During a recent episode of the 'Salty With Captain Lee' podcast, discussions arose regarding the salary negotiations of the Vanderpump Rules cast for season 11. The cast members had requested pay raises, prompting questions about their contributions to the show's success. The podcast highlighted the aftermath of Tom Sandoval's split from Ariana Madix due to his infidelity with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, who chose to leave the show.
Executive producer Alex Baskin shed light on the challenges faced during the negotiations, mentioning that certain requests were rejected, including a producer credit. Despite the cast's desire for increased compensation, Baskin emphasized the need for awareness of the industry's current state and the show's success metrics.
Rachel Leviss shared her perspective on the situation, expressing her request for equal pay with Tom and Ariana, along with reimbursement for treatment expenses. Her decision not to return to the show was partly influenced by the financial aspect and the perceived value placed on her contributions.
Captain Lee expressed support for Leviss, acknowledging her personal choices while questioning the notion of rewarding negative behavior. He also extended his support to Peter Madrigal, who opted out of season 11 due to salary negotiations that didn't align with his expectations.
Madrigal revealed that he was asked to return to the show without compensation, a departure from his previous payment arrangements. This led to his decision to step away from the current season, citing budget constraints as a determining factor.
The podcast discussions highlighted the complexities of salary negotiations in the entertainment industry, showcasing the varying perspectives of cast members and producers. The evolving dynamics of compensation and value attribution in reality TV underscore the challenges faced by both talent and production teams.
As the Vanderpump Rules saga continues, viewers are left to ponder the implications of financial disputes on the show's future and the broader landscape of reality television.
Vanderpump Rules airs on Bravo on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
