Jen Shah has announced she will not be attending the Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City reunion “under legal counsel” ahead of her conviction in a telemarketing scam that targeted hundreds of elderly people.
Shah, 49, addressed her absence from the show in a statement posted to her Instagram on Friday, where she claimed she was initially asked not to appear at the reunion before an invitation was eventually extended.
However, to Bravo’s alleged disappointment, Shah told executives that she could not discuss her current legal situation on the show. Ultimately, she decided against appearing at the reunion.
‘Under legal counsel I will not attend the reunion’: Jen Shah has revealed that she will not attend the Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City reunion ‘under legal counsel’ prior to her conviction in a telemarketing scam targeting the elderly will attend
“On September 4, 2022, I was informed by Bravo executives that I was not invited to attend the season 3 reunion,” Shah’s statement began. “I was disappointed because I didn’t have a place to confront inaccuracies and address my storyline with the cast.
“Out of nowhere, on November 29, two and a half weeks ago, I was invited to participate. I was delighted to learn that I would now have a voice at the reunion.
“I have made it clear to Bravo that out of respect for the courts and a standing court order, I would not be able to discuss anything related to my legal case or my conviction.
“Bravo found this unsatisfactory and said they expected to discuss this ‘storyline.’ This expectation has no regard for me or my family’s well-being; So, under legal advice, I will not attend the reunion. I have to focus on the most important thing in my life – my family.”
Making a statement: Shah, 49, addressed her absence from the show in a statement posted to her Instagram on Friday, where she claimed she was initially asked not to appear at the reunion before eventually extending an invitation became
TMZ reported that Jen was absent from Friday’s reunion taping in New York City, despite receiving an invitation.
The reunion is still progressing with her co-stars Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Heather Gay and Whitney Rose all in attendance, according to TMZ. Andy Cohen will also moderate again.
Shah’s sentencing date has been pushed back to next year after she pleaded guilty to organizing a $5 million telemarketing scam targeting hundreds of elderly people.
Absent: TMZ reported that Jen was absent from the taping of Friday’s reunion in New York City, despite receiving an invitation
In July, Shah pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with US prosecutors dropping her second charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Shah’s assistant Stuart Smith previously admitted his involvement in the same scam and was due to testify against his former employer pending a guilty plea.
US prosecutors say Shah faces the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, but NBC Connecticut reports she will actually serve a maximum of 14 years in a plea deal.
As part of her guilty plea, the reality star also agreed to forfeit $6.5 million and pay up to $9.5 million in damages.
Legal issues: Shah’s sentencing date has been pushed back to next year after she pleaded guilty to organizing a $5 million telemarketing scam targeting hundreds of elderly people
In court, the reality star said she “knew it was wrong” and was “so sorry” that “a lot of people” were hurt.
Shah admitted she “had agreed with others to engage in wire fraud” and “knew the victims were misled,” over 10 of whom were in their 55s.
Shah added that there was a “misrepresentation of the product… in relation to the value of the service,” noting that it had “little to no value.”
Still: The reunion continues with her co-stars Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Heather Gay and Whitney Rose all in attendance. Andy Cohen will also moderate again
When asked by US District Judge Stein if she knew what she was doing was wrong and illegal, Shah replied, “Yes, Your Honor.”
Priya Chaudhry, who is representing Shah, told : “Ms. Shah is a good woman who has crossed a line. She takes full responsibility for her actions and sincerely apologizes to all who have been harmed.
‘MS. Shah is also sorry for disappointing her husband, children, family, friends and supporters. Jen pleaded guilty because she wants to pay off her debt to society and put this ordeal behind her and her family.’