The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has a real problem.
With one of their own.
As you may have heard of by now, Jennie Nguyen is in scalding hot water these days because social media posts she shared in the middle of 2020 have gone viral.
Most of these messages were written in the wake of George Floyd being killed by a police officer in Minnesota.
And most of them took the side of the police amid instances of social justice protests that occasionally turned violent.
In various memes, for instance, Nguyen referred to protestors as “BLM thugs,” while labeling them “violent gangs.”
Elsewhere, the reality star blamed African-American parents for raising their children incorrectly; hence, she reasoned, why some of these gatherings in the summer of 2020 turned ugly.
Here is one such example:
Following the release of these uploads a new this month, Nguyen issued the following apology:
“I want to acknowledge and apologize for my deleted Facebook posts from 2020 that resurfaced today.
“At the time, I thought I was speaking out against violence, but I have since learned how offensive and hurtful my words were.
“It’s why I deactivated that account more than a year ago and why I continue to try to learn about perspectives different from my own.
“I regret those posts and am sincerely sorry for the pain they caused.”
Some observers believe Nguyen was sincere in this mea culpa.
Others want to see her fired by Bravo.
As for where Jennie’s colleagues stand?
Not close to her side, that seems to be for certain.
“I can finally speak out today and I want to say that I am deeply shocked saddened and disappointed by the blatantly racist and derogatory statements reshared and liked by one of my fellow castmates,” Heather Gay wrote on Instagram on Friday.
“There can be no haven in this world for hateful anti-black and violent rhetoric.
“It is up to all of us to do the work of anti-racism and educate ourselves on the experiences of others.”
The mother of three said that she is “constantly learning” and aims to use her public platform to “lead with love and empathy while condemning actions of ignorance and racism.”
Concluded Gay, hurling a whole lot of shade in her co-star’s direction:
“BLACK LIVES MATTER and I will never stand by or support anyone who says otherwise.”
Jen Shah — who some might say lacks any and all credibility because she’s an awful person — isn’t really buying what Jennie is selling right now, either.
“Since my RHOSLC cast member has admitted that she made those horrible comments and posts, I must now stand up, on behalf of my husband and sons who are African American, to say that I am deeply offended by the racially insensitive posts and comments,” Shah said in her own statement, without naming Nguyen directly.
“It was infuriating to see her like and repost comments that made a mockery of and showed complete apathy toward those killed marching to bring awareness to the deep-seeded social injustice issues that plague our country.”
Shah added that she is “equally disappointed” by Nguyen’s “disingenuous apology,” writing:
“Needless to say, we have some real s–t to talk about.”
One would hope that Shah would be offended even if her husband was NOT African-American.
But that’s a point for another day, we suppose.
Meredith Marks, meanwhile, has also now jumped into the fray.
“I am sickened by my co-worker’s racist and prejudicial posts that recently surfaced,” Marks wrote online.
“I do not stand behind or support these posts in any way, shape or form.
“I stand with and support the communities affected and targeted by this.
“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by her actions. Black Lives Matter.”
Meredith even appeared to threaten Jennie in some fashion, concluding:
“You will see repercussions.
“As difficult as it is, give things a moment to come to light.
“Know that I do not support this behavior in anyway and will continue to use my platform to speak out against it.”
Late last week, a source told Entertainment Tonight that Nguyen has not been fired from the franchise.
Another source told this same otulet that the women are “outraged” over the controversy, although producers are probably psyched because the scandal will play a key role on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3.
“It’s still very early on. Who knows what’s going to happen with Jennie? She may not stick around for the whole season,” the ET insider said.
He/she added that the cast lineup for the season 3 isn’t finalized, and new stars may stil come on board.
