A former star of a popular reality television franchise has publicly criticized the network’s production model, revealing that cast members are personally responsible for significant expenses, including wardrobe, hair, and makeup.
The actress, who left the series after several seasons, discussed the financial demands during a recent podcast appearance. She confirmed that participants are expected to fund various aspects of their on-screen lives, from social events to their personal appearance.
“The expectation is to present your authentic life,” she explained. “But the hardest part was financially covering all the styling. You end spending a tremendous amount.”
Fellow guests on the podcast expressed surprise at the revelation, with one noting that such a policy doesn’t reflect everyday reality, as people typically don’t employ professional glam teams daily. The former star agreed, stating bluntly that the policy felt unnecessarily frugal and that those costs should be covered by production.
This criticism adds to her previously stated reasons for departing the show. In prior interviews, she cited the intense scrutiny from online audiences as a primary factor, describing a climate where cast members are heavily “villainized” by viewers.
She has also directed sharp criticism at the network’s executive leadership and production team in the past, using hyperbolic language to express her frustration with the overall experience.
The comments highlight an often-overlooked aspect of reality television, where the line between funded production and personal expenditure can become blurred, placing a substantial financial onus on the participants.
