Stassi Schroeder, a veteran of the reality television show "Vanderpump Rules," has spoken out about the negative impact of online commentary following her appearance at the Miami Swim Week catwalk event in May. Schroeder, 38, admitted that harsh remarks from internet trolls comparing her body shape to a "rectangle" and the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants affected her.
This experience followed her initial debut on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show the previous year, for which she had dieted for months. While she described her first runway appearance as "amazing," the subsequent year proved more challenging due to the online backlash. Schroeder stated that the trolls "got to me" and acknowledged that they "were not wrong" in their observations about her physique.
Despite the hurtful comments, Schroeder expressed that she still enjoys participating in runway shows, calling the experience "empowering" and highlighting the positive "girl power vibe" and supportive atmosphere among fellow models. She cited other stars like Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish, and Bethency Frankel who also walked in the Miami Swim Week event.
Schroeder, who has previously faced public scrutiny, including being fired from "Vanderpump Rules" for past racist actions, indicated that she has become more resilient to hateful commentary. "If you believe all of the positive stuff you read, that means you have to believe all the negative stuff you read," she explained, adding that she has adopted a strategy of not believing either extreme. She also commented on the transient nature of public perception, noting that "one minute people love you, the next they hate you."
Schroeder's recent television ventures include appearances on "The Valley" and "Vanderpump Villa." Her new reality series, "House of Stassi," premiered on Hulu this week.
She has stated her hesitation to participate in a third swimsuit catwalk event due to the negative commentary she received. Schroeder was previously fired from "Vanderpump Rules" after eight seasons, alongside costar Kristen Doute, following revelations of past racist actions against former castmate Faith Stowers.
