Katie Maloney revealed that she had already decided to leave Vanderpump Rules months before the show’s reboot, which introduces an entirely new cast, was announced. During Wednesday’s episode of her podcast Disrespectfully with co-host Dayna Kathan, Maloney shared that her decision to step away from the Bravo series had been made long before any plans to pause or revamp the show came to light.
She explained that after the most recent season concluded, she felt it was time to move forward with her life. Reflecting on her choice, Kathan noted that Maloney had made this decision following the airing of the Season 11 reunion in May. Maloney confirmed, adding that she had already informed producers about her plans not to return.
A reflective Katie Maloney discusses her choice to leave reality TV behind
Maloney stated that her departure was rooted in a sense of personal readiness, as she felt her life was evolving in a direction that no longer aligned with the show. She elaborated that she was emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually prepared to step away.
After years of being followed by cameras and sharing intimate aspects of her life, she reached a point where she questioned whether she could grow and thrive while remaining on the series. As an original cast member who experienced both marriage and divorce on the show, Maloney acknowledged the immense impact Vanderpump Rules had on her life.
However, she expressed understanding regarding Bravo’s choice to replace the original cast with a fresh group of close-knit SUR employees. She attributed this change to the fractured dynamic among the original cast, especially in the repercussions of Scandoval, admitting that many of them no longer maintain friendships.
Despite her confidence in moving on, Maloney admitted that the finality of leaving the series feels surreal, strange, and bittersweet. She also dismissed speculation that cast members had been demanding exorbitant salaries, clarifying that negotiations had not even begun when she made her decision. Bravo has not yet provided a statement regarding her departure.
