Stars Who Were Fired from Reality Shows

Reality TV moves fast, and when controversies hit, networks often act even faster. Over the years, cast members have been removed midseason, edited out of episodes, or told they would not return after behavior that violated contracts or clashed with a show’s standards and practices. These decisions usually arrive with brief statements and quick edits, while the fallout for the people involved can last much longer.

Here are notable cases across competition series, celebrity formats, and docu-soaps. For each, you will find what triggered the decision and what happened next, including timing, how episodes were handled, and whether the person eventually reappeared elsewhere on television.

Stassi Schroeder

Bravo ended Stassi Schroeder’s run on ‘Vanderpump Rules’ in June 2020 after past conduct toward fellow cast member Faith Stowers came to light. The network confirmed she would not return, and episodes featuring the incident were examined amid a wider review of franchise casting.

Following her exit, brand partnerships were dropped and scheduled appearances were canceled. Schroeder later focused on podcasting and publishing while ‘Vanderpump Rules’ continued with a reconfigured ensemble the next season.

Kristen Doute

In June 2020, Bravo also removed Kristen Doute from ‘Vanderpump Rules’ after the same incident involving Faith Stowers. The decision arrived alongside other cast changes announced at the time.

Doute pursued projects outside the series following her departure. When the show returned, production addressed the turnover and shifted storylines to remaining and new cast members.

Thomas Ravenel

Bravo cut ties with Thomas Ravenel of ‘Southern Charm’ in 2018 following legal issues that arose off camera. The network stated he would not appear in subsequent seasons.

Filming continued with the remainder of the cast, and production adjusted to explain his absence. Later reunions and episodes referenced his departure only in general terms as the series centered on other storylines.

Jennie Nguyen

In January 2022, Bravo removed Jennie Nguyen from ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ after offensive posts from her personal social media accounts became public. The network announced she would not be returning.

Episodes that had already been shot were reviewed, and Nguyen did not film further scenes. The rest of the season proceeded with edits that minimized her presence and with confessionals that addressed cast reactions.

Phaedra Parks

Phaedra Parks did not return to ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ after the season 9 reunion in 2017, when cast and production identified a false allegation she had circulated during filming. Bravo confirmed she would not be part of season 10.

Subsequent seasons referenced the fallout only indirectly, while Parks pursued other television opportunities separate from the flagship series. ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ rebalanced its cast and advanced new story arcs.

Erica Mena

In 2023, VH1 and MTV announced that Erica Mena would not appear in future ‘Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta’ episodes after a recorded argument included a racial slur. The network stated that remaining scheduled appearances for the season would be removed.

Scenes were reedited to reduce or eliminate her role and to contextualize reactions from other cast members. Mena later addressed the incident publicly while the franchise continued production without her.

Farrah Abraham

MTV parted ways with Farrah Abraham on ‘Teen Mom OG’ in late 2017, citing conflicts with contractual obligations related to adult entertainment work and on-set disputes documented during filming. The decision was communicated on air and through network statements.

Abraham’s storyline concluded that season and she did not return to the main cast. She later made short appearances in other reality projects while the ‘Teen Mom’ franchise continued with format changes.

Jenelle Evans

MTV ended Jenelle Evans’s role on ‘Teen Mom 2’ in May 2019 after an incident off camera involving her family and a pet drew widespread attention. The network confirmed she would no longer film for the series.

Episodes quickly shifted focus to remaining cast members, and Evans pursued projects outside the franchise. Occasional updates about her life appeared only through news segments unrelated to the show.

Alex Kompothecras

MTV removed Alex Kompothecras from ‘Siesta Key’ in June 2020 after racist posts associated with his social media came to light. The network said it had cut ties, and episodes already in postproduction were reedited.

Scenes featuring Kompothecras were reduced or replaced, and marketing materials were updated. The season proceeded with the rest of the ensemble while new cast additions were introduced.

Tila Tequila

‘Celebrity Big Brother’ removed Tila Tequila on the first weekend of the 2015 series after producers reviewed past online content praising extremist ideology. She was taken out of the house and did not return.

The production replaced promotional materials and adjusted episode edits to explain the decision to viewers. The series continued with the remaining housemates and standard eviction schedule.

Jeremy Clarkson

The BBC ended Jeremy Clarkson’s role on ‘Top Gear’ in March 2015 after an internal investigation into a physical altercation with a producer. The corporation announced it would not renew his contract.

Previously filmed segments were compiled to complete the series, and the show returned later with a new presenting team. Clarkson moved to another motoring series while the BBC retooled the format.

Bear Grylls

Discovery ended its relationship with Bear Grylls in March 2012, which concluded ‘Man vs. Wild’ at that time. The network cited a contract dispute related to additional projects outside the flagship show.

Reruns remained in rotation as the parties moved on to separate productions. Grylls later launched new survival programs with different broadcasters, while Discovery filled the schedule with other adventure formats.

Willie Hantz

CBS expelled Willie Hantz from ‘Big Brother 14’ in July 2012 after a confrontation that involved headbutting another houseguest. Producers announced his removal to the cast, and he left the house the same day.

The eviction schedule shifted to account for the sudden exit, and the week’s episodes focused on fallout within the game. Hantz did not return for later seasons or special appearances.

Jeremy Jackson

‘Celebrity Big Brother’ removed Jeremy Jackson in January 2015 after an incident with fellow housemate Chloe Goodman during a party-themed segment. Producers determined he had breached conduct rules and ejected him from the house.

The series addressed the decision on air and proceeded with the remaining contestants. Jackson did not return to the franchise, and episodes moved forward without further mention beyond immediate reactions.

Share which cases stood out to you most in the comments.