Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump apologized for a transphobic comment she made on the hit-show’s latest episode.
On Tuesday night (21 May), Vanderpump made a comment about fellow housewife Erika ‘Jayne’ Girardi.
For context, Vanderpump was taking a lie detector test.
She then said in a video confessional: ‘Just don’t ask me if Erika’s tucking or something like that because there are some things I can’t lie about.’
Girardi does not identify transgender.
She did not respond to the comment directly, but retweeted transgender actress Candis Cayne.
‘Oh, come on,’ Cayne tweeted. ‘Joking about [Erika Jayne] “tucking”.
She then added: ‘Ugly trans jokes marginalizing our community are not acceptable. Being an ally doesn’t give you a free pass to make transphobic remarks. Do better.’
Co-star Lisa Rinna also commented on LVP’s remark: ‘Who know LVP was transphobic? Well, we know NOW!’
Lisa Vanderpump swiftly released a statement on Wednesday apologizing for her ‘poor choice of words’.
‘It was not my intention to belittle the trans community with my poor choice of words directed toward Erika,’ she told . ‘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.
‘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,’ she said.
Vanderpump Rules (the show starring Lisa Vanderpump) star Billie Lee then came to her boss’ defense on Twitter.
‘I have to say,’ she tweeted. ‘[Lisa Vanderpump] has always supported me and my trans experience.
She then continued: ‘She has one of the biggest hearts ever. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my fairy god mother.
‘Our allies don’t come perfect and it’s our responsibility to educate them,’ Lee also said.
