Stu Chainz In The Slammer
Plus your Oscar ballot, more ANTM shenanigans, and the Dressing On The Side shop your closet challenge
There are certain days in my life I will never forget. Days that mark a turning point, when things will never be the same. My wedding day. The birth of each of my children. The day Jen Shah and her assistant Stuart Smith were arrested.
Wednesday night Emily, Eli, and I recorded an emergency podcast episode to discuss the charges and question why someone who was actively committing federal crimes would agree to be on television:
And the following day I gave an unhinged interview on This Is The Place.
I wasn’t on any behavior altering substances. I was just really excited. Which is why the interview lasted twenty minutes and had to be split into two parts.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Since Thursday there have been a number of developments. Here’s what we know thanks in large part to the tireless work of the instagram account @housewivesofslc, local reporter Ben Winslow, and KSL News producer (plus Hive Mind correspondent!) Shelby Hintze:
So many fans called in to Jen and Stuart’s scheduled hearing that Jen was unable to connect and the hearing had to be rescheduled. The judge spent most of the call asking participants to mute their lines.
Take 2 of the hearing on Friday was far more productive. Jen and Stu pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Judge Stein set the bail at $1 million, requiring $250,000 in cash or property outside of any bond.
Jen cannot have any contact with co-defendants (Stu), victims, or witnesses.
Judge Stein restricted Jen’s travel to New York and Washington D.C., where her lawyers are. (Maybe a cast trip to the New York Federal court house?)
Trial is set for October 18.
Some undercover officers may have been members of the Shah Squad.
Season 2 is going to be LIT
Emily and I promise to keep you abreast of all the updates leading up to season 2. What a time to be alive.
Have you completed your Oscars ballot yet?
We finished our Best Picture nominee journey with The Father.
We were surprised to learn not only that it’s a real movie, but a really good movie. This week we’re jumping into the documentaries with Crip Camp, and hope to cover all the nominated docs in time for the Academy Awards.
The ceremony airs April 25, so complete your ballot before then. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to the movie theater of their choice.
Ready to get back into dating post-pandemic? Rachel Harris has compiled a list of dating pitfalls to avoid once you’re vaccinated.
This week’s Patreon episode covers the makeovers from ANTM cycle 4 featuring a model who’s not afraid to complain, and a weigh-in that scarred America’s teens. Become a patron to access all previous and future episodes.
The Dressing On The Side Shop Your Closet Challenge is well underway, and it’s such a delight to see your outfits on the ‘gram. Jump in any time. Pick a day, tag us, and you’ll be entered to win a pair of West Of Breakfast pajamas.
