Stassi Schroeder, a 38-year-old reality television personality, recently opened up about the psychological impact of online body-shaming. The Vanderpump Rules alumna described feeling insecure after critics targeted her physique during a May appearance in Miami.
The SpongeBob comparisons at Miami Swim Week
According to reports, Stassi Schroeder faced a wave of criticism after walking the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at Miami Swim Week in May. Wearing a small triangle bikini, the 38-year-old became the target of trolls who mocked her "rectangle" body shape, with some specifically comparing her appearance to the cartoon character SpongeBob Squarepants.
As reported by Page Six Radio, Schroeder admitted that these comments got to her during her second year at the event, contrasting with her first experience which she described as "really amazing." This insecurity was compounded by the fact that Schroeder had spent months dieting specifically to prepare for the runway appearance.
From the 'girl power' of Alix Earle to the cruelty of trolls
Despite the online vitriol, Stassi Schroeder emphasized the supportive environment she found backstage at the Miami Swim Week event. She highlighted the "girl power vibe" shared with other high-profile attendees, including Bethenny Frankel, Tiffany Haddish, and Alix Earle, noting that the women present were focused on lifting each other up.
This internal support system provided a stark contrast to the external commentary.. Schroeder expressed that while she felt "f***ing empowered" by the atmosphere and the kindness of her peers, the disconnect between the physical event and the digital aftermath created a complex emotional experience.
A pattern of public scrutiny from the Faith Stowers controversy
The current scrutiny over Stassi Schroeder's body exists within a broader history of public backlash and professional fallout. Schroeder was previously removed from Vanderpump Rules after eight seasons when her past racist behavior toward former cast member Faith Stowers became public knowledge.
Having navigated a career-altering scandal, Schroeder clais she has developed a thicker skin regarding public opinion. She told Page Six Radio that she now views public perception as "fluid," arguing that because opinions change so rapidly, they ultimately do not matter. This perspective serves as a defense mechanism against the volatility of fame,a lesson learned from her transition from a lead cast member to appearing on spinoffs like The Valley and Vanderpump Villa.
Will the 'House of Stassi' star return to the catwalk?
One lingering question is whether Stassi Schroeder will ever return to the Sports Illustrated catwalk, given her admission that she is hesitant to repeat the experience. While she loves the event, she explicitly stated she did not want to subject herself to that specific type of scrutiny for a third time.
Additionally,it remains unclear how the launch of her new Hulu series, House of Stassi, will affect her relationship with the public. While Schroeder claims she no longer believes "anything" she reads online—positive or negative—the timing of her vulnerability about her body coincides with the premiere of her new show, suggesting a strategic or emotional openness as she re-enters the spotlight.
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