Ariana, known for her cool, laid-back demeanor and sarcastic wit, initially appeared as a contrast to Stassi’s outspoken, queen-bee personality. As cast members of one of Bravo's most explosive reality shows, their interactions have been anything but predictable.
But what caused the rift between them? And how has time and maturity reshaped their dynamic?
Ariana Madix and Stassi Schroeder first crossed paths when Ariana joined the cast of Vanderpump Rules in its second season. By this time, Stassi was already established as one of the show’s central figures, thanks to her strong opinions and dramatic personality.
Ariana joined as a bartender at SUR, Lisa Vanderpump’s trendy restaurant, and quickly formed a close bond with Tom Sandoval. This connection would soon place her in the middle of some of the show’s most dramatic storylines.
Stassi and Ariana’s initial interactions were cordial, but it didn’t take long for tensions to rise. Their personalities clashed almost immediately, setting the stage for years of on-and-off feuding.
A major source of conflict early on was Ariana’s friendship—and later, romantic relationship—with Tom Sandoval. At the time, Sandoval was in a tumultuous relationship with Kristen Doute, who happened to be one of Stassi’s closest friends.
When rumors of infidelity between Tom and Ariana surfaced, Stassi sided with Kristen. She openly criticized Ariana, painting her as a threat to Kristen’s relationship. This marked the beginning of a contentious dynamic between Ariana and Stassi.
Another factor fueling the tension was their starkly different personalities. Stassi’s directness often came across as confrontational, while Ariana’s sarcastic humor sometimes read as dismissive. Their inability to find common ground led to several heated moments, both on and off-screen.
In Season 4, there were attempts to mend fences. Stassi extended an olive branch to Ariana, apologizing for past behavior. While the gesture was appreciated, it didn’t lead to a deep friendship. Ariana remained cautious, recognizing their fundamental differences.
Season 8 of Vanderpump Rules saw one of the biggest rifts between Ariana and Stassi. Their differing priorities became glaringly obvious during discussions about parties, events, and personal struggles.
A particularly controversial moment came when Stassi appeared to dismiss Ariana’s struggles with mental health. This moment resonated with fans, who took to social media to criticize Stassi’s insensitivity.
Off-screen, both Ariana and Stassi have experienced significant personal growth.
Stassi transitioned into a new phase of life, embracing motherhood and stepping back from the show after controversies in 2020. Her focus shifted to her family and brand-building efforts, including her podcast and books.
Ariana, on the other hand, has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has openly shared her struggles with depression and anxiety, using her platform to encourage open conversations about these topics.
These life changes have seemingly mellowed both women, creating the potential for mutual respect despite their differences.
As of 2024, Ariana and Stassi’s relationship appears to be neutral. While they aren’t close friends, there’s no visible animosity between them. Their interactions on social media have been minimal, suggesting a cordial but distant relationship.
Some fans speculate that their shared experiences on Vanderpump Rules have created a baseline of mutual understanding. However, their contrasting personalities may prevent them from ever forming a deep bond.
Fans have been vocal about Ariana and Stassi’s relationship over the years.
Social media often erupts into debates, with some fans supporting Ariana’s cool, collected attitude and others defending Stassi’s outspoken nature.
The public scrutiny surrounding their relationship has likely influenced how they interact on and off-camera. Both women have addressed fan reactions in interviews, acknowledging that their dynamic is often misinterpreted.
Reality TV thrives on drama, but it also sheds light on real human relationships. Ariana and Stassi’s interactions highlight the challenges of maintaining friendships in high-pressure environments.
Their dynamic is a reminder that friendships can evolve over time, and not all relationships need to fit the mold of "best friends forever" to hold significance.
In the end, Ariana Madix and Stassi Schroeder may never be the closest of friends, but their relationship has certainly evolved. From fiery feuds to moments of understanding, they’ve demonstrated that even the most complicated dynamics can change over time.
For fans of Vanderpump Rules, their journey serves as a captivating subplot—one that continues to unfold both on and off the screen.
