Kristen Doute Offers Raw Insights on Stassi Schroeder & Katie Maloney Fallout: A Post-Vanderpump Rules Friendship Update

The dramatic unraveling of the “Witches of WeHo” has been one of the most talked-about storylines in recent *Vanderpump Rules* history, leaving fans wondering about the fate of the once inseparable trio: Kristen Doute, Stassi Schroeder, and Katie Maloney. In an exclusive and remarkably candid interview with HollywoodLife, Kristen Doute, 37, provided an illuminating update on where she currently stands with her former best friends. Despite the ongoing rift that has stretched far beyond Season 8 of the hit Bravo series, Doute revealed a surprising layer of her feelings, confessing, “I don’t care if we are never friends again.” This bold statement might lead one to believe an irreparable schism, yet Kristen’s reasoning offers a much more nuanced perspective on the complex bonds forged over years of shared experiences, both on and off television. As she promoted her new book, *He’s Making You Crazy*, co-written with Michele Alexander, Doute peeled back the curtain on her emotional landscape, showing that even in the wake of fractured friendships, some connections run deeper than casual acquaintance.

The Unraveling of the Witches of WeHo: A Friendship Forged in Reality TV

For years, Kristen Doute, Stassi Schroeder, and Katie Maloney were an iconic and often tumultuous force on *Vanderpump Rules*. Their self-proclaimed “Witches of WeHo” moniker symbolized their tight-knit bond, their shared history, and their collective power within the West Hollywood social scene that served as the backdrop for the show. From navigating rocky relationships and career aspirations to personal triumphs and very public meltdowns, their friendship was a cornerstone of the series, providing both comedic relief and intense drama. Viewers watched them support each other through heartbreak, celebrate engagements, and occasionally clash with explosive arguments that always seemed to end in reconciliation. However, Season 8 saw an unprecedented and seemingly irreversible breakdown of this dynamic. The once impenetrable bond began to fray, primarily fueled by what Stassi and Katie perceived as Kristen’s continued toxic behavior and her chaotic on-again, off-again relationship with then-boyfriend Brian Carter. The culmination was a shocking declaration of their intention to cut Kristen out of their lives, leaving both Kristen and many fans bewildered and heartbroken. The weight of this separation, especially for a friendship that had been so public and so pivotal to their lives, continued to linger, making Kristen’s recent comments all the more significant.

Kristen’s Candid Confession: Love Amidst the Fallout

While Kristen’s initial declaration of not caring if they reconcile might sound harsh, her subsequent explanation painted a picture of enduring affection. “To me, I still love [Stassi]. She’s still my sister, and she deserves to know that I’m proud of her,” Kristen revealed to HollywoodLife. This sentiment highlights the profound distinction between friendship and an intrinsic, familial love that transcends the immediate drama. Despite the cessation of their active friendship and the deeply painful experience of being alienated from her closest confidantes, Kristen clearly harbors a profound respect and care for Stassi. This underlying affection suggests that while the day-to-day interactions may have ceased, the years of history and shared intimacy have left an indelible mark. It’s a complex emotional state where the desire for reconciliation might be tempered by a need for self-preservation, yet the love remains. Kristen confirmed that she still makes an effort to maintain some form of contact with Stassi, even if these communications are far from the deep, heart-to-heart conversations that characterized their early *Vanderpump Rules* years. She admitted, “I’ve always reached out to her, and I usually get a casual, ‘Thank you,’ and that’s it.” This minimal but consistent effort on Kristen’s part speaks volumes about her belief in the enduring nature of their connection, even if it’s currently in a state of flux.

Lingering Sisterhood: Kristen & Stassi’s Evolving Dynamic

The path to potential reconciliation, or at least a civil co-existence, appears to be paved with small, tentative steps. Kristen shared a noteworthy anecdote from January, just before Brittany Cartwright’s birthday party, which Kristen herself threw. “Actually Stassi texted me right before that and said, ‘Look, if there’s anything I can help with, I would love to.’ It was really the first time we’d had more than casual exchange of pleasantries. And she was really kind, and we caught up a little bit at the birthday,” Kristen recounted. This was a significant moment for Kristen, marking a shift from perfunctory acknowledgments to a more genuine offer of support. It suggested a softening, a recognition of their shared past, and perhaps a flicker of the sisterly concern that had once defined their relationship. The positive interaction didn’t end there. As Kristen prepared for the release of her book, *He’s Making You Crazy*, on June 2, Stassi once again reached out. “She did congratulate me on it, and a few weeks ago she texts me just saying, ‘I’m so proud of you, and congratulations, and I hope that it wasn’t a hard process for you,'” Kristen said, recalling Stassi’s encouraging message. These gestures, though seemingly small, represent profound moments for Kristen. They indicate that despite the public fallout and the deep emotional scars, a thread of connection still exists, offering a glimmer of hope for a future where civility, if not full friendship, might prevail. It’s a testament to the idea that some bonds, once formed, are difficult to entirely sever, even amidst the drama and demands of reality television.

Navigating the Aftermath: Katie Maloney’s Role and Superficial Ties

While there appear to be subtle shifts in Kristen’s dynamic with Stassi, her relationship with Katie Maloney, the other half of the “Witches of WeHo” equation, seems to remain largely unchanged, characterized by a certain superficiality. Kristen did reveal a positive note, mentioning that Katie even pre-ordered her new book, *He’s Making You Crazy*. This gesture, while appreciated, doesn’t necessarily translate into a rekindling of their once-close bond. “Katie and I talk here and there, mostly just not about work-related type things,” Kristen explained. She elaborated on their sporadic conversations, noting, “We did a film together 10 years ago that is coming out on platforms now. So we’ve talked a little bit about that.” This shared professional history provides a safe, neutral ground for communication, sidestepping the deeper, more contentious issues of their fractured friendship. However, Kristen candidly lamented the lack of true depth in these interactions. She described their chats as confined to “lighthearted bulls–t,” unequivocally stating, “there’s no real conversation.” This paints a poignant picture of a friendship that has been reduced to pleasantries and logistical discussions, a stark contrast to the profound intimacy and raw honesty that once defined their bond. For Kristen, the absence of genuine emotional exchange with Katie signifies a greater distance, perhaps even more so than with Stassi, suggesting that the path to mending fences with Maloney might be a distinct and equally challenging journey.

The Lingering Question: Why the Cut-Off?

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the fallout for Kristen is the lingering sense of confusion and the lack of explicit closure. To this day, Kristen struggles to fully grasp the precise reasons that led Stassi and Katie to sever their ties so abruptly. The dramatic climax of their friendship coincided with Kristen’s tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend, Brian Carter, which ultimately ended in September 2019. It was Kristen’s handling of this relationship, marked by periods of uncertainty and conflict, that seemed to be the final straw for Stassi and Katie. “I know how I feel, but I also don’t know really why she and Katie cut me off,” Kristen admitted, highlighting her bewilderment. She expressed her anticipation of watching new episodes of *Vanderpump Rules* alongside the viewers, hoping to finally gain insight into the perspective of her former friends. “I’m going to watch it [new episodes of Vanderpump Rules] with everyone else. I was never really given an answer. It was just like, ‘You’re cut. We’re done,’ because I was in a fight with my boyfriend, or my ex-boyfriend. We broke up. I don’t get it.” This profound lack of an explanation, a direct and open conversation about their grievances, left Kristen feeling blindsided and unfairly judged. The suddenness and finality of their decision, seemingly hinged on her personal relationship struggles, remain a significant source of pain and incomprehension for her. It underscores the difficulty of navigating deeply personal conflicts in the public eye, especially when the narratives are shaped by editing and differing recollections.

He’s Making You Crazy: A New Chapter and Personal Growth

Amidst the personal turmoil of her fractured friendships, Kristen Doute channeled her experiences into a new creative endeavor: her book, *He’s Making You Crazy*, co-written with Michele Alexander. This project, set to be released on June 2, serves as more than just a literary offering; it’s a reflection of Kristen’s journey of self-discovery, resilience, and learning from past relationship mistakes. The book delves into the complexities of dating, toxic relationship patterns, and the importance of self-worth – themes that undoubtedly resonate with Kristen’s own highly publicized romantic history. For Kristen, the creation of this book was a therapeutic process, allowing her to articulate lessons learned and offer advice to others navigating similar challenges. Its launch represents a significant personal milestone, a testament to her ability to transform adversity into a platform for growth and empowerment. The fact that both Stassi and Katie have acknowledged the book, with Katie even pre-ordering it and Stassi offering congratulations, highlights its importance in Kristen’s current narrative. It’s a project that exists independently of their friendship drama, yet it also subtly weaves into the story of her evolving relationships, showcasing Kristen’s progress and dedication to her personal development, even as she grapples with unresolved issues from her past. The book is a tangible representation of her moving forward, creating a new identity beyond the “Witch of WeHo” label, and finding her own voice.

Hope for a Future: A Path to Reconciliation?

Despite the pain and confusion surrounding the fallout, Kristen Doute remains remarkably open to the possibility of a truce with her ex-BFFs. Her approach to reconciliation is pragmatic and rooted in a deep understanding of human relationships. “I’m always hopeful. I don’t live in absolutes. I don’t live in never forever, because it’s just stupid and it’s not real life,” she affirmed. This perspective reflects a maturity that recognizes the fluidity and unpredictable nature of personal connections. However, Kristen also acknowledges that any potential healing process would require a deliberate and thoughtful approach. She firmly believes that a collective sit-down might not be the most effective first step towards mending their fractured bonds. “But I think it has to be separate conversations. I don’t think the three of us together is going to work as the first sit down. I think it needs to be Katie and I, Stassi and I, treat them as very different friendships and find out why each of them solely felt that this was so easy to just cut me off.” This insightful proposal speaks to the distinct dynamics that existed within the “Witches of WeHo” and the unique grievances each friend may have harbored. By suggesting individual conversations, Kristen aims to address the specific issues with Stassi and Katie separately, hoping to gain the clarity and understanding that has eluded her since their dramatic split. Her willingness to engage, coupled with a clear vision for how to approach reconciliation, leaves the door open for a future where these iconic *Vanderpump Rules* friendships might find a new, albeit different, form of connection.

The Enduring Legacy of Vanderpump Rules Friendships

The saga of Kristen Doute, Stassi Schroeder, and Katie Maloney extends beyond individual drama; it’s a testament to the powerful and often volatile nature of friendships chronicled on reality television. For over a decade, *Vanderpump Rules* fans have been deeply invested in the lives and relationships of the SUR and TomTom staff, and the “Witches of WeHo” were undoubtedly a central pillar of that narrative. Their bond represented an aspirational friendship for some, a cautionary tale for others, and consistently provided compelling television. The public nature of their fallout amplified its impact, creating fervent discussions among viewers who felt personally connected to the trio. Kristen’s ongoing struggle for understanding and her eventual openness to reconciliation resonate deeply because it reflects the complexities of real-life friendships, even those played out on screen. The emotional honesty she brings to this topic, confessing both enduring love and lingering confusion, encapsulates the enduring appeal of *Vanderpump Rules*: its ability to portray human relationships in all their messy, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking glory. As these reality stars evolve and forge new paths, both personally and professionally, the echoes of their past friendships continue to shape their present, reminding us that some bonds, whether healed or permanently altered, leave an indelible mark on their lives and the show’s legacy.