When Vanderpump Rules returned with a rebooted new cast for Season 12, the Realityverse went nuclear. Fans accused the newbies of being nothing more than influencers trying to get famous. Some of the original cast piled on; Kristen Doute seemingly dismissed the cast right before filming, while Brittany Cartwright and Tom Sandoval threw shade in interviews and online. Even Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney have been “back and forth” with commentary, according to Venus Binkley. But the breakout star of the reboot isn’t having it.
Venus, SUR’s resident gossip hub and the first openly gay full‑time cast member, says he sees the hate — and he’s ready to clap back. “I’ve seen Brittany hating. I’ve seen Kristen hating. … Tom Sandoval’s been a hater publicly. To each their own,” he said. He also made it clear he doesn’t waste time on the negativity: “I usually swipe past Scheana [Shay] if she pops up.” Instead, he’s focused on doing his job and proving this new crew is the real deal.
Venus has an answer for those calling out the Pump Rules cast
One of the harshest digs from OGs and trolls is that the reboot cast are social‑media personalities handed a TV show. Venus laughed that off. “Who’s an influencer? Because if we were influencers, we wouldn’t be broke. I wouldn’t be waiting tables at SUR every week if this was just a production,” he said.
He still clocks in at the restaurant like any other server. Hayu bios describe Venus as the “glue” of the group — the person everyone turns to for advice and gossip — and he earned that position by actually working there, not DM‑ing Lisa Vanderpump.
Venus also pointed out that the original cast was made up of aspiring models, musicians, and actors in 2013. “They were aspiring stars who wanted to be famous that worked at SUR. And now it’s 2025 and we’re all aspiring actresses, models, musicians that want to be famous,” he said. The premise hasn’t changed; the generation has.
Despite the criticism, Venus says the positive feedback far outweighs the negativity. The reboot quickly hit number one on Peacock and Hayu. Even as reports circulated claiming live ratings were low, Venus believes fans are still curious and that the drama will keep them watching.
As for those calling for the show’s cancellation? “There’s way more love than there is hate,” he said.
Venus is “proud” to be his authentic self
Some viewers have been quick to declare that the reboot doesn’t “flow naturally,” suggesting the newbies are forcing storylines. Venus doesn’t agree. While he acknowledges the original Vanderpump Rules era is “gold” and irreplicable, he insists Season 12 offers something distinct.
“It’s more open‑minded, more laid back. There’s HR now, so we have to behave — we’re just a little bit tame,” he said. The cast is mostly Gen Z with a few millennials, navigating drama, work, and relationships with a 2025 sensibility.
He also feels the weight of being the only gay man on a show set in West Hollywood’s gayborhood. In the trailer, Venus is spotlighted as the first gay man to lead the cast and even gets the final teaser moment with Lisa Vanderpump. He says he brings up his sexuality on camera intentionally because representation matters — but it doesn’t define his entire storyline. “I’m proud to be myself and I want people to see it,” he said.
Venus isn’t just firing back — he’s teasing what’s still ahead. He also warned that castmate chaos is far from over. Marcus’s drinking problem, which Venus confronted on the show, is only the beginning. “The drama never stops,” he promised.
And while some OGs may be skeptical, Venus is confident they’ll come around. “We’re not trying to mimic them. We’re literally just being ourselves.”
You can watch Vanderpump Rules Season 12 on Hayu in Canada, the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – ARE YOU ENJOYING NEW VPR? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE REBOOT CAST?
