If we have learned anything about the cast of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, it’s that the tides turn very quickly. One minute, newbie Jennie Nguyen is taking Mary Cosby to task over racially insensitive comments against her. Now, in real time, we are watching Jennie apologizing for her own racially offensive past. And I use the term “past” loosely. Because we are talking about less than two years ago. In case you missed it, Jennie posted a whole slew of derogatory Facebook memes. Once they were uncovered, she tried to delete the account. But it was too late – she was exposed just what a hypocrite she really is.
In 2020, yes, 2020, Jennie posted and shared a multitude of anti-black memes. They included phrases like “White Lives Matter” and calling Black Lives Matter protestors “BLM Thugs.” She quickly gave a lukewarm and insincere apology on Instagram. Her post stated, “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.”
In an extra confusing and tone def addition, she added “#hateisavirus.” Indeed. None of her castmates liked the post and Jennie turned off comments. Clearly refusing to take the accountability she was recently calling for from others.
RELATED: Jennie Nguyen Responds To Backlash After Controversial Facebook Posts Resurface
Now cast member Jen Shah is addressing the issue in an Instagram post of her own. Jen posted the text, “I rarely believe what I see or hear online. I know firsthand what it feels like to be judged without evidence or an admission of guilt. However, since my RHOSLC cast member has admitted that she made those horrible comments and posts, I must now stand up, on behalf of my husbands and sons who are African American, to say that I am deeply offended by the racially insensitive posts and comments.”
She continued, “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 justice issues that plague our country.” Jen concluded, “I am equally disappointed by the disingenuous apology that was issued. Needless to say, we have some real sh*t to talk about.”
In her caption, Jen also quoted civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall. It read, “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
RELATED: Jennie Nguyen Denies Talking In A “Black Accent” To Mary Cosby; Slams Mary For Not Changing Her Behavior
Both Mary and Meredith Marks, who are no fans of Jen, liked the post in support. Meredith also commented, “Beautifully said.” to which Jen thanked her for the comment. Tiffany Moon, Eboni K. Williams and Leva Bonaparte , who also faced their own racial issues on their respective franchises also liked Jen’s post.
Bravo clearly has an issue with vetting their casts at this point. And if they want to continue to diversify their casts, they need to protect the people they are employing. Because even being a housewife is a job and each and every one of them deserves a work environment that is safe from hate and racism. Bravo owes it to them and the viewers. And this time, it’s Jennie who needs to be held accountable.
RELATED: Lala Kent Thinks Mary Cosby Had A Hand In Jen Shah Arrest
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT JEN’S IG POST? DO YOU THINK JENNIE SHOULD BE FIRED? WHY DO YOU THINK BRAVO ISN’T TAKING BETTER STEPS TO VET BEFORE CASTING?
[Photo Credit: Bravo]
