Max Boyens Reflects on Vanderpump Rules Experience, No Plans for Reality TV Return
Max Boyens, known from his stint on Vanderpump Rules, recently opened up about his time on the Bravo reality series. In an episode of the “Up and Adam!” podcast aired on August 29, the 31-year-old shared his insights into the challenges he faced as a newcomer on the show.
Max candidly revealed, “They paid me little to nothing. As a new cast member, you don’t make episodic pay. You don’t get paid per episode, it is just a flat rate. It is not a lot at all, it just gets you by. It was $4,000 [or] something. It was around $4,000 and they also pay it to you in increments.”
According to Max, who used to manage TomTom, his paychecks were given to him at different stages during filming. “They give you half the check to make sure you stick around and film and then they give you the final check toward the end. It is not all up front,” Max explained. “It is basically your rent and some groceries and then another check for rent and groceries.”
Several stars from Vanderpump Rules have departed the series over the years. The show started in 2012, chronicling the staff of Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant SUR in West Hollywood. Max praised his former co-stars for understanding the differences in their levels of success.
Max’s spending habits posed a challenge, admitting, “It was tough because I was spending a lot of money. I had to buy a lot of clothes because I don’t want to be wearing the same clothes every episode. I am blowing all this money on new clothes, I have to fly to places with the cast and I am spending money when it is my turn to buy drinks for everybody.”
Max also expressed his appreciation for fellow cast members who helped cover costs at times. Notably, Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval, and Scheana Shay were supportive in this regard.
Max’s appearance on Vanderpump Rules occurred during its eighth season, but his time on the show was short-lived due to the resurfacing of his past racist tweets in January 2020. He issued an apology for the offensive content, acknowledging, “It was wrong on every level. It is not a representation of who I am. I am shocked I ever tweeted that — and I am disgusted and embarrassed. I am truly sorry.”
As a consequence, Max was dismissed from the show, along with Brett Caprioni and original cast members Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute. Lisa Vanderpump addressed the situation and emphasized her commitment to inclusivity and diversity in her businesses.
Max’s connection with his former Vanderpump Rules colleagues remains intact. He shared that he filmed scenes for the upcoming spinoff series featuring Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, and Brittany Cartwright. Despite being asked to participate, Max realized the reality TV scene wasn’t for him and opted out of a boys’ night event, underlining that he didn’t identify with it anymore.