingly running a business that is likely an illegal environment.
I had a hard time looking at Tom’s father. Looked like he was wearing a mask. Freaky.
Zaddy Zandoval and his melted wax face were the highlight of the evening. THAT’S MY OPINION!
I share your opinion, Lady C! When the elder Sandoval appeared on screen me and my 17 year old who just happened to be getting water in the kitchen squealed “ZADDY!!!” in unison.
They definitely can sue each other. They can’t sue each other for defamation or slander based on things said on the show but they most certainly can sue for assault, sexual harassment, theft, etc.
The things about ultimatums is that you have a 50/50 chance of it not working out for you. Not good odds Katie when your job is involved. I too as a boss would never tolerate an employee handing me one.
I noticed Schwartz calling Katie his “girlfriend” when talking to the Sandoval’s. Are they legally married or just married roommates?
I doubt Lisa will fire James when his Tuesday night show brings in the money compared to a part-time waitress. Katie looked like a fool giving an ultimatum. Solution will be to move her to Tom Tom (stupid name). Why is this show on Sunday night?
Great recap as always Lady C. Thank you.
And Katie never mentions what she said or did in any situation, but especially with James.
Thank you!!! Katie is mean and then acts so indignant when James retaliates. She said something first. He wasnt even paying her any mind. James is Jax on steriods x 2 and needs to go to rehab…with Schwartz. That’s who Katie should be concerned with: her husband that’s so trashed he forgets they’re married all the time. I think it’s childish to talk about looks and weight and James is weak but so was Katie for talking about his outfit, especially when they were all dressed like neon acid trips.
I know Lisa is a producer on this show, but presumably not solely in charge. So, what happens when the restaurant’s interest is getting rid of horrible employees, and the production’s interest is keeping an asshat that keeps people watching? The mean girls are wretched people, and James is a four year old brat with maniacal tendencies. Sur has needed an employee purge for years, but this group seems to work for production.
LVP has nothing to do with production. It’s simply a vanity title. She has zero say in production.
The mean girls bring a lot of money to the show, not to the business, but to Lisa. She is hatching a bunch of irresponsible drunks that can get away with doing whatever they want with no consequences. Cannot believethe way “perfect miss Brittany disrespected Lisa and she just allowed it. As for Katie, she IS fat, so who cares? Lose weight if you are so concerned. Jax should be out, he will show his true colors pretty soon, you will see. Cant stand these bunch of drunks pretending to be grownups. Lisa is doing a disservice to all of them. Tom tom is a disaster waiting to happen…but hey Lisa has the money…
I’m stating the obvious.. we know the ultimatum is strictly a storyline and nothing more. They’re fully aware of this before conversations actually happen. These people are actors and dont actually work at the restaurant.
But it does bring up an interesting topic. It could have been a more interesting say if Katie went to Lisa and said shes quitting the restaurant. she wouldn’t tolerate being discriminated against by coworkers calling her fat.
Then Lisa could have decided on her own IF and how she would handle it.
People won’t and shouldn’t tolerate racial slurs being called old etc. why should fat people tolerate being discriminated by their looks?
I think Lisa’s lawyers wrote the script for that scene. Pinky Vanderpump does not foster a hostile work environment, Pinky Vanderpump does not foster a hostile work environment, Pinky Vanderpump does not foster a hostile work environment.
To me, LVP is being disingenuous. She let that moron call his DJ show a misogynistic name. Hard to buy her surprise that he treats his female coworkers badly. Lawyers will need to help her work that one out.
Change ‘See You Next Tuesday’ to ‘Do It, Cocky Kennedy!’ and flip the sexist comment to what James is.
I agree . You cannot talk about your coworkers this way in any other workplace without it going straight to HR. Katie should definilty stand up for herself . This is a repeated incident and I don’t feel at all bad for James. He treats people like crap . He has had way more coddling and chances than any other restaurant or workplace would allow – period. You cannot harrass people at work and keep your job . Making a snarky comment is one thing- but making comments about someone’s body is completely inappropriate and he needs to learn that .
Couldn’t agree more
Have you ever worked in the restaurant industry? James would not be fired over calling someone fat. There’s no such thing as HR in the restaurant/bar industry.
I think everyone in the world has probably worked in a restaurant in their youth, and yes I have. And James didn’t just call someone fat. And LVP has been down this road before and lost MILLIONS beyond the restaurant she and Ken were held PERSONALLY LIABLE.
http://tamaratattles.com/?s=Bustillos
Pull your head out of the swan’s ass and pay attention.
Back in the 80s my mother was about 350 pounds and went for a job interview. The boss said she was more than qualified for the job and he was very impressed but he flat out told her I won’t hire you bc of your weight. She was discriminated and humiliated her whole life bc of her weight.
And headshots are required for entry-level restaurant work in LA. This world sucks.
I thought the headshots stopped years ago. I remember having to provide them in the Bay Area in 1970s but not when I worked at the Sand Castle in Malibu in the 1980s.
I only know about it because they’ve talked about it on VPR. Apparently it’s still a thing in LA.
I was glad to see Schwartz finally stick up for Katie.
And where does one buy an electronic, driveable cooler. The expression on Jax’s face when he drove in with beer in tow was priceless.
And I have got to find a recipe for beer cheese. Since they are filming in Kentucky, it would be great to have the Top Chef chefs put their own spend on it with Brittany’s mamaw as judge.
We always use a jar of Cheez Whiz & mix it with beer (the amount of beer depends on your tastes). I hollow out boule bread, pour in the beer cheese & then use the pulled out bread for dipping.
Thanks for the recipe. I thought it was fancier than Cheez Wiz and perhaps paired with a chilled bottle of PBR
Jax is living his best life on that motorized cooler.
Yes he was. I wish I could buy one for the man in my life. He doesn’t drink beer often at all but he’d have the same stupid look plastered on his face if he got one filled with water. Lol.
It’s nothing special. Tastes like cheeze wiz.
Was Teddi asking LVP to give her brother an interview? Was that him in the previews for next week? I was only half paying attention and didn’t realize that was Teddi talking to Lisa
Yeah, Teddi’s brother works at TomTom. I imagine we’ll meet him next week.
Thanks for the recap, Lady C. I didn’t get a chance to watch the episode yet, so was glad to be enlightened! I am surprised this has not been mentioned yet: when in the heck did James start drinking while d-j’ing again? Wasn’t that the BIG stipulation he had to make to Lisa in order to work his way back into the fold? There was a “NO DRINKING” clause that she insisted that he abide by. So when did that fall by the wayside? And why is Lisa allowing it? Sad if it is just for tv, but I suspect that might be the case. Or, did James start getting wasted while Lisa was home mourning her brother? I am guessing that could actually be it. It is tragic, no matter. An intervention sounds like it is definitely in order. But, I suspect James has such a narcissistic personality that he may be beyond rehab/recovery. I hope not, though. As much as I enjoy a good reality shit show, I don’t like seeing someone’s life really spiral out of control.
I was wondering the exact same thing! And in the previews he is trying to promise not to drink on the job anymore. He has already been fired for drinking and being a dick. Then she did let him back with the stipulation he not drink. We have been down this exact road before.
Raquel made a 100% true state statement.. Bottom line.. I want to be with James. Just like Britney…. She wants to be with him whether for TV or the man himself….but Instead of saying regardless …I want to be with him.. she said bottom line …and that summed it up for me… same thing with Britney… she know she was not going to leave Jax.. They must have given her a bump and her pay to make her so pathetic as to give Raquel the same speech her friends gave her last season.. Because surely she knows she’s going to be slammed for hypocrisy.
Does anyone believe that Brittany and Jax can run a beer cheese business? Or that they are sampling cheeses to use? If this beer cheese ever materializes, it will be because they found some sort of deal where all they have to do is publicize it and get a percentage. Jax couldn’t file for a trademark if his life depended on it, or set up a company, or run a business.
I thought the same thing. They didn’t know shite about cheese, but sounds like their beer cheese may be on par with Velveeta, so maybe that is not a factor. And God knows how long it takes to design a logo, trademark the name, get the facility that needs to be certified by the health department, order the ingredient labels, ETC. No doubt someone came to them with the “sign on the dotted line” company.
Hidden Valley is running ads for Ranch beer cheese on the Bravo website. It has nothing to do with Jax and Brittany’s fake company but it’s funny.
I saw that too. Beer cheese is nothing new or unique. So what if her maw maw makes it. Fake storyline.
It’s crazy that no one has mentioned how big of a hipprocrite Kristen is being sleeping with someone while their significant other is in the other room
So Katie can make a rude comment about James’ shorts and thats OK? She should have stayed out of the conversation. She knows him well enough now to have expected him to be a prick back. Dumb girl. I’m over her and her miserable life. And why is their apartment so dirty? Looks like a pigsty…Is Tom too busy doing nothing all day to clean?
Schwartz is a raging alcoholic. I actually think he has the worst drinking problem on the show.
@Charity: Katie was nasty to James first. The “fat” comment gives this bore a storyline.
Is this show always on? It seems like there are 2 new seasons per year. I wait forever for new seasons of Below Deck, Flipping Out and MDL. But a show I don’t watch has 50 new episodes a year (it seems).
I looooove this show but both James and Schwartz’s drinking has crossed in to uncomfortable territory to me. I know that we’ve seen a lot of problematic drinking on Bravo but these two seem in need of legitimate help. Everyone keeps telling Janes to “just stop drinking”…clearly he’s not able. Separately, I get the sense that Katie loves having this moment to martyr herself. She sure does have a short memory about all of the things her own husband has said to her (ON CAMERA).
For real. Her hubby dumped a drink on her head while black out drunk and yelling at her! That was violent and disturbing. If James is truly an alcoholic, he will need a medically supervised detox; whether he does it out patient or in patient is his choice, but most alcoholics can’t just stop drinking because the withdrawals can be life threatening. Schwartz prob needs a supervised detox too. I hate to see ppl so young, so addicted to something that is generally viewed as harmless. Booze is far from harmless for many ppl. I’m actually thankful that I’ve never been much of a drinker. I just can’t handle downing that much liquid and feeling like shit for 1-2 days afterward.
Did anyone notice that Lala was missing from this episode?
Just watched. What is with LVP’s teeth? Is she wearing flippers?? So fake looking.
James is one hurting little man. All the bravado and posturing and drinking. I hope he gets some serious help. Schwartz, too. It was lovely to see him defending Katie, though. And he does look particularly good this year. Guess drinking doesn’t take a toll on your looks until you are Jax’s age. 😉