Lisa Vanderpump has been accused of transphobia after she made a joke aimed at her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Erika Girardi.
Vanderpump, 58, made the comment on this week’s episode of the show when laughing about a lie detector test.
“Just don’t ask me if Erika’s tucking or something like that because there are some things I can’t lie about,” she said.
The television personality later apologised for the remark, telling Page Six: “It was not my intention to belittle the trans community with my poor choice of words directed toward Erika.”
“I have nothing but respect and love for trans people around the world, as I have been a staunch supporter, provided employment offered emotional support and championed LGBTQ issues.
Erika Girardi, also known as Erika Jayne (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp)
“With recent news of trans women losing their lives for living their authentic truth in a world of discrimination and hate, I never want to diminish the very real pain and struggle that trans people go through every day.”
Lisa Rinna, who also features on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, posted on Twitter: “Who knew Lvp was transphobic? Well, we know NOW! #LBGTQ.”
Girardi has not commented yet, but retweeted actress Candis Cayne’s message about the incident.
It read: “Oh come on @lisavanderpump joking about @erikajayne ‘tucking’ Ugly Trans jokes marginalising our community are not acceptable.”
“Being an ally doesn’t give you a free pass To make transphobic remarks. Do better.”
