Lisa Vanderpump’s Enduring Battle: Why She’s Still Clapping Back at RHOBH Co-Stars Amidst PuppyGate Fallout
Even a month after her final appearance on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which aired on July 9, Lisa Vanderpump continues to engage in online exchanges with her former co-stars. Far from merely trying to stir up drama on social media, the 58-year-old Bravo personality views her responses as a necessary form of self-defense. “Lisa is profoundly disappointed by the accusations leveled against her by these women. It’s incredibly challenging for her to remain silent and not address these issues on social media, especially when she perceives that they are still taking subtle digs at her,” an insider close to the esteemed SUR restaurant owner EXCLUSIVELY revealed to HollywoodLife.
This sentiment was clearly illustrated on August 13, when Lisa publicly endorsed a fan’s tweet that accused Kyle Richards, 50, and Teddi Mellencamp, 38, of perpetuating “lies and deception” during the infamous PuppyGate scandal that dominated Season 9. For Vanderpump, the ongoing commentary from her former castmates isn’t just background noise; it’s a persistent assault on her character and a distortion of events she believes she was unjustly implicated in. Her public reactions are less about instigating new feuds and more about setting the record straight, a task she feels compelled to undertake as long as the narrative against her persists.
The Genesis of the Conflict: PuppyGate’s Lingering Shadow
The animosity primarily stems from the highly publicized PuppyGate scandal, an incident that became the focal point of RHOBH Season 9 and significantly contributed to Lisa Vanderpump’s strained relationships with the cast, ultimately leading to her departure. At its core, PuppyGate revolved around a rescue dog named Lucy Lucy Apple Juice, which Dorit Kemsley adopted from Vanderpump Dogs, Lisa’s renowned dog rescue foundation. The controversy ignited when it was revealed that Dorit had given the dog away to a friend, who then, in turn, surrendered the dog to a kill shelter, violating the adoption contract’s stipulation that any surrendered dog must be returned to Vanderpump Dogs.
The situation escalated when news of the dog’s rehoming and subsequent shelter placement somehow reached the media. Fingers immediately pointed at Lisa Vanderpump, with many of her co-stars suggesting she either leaked the story to the press or orchestrated a plan to expose Dorit’s actions through her employees at Vanderpump Dogs. Lisa has vehemently and consistently denied these allegations, asserting that she would never intentionally harm her friends or use her foundation for malicious purposes. She maintained that her primary concern was the welfare of the dog and upholding the integrity of Vanderpump Dogs’ mission.
However, the narrative spun by some of her co-stars suggested a more sinister plot. Teddi Mellencamp claimed that Lisa and her team attempted to involve her in exposing Dorit, allegations that Lisa strongly refuted. Kyle Richards also became deeply entangled, frequently questioning Lisa’s honesty and intentions, and leading to some of the most dramatic confrontations of the season. The constant badgering and the accusations of manipulation ultimately led to a deep rift, leaving Lisa feeling betrayed and isolated by the very women she considered friends, thereby fueling her resolve to defend herself online.
Lisa’s Perspective: Necessary Defense Amidst Disappointment and Loss
“[Lisa’s] deeply disenchanted with them and the entire situation they’ve created out of this. It spiraled completely out of control,” our source elaborated. “Until they cease discussing her on social media, she has no intention of holding back when she feels it’s necessary to speak up or defend her reputation. She doesn’t spend her time dwelling on them or the show anymore. It’s simply not worth her energy, as she’s actively striving to reach a more peaceful and stable place after enduring an immense amount of drama and personal turmoil this year.” This statement paints a clear picture of a woman who feels perpetually on the defensive, unable to truly move on until the attacks subside.
Lisa’s steadfastness in responding to perceived slights isn’t solely rooted in the PuppyGate drama. The past year has been extraordinarily challenging for her on a personal level, compounding the stress of the reality TV feuds. In April 2018, she suffered the devastating loss of her beloved brother, Mark Vanderpump, who died by suicide. Just over a year later, in June 2019, her mother, Jean Vanderpump, also passed away. These profound personal tragedies have undoubtedly colored her perception of trivial reality TV squabbles, making the continued scrutiny and accusations from her former castmates feel all the more painful and unwarranted.
Her experience of grief and loss has likely intensified her desire for authenticity and integrity, making her less tolerant of what she perceives as manufactured drama or false narratives. For Lisa, defending herself online is not about seeking attention but about preserving her legacy and character, especially when facing such deeply personal battles away from the cameras. It’s a fight for respect and truth in a world that often prioritizes sensationalism and gossip, underscoring her commitment to protecting her public image from further damage.
The Online Exchange: Tweets as Battlegrounds
The online back-and-forth has predominantly revolved around the PuppyGate scandal, with each cast member leveraging social media platforms to present their version of events long after the season aired. Lisa Vanderpump has consistently refuted claims that she was responsible for leaking the story about Lucy Lucy Apple Juice or masterminding a scheme to expose Dorit Kemsley. She maintains her innocence against the accusations that she manipulated Teddi Mellencamp and Kyle Richards into confronting the rescue dog at Vanderpump Dogs during the season premiere, an incident that served as a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama.
Some fans interpreted Kyle Richards’ tweet on July 23 as a direct jab at Lisa. Kyle wrote, “This season has left me so frustrated at times. Frustrated that people don’t always seem to see the obvious. No, It’s not editing. It’s people who are good at ‘the game’. Bad people can be good at it and good people can be bad at it.” This tweet, without explicitly naming Lisa, strongly suggested that someone on the cast was an expert at manipulating situations for their own benefit, an accusation frequently leveled at Vanderpump throughout Season 9 and one that clearly resonated with her.
Exactly,
— Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) August 13, 2019
Lisa’s concise response of “Exactly,” in agreement with a fan who called out Kyle and Teddi’s alleged “lies and deception,” served as her pointed affirmation that she believed her co-stars were indeed playing “the game” and fabricating narratives. This brief interaction perfectly encapsulates the ongoing tension and the unresolved nature of their conflict, showing that even a single word can carry significant weight in their ongoing public dispute.
People who have spent their entire life treating life as a game and “winning” at it have had lots of practice. When I was told to go to Vanderpump Dogs way back at the beginning of the season, I knew right away what was going on.
— Kyle Richards (@KyleRichards) July 24, 2019
Kyle’s follow-up tweet further intensified the implication, stating, “People who have spent their entire life treating life as a game and ‘winning’ at it have had lots of practice. When I was told to go to Vanderpump Dogs way back at the beginning of the season, I knew right away what was going on.” This statement clearly suggested a belief that Lisa Vanderpump, known for her business acumen and strategic thinking, was behind the PuppyGate setup from the very beginning. The persistent nature of these accusations and counter-accusations online demonstrates how deeply entrenched the cast members are in their respective viewpoints, making reconciliation seem increasingly unlikely, and necessitating Lisa’s continued digital defense.
Beyond the Drama: Lisa’s Dedication to Vanderpump Dogs Foundation
While the reality TV drama and social media skirmishes continue to swirl around her, the Vanderpump Rules star has a profound and impactful project that serves as a vital distraction and a source of immense pride. “Lisa is incredibly busy with and genuinely excited about her fourth annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Fundraising Gala, scheduled for this November,” our source enthusiastically shared. “This crucial event has been instrumental in funding her Pet Rescue Center and has directly contributed to saving the lives of thousands of dogs, from the United States all the way to China.”
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is not merely a side project for Lisa; it is a passion that defines a significant part of her public and private life. Established with the mission to provide a safe haven for dogs, facilitate adoptions, and advocate for animal welfare, the foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless abandoned and mistreated canines. The annual gala is the cornerstone of its fundraising efforts, bringing together celebrities, philanthropists, and animal lovers to support a cause close to Lisa’s heart, raising vital funds for its continuous operations.
This dedication to animal rescue offers a stark contrast to the often-petty disputes of reality television. For Lisa, immersing herself in the work of the foundation provides not only a sense of purpose but also a much-needed escape from the relentless negativity of her public feud. It allows her to channel her energy into something genuinely constructive and impactful, reinforcing her image as a compassionate advocate rather than solely a reality TV personality embroiled in drama. The success of the foundation, marked by the thousands of lives saved and the positive impact on animal welfare globally, is a testament to her unwavering commitment, providing a powerful counter-narrative to the accusations of manipulation and game-playing from her former co-stars.
The Unresolved Nature of the Feud and Moving Forward
The ongoing online interactions highlight a deeply fractured relationship between Lisa Vanderpump and her former RHOBH co-stars. Her insistence on defending herself as long as she feels attacked underscores the raw emotion and sense of injustice she continues to carry. For many fans, Lisa’s departure from the show marked a significant shift in its dynamic, and her continued presence on social media, actively engaging with fan theories and criticisms of her former castmates, keeps the embers of the feud glowing.
While some argue that stepping away completely would be the best path to peace, Lisa’s decision to continue “clapping back” reflects a strong personality unwilling to let perceived falsehoods stand unchallenged. It’s a testament to her belief that her reputation is at stake, especially given the backdrop of her personal losses. Ultimately, the question of when this public spat will truly end remains unanswered, tied directly to the condition Lisa herself has set: when her former co-stars stop talking about her. Until then, the digital battleground of Beverly Hills is likely to see more exchanges, keeping the drama alive for fans who are still invested in the complex relationships of these iconic reality television figures.