Kristen Doute Faces Intense Backlash Over Idaho Medical Marijuana Stance Amidst VPR Firing Controversy
In a recent social media stir, reality television personality Kristen Doute, formerly of Bravo’s hit series Vanderpump Rules, found herself at the center of a heated debate after openly criticizing Idaho’s medical marijuana laws. The public fallout, which unfolded on June 29, saw Doute defending her right to speak on the contentious topic against a wave of critics who questioned her authority and motivations, especially in the wake of her recent termination from the long-running reality show.
The controversy ignited in the early morning hours when Doute, 37, used her Twitter platform to express her frustration, tweeting, “Idaho. Time to change your Medical Marijuana laws. This country has much more important things to focus on. I’m so grossed out.” This unsolicited commentary quickly drew the ire of numerous Twitter users. Many slammed Doute for weighing in on an issue they believed she “knows nothing about.” Others were quick to point out her recent career setback, suggesting she should prioritize her professional future after her highly publicized firing from Vanderpump Rules earlier in June. The timing of her tweet, combined with the ongoing scrutiny she faced, amplified the criticism, turning her initial statement into a much larger social media firestorm.
As the backlash mounted, Kristen Doute addressed her detractors directly. On Monday, she followed up with another tweet, stating, “I understand a handful of you feel I don’t have a ‘right’ to speak out about anything at all. Please click unfollow. I hope you’ll then use that same passion and find words to help someone, fight against something and make a change.” This response, while attempting to assert her right to free speech, also implicitly acknowledged the intensity of the public’s reaction to her initial comments. It highlighted the delicate balance celebrities often navigate when expressing personal opinions on politically charged or sensitive issues, particularly when their own public image is already under intense scrutiny.
I understand a handful of you feel I don’t have a “right” to speak out about anything at all.
Please click unfollow.
I hope you’ll then use that same passion and find words to help someone, fight against something and make a change.
🙏🏽❤️
— kristen doute 🦒🤟🏽 (@kristendoute) June 29, 2020
Idaho.
Time to change your Medical Marijuana laws.
This country has much more important things to focus on. I’m so grossed out. 😔
— kristen doute 🦒🤟🏽 (@kristendoute) June 29, 2020
The narrative surrounding Kristen Doute’s tweets took a significant turn when she revealed the personal motivation behind her strong stance. She disclosed that her younger brother, a soldier, resides in Idaho and grapples with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. This debilitating illness often requires complex pain management, and Doute’s brother, according to her, prefers not to rely on opioid medications. This revelation shed new light on her “grossed out” sentiment, indicating a deeply personal connection to the issue rather than a superficial celebrity opinion. Her brother’s struggle underscores the challenges faced by patients in states like Idaho, which notoriously maintains some of the most stringent cannabis laws in the United States. Idaho currently stands as the sole state in the nation that has not enacted any legislation recognizing the medical benefits or allowing for the use of cannabis in any form, presenting a significant barrier for individuals seeking alternative treatments for severe conditions.
In response to a critic who questioned her involvement given her non-residency in Idaho, Kristen tweeted, “My younger brother lives in Idaho. Soldier. Crohn’s. Prefers not to be medicated with opiates. [Think before you speak] and when you do, please speak with kindness. You don’t always know people as you think you do and don’t know what other people are going through.” This powerful statement not only justified her advocacy but also served as a plea for empathy and understanding in online discourse. It highlighted the often-unseen struggles that fuel public statements, urging individuals to consider the broader context and personal experiences that shape people’s views. The debate surrounding medical marijuana is frequently rooted in personal stories of pain relief and improved quality of life, making Doute’s disclosure a pivotal moment in the discussion.
My younger brother lives in Idaho. Soldier. Crohns. Prefers not to be medicated with opiates.
Speak before you think and when you do, please speak with kindness. You don’t always know people as you think you do and don’t know what other people are going through. https://t.co/iDclbCk0W9
— kristen doute 🦒🤟🏽 (@kristendoute) June 29, 2020
Doute continued to engage with Twitter users, fielding comments and questions regarding medical marijuana and cannabis laws across various states. She notably voiced her agreement with a social media user who expressed frustration over Georgia’s current marijuana policies. “I couldn’t agree more,” she responded, signaling her broader support for cannabis reform beyond just Idaho.
The particular Twitter user she agreed with passionately articulated the paradox in current drug laws: “Many states including Georgia need to change the laws on Marijuana. Its fine to prescribe oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, hydrocodone, Fentanyl patches etc… but it’s still against the law to quit taking these drugs and switch to Marijuana for pain relief,” the user wrote, concluding with a vehement, “UNFORGIVABLE GEORGIA!!!” This sentiment resonates with many advocates who argue for safer, non-addictive alternatives to powerful prescription opioids, especially in the context of the ongoing opioid crisis. The medical community continues to explore cannabis as a viable option for chronic pain management, illustrating the growing chasm between scientific understanding and outdated legal frameworks in many parts of the country.
Despite the personal revelation and her consistent advocacy, some Twitter users continued to link Kristen’s outspokenness on medical marijuana to her recent firing from Vanderpump Rules. Critics suggested her tweets were a diversion tactic or an attempt to regain public relevance amidst her career scandal. This perspective highlights the intense scrutiny and skepticism celebrities often face, where their actions and statements are frequently interpreted through the lens of their public controversies rather than their inherent merit.
Kristen Doute and fellow VPR alum Stassi Schroeder faced significant public condemnation in early June, which ultimately led to their dismissal from the show. The controversy erupted after Faith Stowers, a former castmate, revealed during an Instagram Live chat that Doute and Schroeder had falsely reported her to the police in 2018 for a crime she did not commit. Stowers’ allegation came to light on June 1 during a candid discussion with Floribama Shore star Candace Rice, where she spoke openly about her experiences as “the only black person” on VPR. The incident sparked widespread outrage and prompted calls for accountability from Bravo. Both Kristen and Stassi subsequently issued separate, public apologies, though these efforts did not prevent their termination.
The comprehensive cast shakeup on VPR was officially announced on June 9, when Bravo made the decisive move to sever ties with not only Stassi and Kristen but also newcomers Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni. Boyens and Caprioni were let go after past racist tweets resurfaced, for which both men have since publicly apologized. The network confirmed these significant firings to HollywoodLife in a statement on the same day. Kristen Doute and Stassi Schroeder had been integral, full-time cast members on Vanderpump Rules since its premiere in 2013, making their dismissal particularly impactful. Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni had joined the series for its eighth season, which had just concluded at the end of May. This broader context of racial insensitivity allegations and subsequent firings framed much of the public’s perception of Kristen Doute’s later activism, adding layers of complexity to the social media conversation surrounding her stance on medical marijuana laws in Idaho and beyond.