In the aftermath of the high-profile scandal known as "Scandoval," the cast of "Vanderpump Rules" continues to navigate personal drama and betrayal. One of the significant revelations comes from Scheana Shay, who recently disclosed in her memoir, My Good Side, that her husband, Brock Davies, cheated on her two years prior. This confession complicates the relationship between Shay and her former best friend, Ariana Madix, who was already grappling with her own heartbreak after discovering her partner, Tom Sandoval, had an affair with their co-star, Raquel "Raquel" Leviss. Shay felt a responsibility to safeguard Madix’s emotional state, opting to keep silent about her own struggles when she could have reached out for support, emphasizing her concern for Madix over her own turmoil.
As Shay reflects on her complex feelings regarding her marriage and parenting, she reveals her indecision about sharing Davies’ betrayal, fearing outside opinions may influence her choices. This desire for agency is underscored by her bond with her daughter, Summer, highlighting Shay’s struggle between personal loyalty and familial responsibilities. She explains her choice not to divulge the affair during the filming of season 11, believing that doing so could jeopardize her marriage. Shay expresses regret that Madix didn’t notice her distress, illustrating how adept she was at concealing her struggles, while also acknowledging that Madix was too caught up in her own heartbreak to reach out.
The tension between providing support and managing personal woes became evident for Shay during filming. She initially focused on maintaining their jobs, even accepting filming engagements that included Sandoval, without fully considering Madix’s emotional landscape. In hindsight, Shay realizes that her expectations for Madix—to forgive and move on as she was doing—were unrealistic, given the depth of Madix’s trauma. Reflecting on criticisms they faced regarding Madix’s filming choices, Shay revises her stance, recognizing Madix’s dedication and the painful circumstances under which she was operating.
Moreover, Shay’s revelations extend beyond her relationship with Madix; she touches on her altercation with Leviss, which led to a restraining order and further complicates the already tumultuous group dynamics. Shay admits to reacting out of anger, wishing she had the opportunity to engage in a more constructive dialogue with Leviss. This longing for closure reflects an overarching theme in Shay’s narrative—her desire for open communication and reconciliation within her relationships.
Emotionally charged moments arise as Shay contemplates her friendship with Madix, regretting that she couldn’t provide the support her friend needed during season 11. She grapples with feeling trapped between her job and her responsibilities as a friend, acknowledging that her personal grief clouded her ability to be there for Madix. In her heart, she wishes for increased solidarity and understanding; she recognizes that true friendship involves prioritizing emotional support amid chaotic circumstances.
Ultimately, Shay expresses hope for reconciling with Madix, longing for a candid conversation to heal their rift. Despite recognizing that they may never fully revert to their previous closeness due to the individual paths they’ve taken, Shay affirms the enduring love between them. The release of My Good Side aims to provide insight into her experiences, while simultaneously hoping to reignite the bond that once defined her friendship with Madix, a connection she deeply misses.
