Jen Shah may be facing prison – but her drama “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The powers that be at Bravo are planning to make accusations of federal fraud and money laundering that it faces a central part of the reality show’s second season – including exclusive footage of the businesswoman’s arrest in trouble, a source told Page Six.
“Bravo knows very well that viewers are following every detail of this case and will continue to do so as it progresses, so the producers plan to follow it with the same attention and use all the footage they can legally,” said the source. .
“So far, they have filmed the preparations and consequences of Jen’s arrest, as well as the reactions of the castmates, of course.”
Shah is free on $ 1 million bond and presumably free to join the program, which Bravo executives see as a chance to get big ratings they don’t want to waste.
“It is rare for Bravo to have a huge success as ‘RHOSLC’ in their hands from the start, and the team hoped to continue with that momentum when production for Season 2 started,” said a source.
“Now, with the news of Jen’s arrest, they will certainly be more successful than they imagined, especially since Jen hopes to continue shooting if Bravo and his lawyers allow it. It cannot say much, however, because it remains an ongoing case. “
Shah, 47, and his assistant Stuart Smith were arrested last week for allegedly stealing elderly victims in a telemarketing scheme that started in 2012 and in late March 2021, when the scheme allegedly crossed six states.
Shah and Smith pleaded not guilty to all charges and their trial is scheduled for October.
It doesn’t look like her work is in shambles as “Housewives” executive producer Andy Cohen spoke about Shah’s arrest on Monday morning, saying on his radio show that he is “waiting and praying. so that none of this is true. “
Meanwhile, Shah broke his silence over the weekend on social media, writing: “Thanks for being loyal, believing in me and not believing in hype. This journey showed me who my true friends are. All my Love.”
A Bravo representative declined to comment.