The reality TV world is bracing for an explosive tug-of-war over one of its most polarizing villains: Jen Shah.
Just days before the former Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star walks free from federal prison on December 10, a bombshell report claims Dancing With the Stars is actively courting the 52-year-old fraudster for its milestone 35th season — and ABC executives “aren’t scared” of the inevitable firestorm.
“They know the backlash will be loud, but frankly, they aren’t afraid of it,” a DWTS insider told The U.S. Sun. “They’ve cast Sean Spicer. Bristol Palin. Anna Delvey. They aren’t afraid to make a splash.”
The potential move comes as Bravo slams the door shut — permanently — on any Jen Shah comeback.
Both Andy Cohen and NBCUniversal unscripted chief Frances Berwick have gone on record in recent weeks declaring Shah’s telemarketing scam, which targeted elderly victims and earned her a original 6.5-year sentence, crosses a line that other Housewives scandals simply don’t.
“For me personally, yeah,” Berwick told Variety when asked if Shah’s crimes were “less forgivable” than the DUIs, financial frauds, and legal battles that have allowed stars like Erika Jayne, Teresa Giudice, and Karen Huger to return to their diamond-clad thrones.
Andy Cohen was even more blunt. On his SiriusXM show this week, the Watch What Happens Live host put an exclamation point on the matter: “She’s not coming back to RHOSLC. She’s not. […] It won’t be anything that I’m working on. I don’t know that I could see Bravo working with her again. So, there you go. Period.”
Yet where Bravo sees an unforgivable con artist, ABC reportedly sees ratings gold.
@just_bookin_around When asked why Jen won’t be coming back to RHOSLC, Andy states it’s because you have to draw the line somewhere. 🎧: Andy Cohen Live, December 2 📸: Deadline #fyp #bravotv #bravo #peacock #rhoslc ♬ original sound – Just Bookin’ Around
Production sources say DWTS producers have already reached out to members of Shah’s team. With Bravo publicly washing its hands of her, the network allegedly views the post-prison Jen Shah as the ultimate redemption-or-ruin arc — a polarizing figure fans will either tune in to cheer or hate-watch in droves.
“There will be a hole there that ABC can step in and fill,” the insider explained. “Fans that both love and hate her have a hunger to see how post-prison life is.”
Shah, who has shaved nearly four years off her sentence through good behavior and RDAP credits, has already begun repaying restitution to her victims. Whether that’s enough for Middle America to embrace her cha-cha remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: if Jen Shah straps on those dancing shoes next fall, it will mark one of the most audacious second-act attempts in reality TV history — and pit two television giants against each other in a battle over where the line of “forgivable” truly lies.
Bravo has drawn its line in the sand. ABC, it seems, is ready to tango right over it.