Kristen Doute didn’t hold back when responding to fan concerns about Lala Kent’s upcoming appearance on The Valley, subtly throwing shade at her former Vanderpump Rules co-star.
Kristen, 41, joined the conversation on Tuesday, February 4, shortly after Bravo released the first look at season 2 of The Valley.
In the comments section, several viewers voiced concerns about Lala, 34, potentially receiving too much screen time. One fan wrote, “Not looking forward to seeing Lala, but based on her recent behavior with the exit of VPR, I’m optimistic that this will be a bad season for her, which I will enjoy.”
Kristen reassured fans that the show would not be Lala-centric, replying, “The Valley isn’t about her, so come along for our ride!”
Kristen’s comment follows Lala’s own remarks about her limited involvement in the spinoff. “I wouldn’t say I’m a big part of it. I pop in,” Lala explained during an appearance on Heather McDonald’s Juicy Scoop podcast on Thursday, January 30. “I’m very, very pregnant at that point in time. We will see what makes it. It just made sense.”
In addition to Lala, The Valley season 2 will feature appearances from Vanderpump Rules alumni Scheana Shay, Brock Davies, and Tom Schwartz. The season was already in production before Bravo confirmed a major cast shake-up for Vanderpump Rules season 12.
The Future of Vanderpump Rules
Bravo originally put season 12 of Vanderpump Rules on pause following months of behind-the-scenes tension. The cast became divided after Tom Sandoval’s highly publicized split from Ariana Madix, which was triggered by his affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
While Bravo has not yet revealed the new cast lineup, Lala is among several cast members who have openly discussed feeling ready for a transition.
The Valley Season 2 (Photo: Getty Images)“I’ve spoken about this many times, so I apologize if I’m boring you,” Lala shared during an Amazon Live session in December 2024.
“I felt like I started mourning Vanderpump Rules the moment I purged on that finale. So not only did I know it was coming to an end after that, but I felt like the moment we started filming season 11, it was going to be the last.”
Lala went on to say that she believes the show had run its course. “It just felt like there was nothing—it was broken. It was very broken. So I feel OK with it. I feel very much at peace.”
While Lala will make a brief appearance on The Valley, it remains unclear whether she will be involved in any of the drama. Her cameo, however, comes amid her ongoing feud with Kristen, which has been simmering since November 2023.
Lala and Kristen’s Falling Out
The rift between Lala and Kristen began after Lala cut off contact with Kristen, claiming that she failed to support her during a live podcast event. At the event, Shahs of Sunset star Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi took a jab at Lala over her lack of a co-parenting relationship with ex Randall Emmett.
Kristen later recalled the fallout during an appearance on The Viall Files podcast in June 2024. “We got into a fight. She stopped speaking to me,” Kristen said. “I found out per Brittany [Cartwright] that Lala says I am dead to her because of this. I tried reaching out to her and never spoke to her.”
Kristen attempted to make amends, but Lala wasn’t receptive. “Her text back to me was essentially that she doesn’t give a s—,” Kristen revealed. “She said, ‘Some people are meant to be friends for a season, a reason, or a lifetime, and I think you and I were friends for a season.’ And I was like, ‘Great.’ That was it.”
Despite the falling out, Kristen made it clear that she has no regrets. “I don’t need that in my life,” she stated. “I feel like friendships with Lala come with so many conditions. It is so conditional. If you do this, then you are on her good side.”
The Valley Returns Later This Year
While Kristen and Lala’s feud continues to unfold off-screen, fans won’t have to wait much longer for the new season. The Valley is set to return to Bravo later this year.