Vanderpump Rules head honcho Lisa Vanderpump is in hot water...again. The pandemic has been a rough time for most restaurant owners. But for the former Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, it's also brought many legal and financial woes. Though most restaurants in West Hollywood are starting to reopen, her venues are still on hold due to a whole host of issues. It's yet another blow for Lisa and her once spotless public image.
With her series of restaurants and businesses, the British diva presented herself as a major mogul. But rumors had long been stirring of legal trouble, poor service, employee controversy, and even potential insurance fraud. Years before it shut down permanently, restaurant Villa Blanca lost a sexual discrimination case. The announcement of its closure didn't stop the flood of lawsuits and allegations. In February, a produce supplier sued Villa Blanca and PUMP for over $100,000 in unpaid fees. Now, less than a month later, even more problems have come to PUMP. The trendier spot opened just a few years ago, was visited by major celebrities, and held some very memorable reality tv moments. However, it's now in danger of facing Villa Blanca's fate.
In a story reported by The Sun, who obtained the state's records, the California Franchise Tax Board has suspended PUMP from reopening indefinitely. A suspension this serious occurs if tax returns aren't filed, or if money is owed for unpaid taxes and/or penalties or interest. PUMP can reopen if it gets back in good financial standing, after the necessary tax returns are filed and/or owed expenses are repaid. The exact reason behind the indefinite closing is unclear at this time. Regardless, the outlook isn't great. With all the financial setbacks and bad press, it's hard to know how Lisa can come back from this, even once COVID is a thing of the past.
The tax woes are the latest in a long fall from grace for Lisa. Just a few years ago, she was the star of Bravo's two biggest hits who could seemingly do no wrong. RHOBH viewers used to love her classy attitude and over-the-top lifestyle. Vanderpump Rules portrayed her as a surrogate mother, with the young cast of SURvers gushing over her and desperate for her approval. Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Lindsay Lohan praised her. Then came the infamous RHOBH puppygate, a feud so tiring even longtime fans soured on her. She ended friendships, left the series, and is still on bad terms with some former co-stars. Spin-off Vanderpump Rules also lost its luster and is now on an indefinite hiatus. And on a personal note, she suffered a series of tragic losses, from her family members to beloved dog Giggy.
While her restaurant empire is still in disarray, Lisa is trying to keep up her reign as a reality star. Though she'll likely never return to RHOBH, she's moving onto other networks. In January, she announced her judge role on ABC's dog grooming competition series Pooch Perfect. Overserved, her new show on E!, is set to premiere later in March. In the meantime, despite what some cast members claim, there is still no official word if Vanderpump Rules will return.
Source: The Sun UK