Oh, Whoopi. I used to love you. Now you’ve just gone of gone off the rails, honey.
On May 25, Whoopi Goldberg expounded on The View that Americans have become “too judgy.” She blamed this “downfall of society” on reality television.
Has reality television made us all too judgy?
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“What’s the name of that show I always tell you about?” she asked executive producer Brian Teta.
He responded, “ABC’s ‘American Idol?'” Apparently, he knew exactly what she was talking about, unlike anybody else watching. He then quickly reminded Whoopie that the same Disney-owned network (ABC) that cuts Whoopi’s paychecks also airs AI, so tread lightly.
“Once we gave people the ability to judge other people,” the co-host continued, “I think we ran amok with it. And it’s gone out of control.” Nobody ever gave us that ability, Whoopi. We were all born that way.
“They invited the public to decide who their person was,” she concluded. That’s nothing new. Americans — human beings, in general, — have always been judgy. It’s just human nature. We’ve been judging each other since we were hunter/gatherers, competing over who could throw a spear the farthest or kill the biggest mammoth. It’s what the Miss America pageant and every other competition of its kind are based on.
In actuality, reality show competitions have been on TV since the earliest days of broadcast television. The Original Amateur Hour, which began in 1934 as a radio show, ran on television from 1952 to 1970. The success of The Amateur Hour led to copycats like The Gong Show, Star Search, America’s Got Talent, The Voice and many others. American Idol didn’t invent the wheel.
And let’s not forget what might have been the most judgemental show of all time, Queen for a Day. On that show, four women — each with her own sob story — would compete to be crowned Queen for one day, winning a boatload of prizes to go with the crown. A studio audience would decide whose life was the most pathetic and deserving of a brand-new washing machine. It ran from 1945 to 2004, on radio, various networks and syndication.
In an attempt to move the conversation along, the producer encouraged the EGOT to admit that AI’s “gotten better and you like it now.” So it’s a better show now that it’s on ABC, rather than Fox? All righty then.
TELL US – DO YOU AGREE WITH WHOOPI THAT AMERICANS HAVE BECOME JUDGIER IN RECENT YEARS? DO YOU THINK REALITY TV IS TO BLAME?
Trouble comes in many forms and arguably one form might be named Luis Ruelas. Being married to the star of Real Housewives of New Jersey is both a blessing and a curse. Now Luis is about to see what happens when reality television makes you famous.
Teresa Giudice’s new husband has already been under a microscope, and some of the magnified images aren’t that pretty. Now Luis adds another suspicious incident to his collection. Page Six has the details.
Do not call … ever
No, Luis isn’t crying in a video. And as far as we know he’s wearing his own clothes. This is about his company Digital Media Solutions. This week, they were named in a harassment lawsuit by Juanita Williams.
She filed the class-action suit against Luis’ business and Choice Health Insurance at the beginning of May. Juanita states she added her name to the National Do Not Call Registry. However, both of the businesses continued contacting her on a regular basis.
Court docs state she was bothered by a Choice Health rep in September 2022 and she was advised Luis’ company provided her contact information as a potential lead for future sales.
What in the Jen Shah is this man doing? Additionally, Juanita is seeking $1500 per call. Luis’ lawyer has refused to comment at this time. The company is described as “a leading provider of technology-enabled, data-driven digital performance advertising solutions connecting consumers and advertisers.” That basically means they’ll sell your info, so be wary of things like VIP Housewives experiences.
The company has THREE previous complaints filed alleging they violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Luis’ business denied everything at the time. Looks like another job for Teresa’s clean-up crew!
TELL US – DO YOU THINK LUIS SHOULD BE ON RHONJ? DO YOU THINK HIS BUSINESS PRACTICES ARE SUSPICIOUS?
Andy Cohen — Bravo’s head honcho has had much to say lately regarding Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss. And rightfully so. But as the Season 10 reunion begins to air and his job is out of the way, he’s taking more of a backseat and enjoying the show — alongside us watchers at home. Literally.
During part one of the VPR reunion, Andy and his pal, John Hill, decided to crash some strangers’ viewing party, and thankfully for them, they were received with open arms.
“I got an invite to crash a Vanderpump Rules viewing party which is like a block from my house,” he said on Instagram. Eventually, the Watch What Happens Live host decided to send it full throttle and join the fun.
“OK, we’re doing it,” Cohen said. “I just wanna say, this is gonna be a drop by, but we’ll see. But also, I would like to see if they have any desserts!”
Andy drinks with Bravo fans
Image: andycohen/instagram
As Andy showed up to the Pump Rules viewing party with a bottle of alcohol, he was let in by one of the partygoers.
“What the f–k! Oh my God!” the other guests shouted once Andy entered the living room.
Although he didn’t have his famous shot-ski present, he did offer everyone a shot of what I’d assume to be pretty fine alcohol.
“We’re all gonna do a shot together – they do have some desserts I’m glad to see that,” he said on Instagram. After that, the group raised their glasses high to “Andy” and to “Scandoval.”
Although Cohen’s stay was brief, maybe his fun time will contribute to more surprise pop-ups.
“That was fun. That was really fun. Wow, they’re very cool,” Andy said while leaving. “That was fun. Love thy neighbor. As I learned at SantaCon a few years ago, every friend was once a stranger.”
Vanderpump Rules continues Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – WOULD YOU HANG OUT WITH ANDY COHEN? DO YOU WANT HIM TO POP UP AT YOUR VIEWING PARTY?
What? Joe Jonas recently went on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast and talked the past. Well, actually all three Jonas Brothers were there so they probably discussed this topic in confidence before. What was it? The Voice judge casting.
Joe indicated he was envious that Nick Jonas got the gig (as Nick listens in). Joe had been a judge on The Voice Australian Edition so he knew the process, but it sounds like it hit him hard when Nick was chosen. Nick expressed that they’ve always been very supportive of each other’s careers in the biz so this must have been uncharacteristic of Joe.
His tears
He found out at a Fleetwood Mac concert saying, “I was so jealous I cried my eyes out to Landslide.” Yeah, that’s not supportive. He went on, “It was bittersweet, of course, ’cause I’m super happy for him, but I’m also bummed ’cause I want that f’ing gig!” There will be other gigs, Joe. It’s okay. Actually, I hope The Voice calls now so he can see how silly he was.
Maybe it was the shock after he’d done The Voice Australia? He said, “I just enjoyed the job, so I was like, ‘what the f?’” To counter that thought he added, “But [Nick] crushed it and, you know, it was great.” He sure did. Did you doubt him for a second?
Better wipe those tears Joe because it’s show business. It’s not even that your inadequate – it’s life. To add, this isn’t even the first job they’ve both vied for, and I’m guessing it’s not the last. They both auditioned for the same role in Wicked the movie.
What if one would have got it? Seeing as Nick has considerably more Broadway experience than Joe, would Nick have cried of jealousy? Hoping not. It’s okay to cry, but it’s okay to be selfless too.
Both brothers already have a lot going on. And with the new album out, they will be joining together (+ modest Kevin) later this year on tour. As for The Voice, it went on hiatus with Blake exiting and Reba entering for Season 24.
TELL US – WILL YOU BE SEEING THE JONAS BROS ON TOUR? DID YOU LISTEN TO DAX’S PODCAST? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THEIR SIBLING LOVE/RIVALRY?
Part one of the most anticipated Vanderpump Rulesreunion did not disappoint. We were over- SURved Tom Sandovalsniveling, Ariana Madixstunting, and Raquel Levissblinking. Rumor has it, Raquel won’t join the barstools until the third episode of the reunion series. Until then, Sandoval is the single lightning rod of hate on the set. Let’s get into it.
Pre-beat down sit-down
Before the reunion officially begins, Andy Cohendoes seated interviews with Ariana, Rachel, and Tom to get everyone’s final version of the story. This part of the episode starts with insane clown music and Tom Sandoval. These producers are thriving.
During her sit down, Ariana reveals that it took Raquel 48 hours to send her an apology text after Ariana found out about the affair. Ari insists that she always trusted Tom 100%, and she especially trusted her girlfriend to not bang him in the back of a sedan.
In his bit, Tom admits he had feelings for Raquel dating back to last year. He insists, though, that he and Raquel didn’t hook up until the day after Ariana’s dog passed away. He says he and Raquel picked things up stronger before appearing at Bravocon in October. We’re also treated to a flashback of him telling a producer he would like to trash his relationship with Ariana on camera to be authentic. Smooth.
Round one
VANDERPUMP RULES — “Reunion” — Pictured: (l-r) Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval — (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty Images)
What an opening segment. Lisa Vanderpump walks into the reunion wearing a dress previously featured on Gizelle Bryant from Real Housewives of Potomac. And her poor taste didn’t end there. Following Lisa to the set is Sandoval. His face is already sheen and everyone is disgusted by the sight of him.
From here, everything goes at double speed. Quick facts; Raquel is outside in a trailer because she isn’t allowed within 100 yards of MotherScheana Shay. It’s Tom Sandoval’s first time seeing the group since the news broke of his affair. Andy Cohenquickly gives James Kennedyhis accolade as the number one guy in the group. And we’re off.
The first moment Sandy is given a chance to speak for himself, he begins to whimper. He can’t even get one word out before James attacks him for being a complete loser. Lala Kentis next. She accuses Tom of being just like her ex, Randall Emmett. Impossible to keep in the house until he was caught with his pants down. Lala calls Tom “dangerous” for being so manipulative, but LVP disagrees.
Lisa is quick to defend Sandoval throughout this first episode. Is anyone surprised? This woman caped for Jax Taylor. And Ken Todd’sacting chops. Lisa even argued that a lot of men have cheated, implying this situation is not that big of a deal. Keep this lady out of my husband’s sedan!
Scheana, on the other hand, has completely turned on Sandoval. She tells a story about approaching Ariana with concerns brought up by Lala in January. Ariana assured Scheana things were fine, though, and revealed she and Tom had been very intimate that month. Blink blink blink!
Sandoval then tries to minimize his friendship with James. This, despite the fact that he paid for part of James’ engagement to Raquel just last year. But the #1 guy in the group doesn’t take that kind of disrespect. James rose from his seat and Andy had to remove him from Tom’s side of the stage.
Tom’s mouth got a little louder once security arrived, but James decided to excuse himself for a potty break. After returning, James called Tom ugly, and Lisa threatens James with a time-out in the dressing room. No really.
Throughout the reunion, Andy tried to address the tepid dynamics we were supposed to be served for Season 10. Katie Maloneyand Tom Schwartzwere on the stand first.
Schwartz says their divorce came at a hard time for him personally, but he also doesn’t expect Katie to pick him over herself if she’s unhappy. He admits he’s not happy that Katie was having sex in their house after they split. Katie argued that it’s better than making out with James Kennedy’s former clinger on camera. Slow blink.
We also learned that Schwartz and his roommate Jo developed a friends-with-benefits relationship. Schwartz called Jo his “happy place”, but denies ever double dating with Tom and Raquel. The group collectively boos the Toms for this blatant treason.
Schwartz and Sandy
VANDERPUMP RULES — “Reunion” — Pictured: (l-r) Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Scheana Shay — (Photo by: Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty Images)
Tom and Tom did not cross-check their timelines before filming. Schwartz revealed that Sandy told him about his hook-up with Raquel in late August, sometime after Scheana’s wedding. In his earlier one-on-one interview, Sandoval said he revealed things to Tom in January. We now have confirmation that all of Schwartz’s mistress jokes about Raquel were as sinister as predicted.
Sandy claimed that he didn’t use Schwartz as a smoke screen for his affair. It’s confusing why he was encouraging his best friend to make out with a woman he was already having a relationship with, but don’t pay attention to that, I guess.
Ariana and Katie dunk on their exes bar by gloating about their recent merchandise success, enjoying takings of over $200,000. The Toms have succeeded in making these two very well-liked and very well-paid. Schwartz and Sandy’s bar has a three-star review at the time of this writing.
Palm Springs commune
Scheana and Lala are friends again because of their kids. Lala just bought a house next door to Scheana. During this conversation, Schwartz comes out of nowhere to blast Katie for being jealous of the new dynamic between the elder-mistresses.
Katie calmly explained she feels she’s been more loyal to Lala than Lala is to her. Scheana then apologized to Katie for having trusted Raquel’s version of Katie’s “attack” on her. Blink. Katie has never been kind to Scheana, and she trusted the puppy party girl over her. Things happen. They will move forward in peace.
The episode ends with LVP taking up for Tom against Lala once again. Both Lala and James went at her for this, with the latter taking himself out of the room so he could take a moment to overcome the BS. See you for part two!
Vanderpump Rules Season 10 reunion continues Wednesday, May 31, at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE LVP DEFENDING SANDOVAL SO CONSISTENTLY? ARE YOU LOVING OR HATING JAMES? THOUGHTS ON RAQUEL IN THE TRAILER?
