Chrishell Stause Departs Selling Sunset: Mental Health & Queer Identity Focus
Chrishell Stause has officially announced her departure from Netflix’s “Selling Sunset” after nine seasons, a decision primarily driven by personal growth and concerns for her mental health. In an interview with Bustle on November 7, Stause confessed to previously vacillating on the choice, admitting that coming from humble beginnings made it incredibly challenging to walk away from such a significant platform and financial opportunity. However, after years on the hit reality series, she firmly stated that not even “Jesus Christ himself” could persuade her to return, largely due to the relentless and draining drama with several cast members.
Stause highlighted that she no longer requires the show financially and is fortunate to have cultivated other opportunities, making her exit possible. A major contributing factor to her mental health concerns was the feeling of misrepresentation. She specifically recalled an incident involving Emma Hernan, where crucial details, such as alleged offensive remarks made by Emma’s boyfriend, Blake Davis, regarding non-binary individuals, were deliberately excluded from the final cut. Stause felt these omissions made her appear as an “overbearing friend” and prevented her true perspective from being understood or vindicated. This selective portrayal underscores a significant risk associated with reality television.
Her definitive decision crystallized during the grueling final reunion taping, where she resolved internally, “You’re not a quitter, but you never have to do this again.” Despite these challenges, Stause expressed a gracious outlook towards “Selling Sunset,” acknowledging the “countless opportunities” it afforded her career. She holds no ill will and wishes the show continued success, though she doesn't anticipate watching future seasons. Looking ahead, Stause, who married G Flip in 2023, is enthusiastically embracing new creative directions. She plans to “lean in” to projects reflecting her queer identity, aspiring to lead queer-centric narratives, such as a holiday movie, marking a deliberate pivot towards more personally fulfilling work post-reality TV.
Chrishell Stause's departure highlights the importance of addressing pop culture mental health, particularly in the context of personal journeys and authentic self-acceptance.
(Source: https://www.lifeandstylemag.com/posts/chrishell-stause-exits-selling-sunset-after-nine-seasons/)
