Andy Cohen appeared flustered while getting called out for his past public support of the recently convicted star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Jen Shah. The future of RHOSLC has been up for debate in the wake of Jen’s six-year prison sentence. The Bravo star is set to serve some serious time behind bars for her involvement in a nationwide telemarketing scheme. Jen professed her innocence in the months after her 2021 arrest and received a ton of support from family, friends, and fans. But ultimately, she pleaded guilty to felony fraud and money laundering charges and will pay for her crimes in the form of prison time and a hefty restitution fee.
Now those who once defended Jen are having to explain themselves in wake of her sentencing. The show’s executive producer Andy was the latest to be called out when he sat down with Chris Wallace on CNN and was asked why he took Jen’s “side” despite “the thousands of people she defrauded, including a lot of elderly?”
Andy appeared visibly taken aback when he scrunched up his face and claimed that he “was hoping she was actually innocent.” Wallace shot back by acknowledging the fact that Jen “pleaded guilty!” Andy claimed that he said that before Jen pleaded guilty, “I think,” he added. But Wallace was quick to claim Andy made the comment after Jen pleaded guilty. “Oh, really? Oh, God,” Andy said with an awkward laugh. “Wow, this is fun.”
Andy Cohen is ‘Defensive’ Of The Real Housewives
Elsewhere, Andy admitted to being “defensive” about Wallace’s criticism of The Real Housewives franchise. He also said he has no shame in producing the shows that are known for their table-flipping, glass-throwing drama. It could highlight Andy’s initial support of Jen like many others. Jen was able to get through an entire season of RHOSLC claiming her innocence against the felony charges, despite later pleading guilty. No one expected a real housewife to join the show knowing they were on the run from felony criminal charges. Jen only made it one season of the show before she was arrested.
Andy isn’t the only one catching heat for his past support of Jen. Heather Gay has lost fans due to her loyalty to Jen. Heather has continued to stand by Jen in wake of her guilty plea last July. Fans even believe she covered for Jen as the real culprit behind her black eye. Viewers are convinced Jen was actually the one who assaulted Heather and gave her the black eye during the cast trip. Heather has been extremely tight-lipped about the reason behind her black eye and only referenced it during a showdown where she defended Jen.
Viewers have started to jump ship from the Heather fan club due to her support of Jen, among other reasons. Jen is now gearing up to begin her lengthy prison sentence. Meanwhile, Andy has a lot to figure out when it comes to the future of RHOSLC. With Jen gone, fans are skeptical the remaining cast will be able to carry the show into another season. The response to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 3 was beyond dismal. Andy and the production team will have to find viable replacements that can help secure the future of the franchise.
