REAL Housewives Of Salt Lake City newcomer Jennie Nguyen was “promoted as a full-time cast member” and “may replace Jen Shah” amid her legal scandal, The Celeb Report can reveal.
The 44-year-old was originally “hired as a friend” but due to the arrest and nationwide fraud scheme Jen is embattled in, the freshman’s role was elevated to be an official Housewife.
A source close to the Utah native exclusively told The Celeb Report: “Jennie was hired on as just a friend originally.
“But because of Jen’s legal stuff and unexpected delays in filming here and there, Jennie got a lot more screen time than everyone expected and got promoted to full-time by the end.”
However, the source made it clear Jennie was NOT hired as a “Jen Shah replacement” as the star’s legal problems weren’t even public yet when she got hired by Bravo.
The insider did explain though that: “Because of Jen’s problems, Jennie was a lot more involved and became full-time faster.
“So if Jen is not part of the show for season 3, Jennie will definitely want to step in and fill that role and void.”
As of right now, Jen’s future on the show is unclear as the fate of her criminal charges against her remains ongoing.
NEW JENNIE ON THE BLOCK
Even with the dark cloud looming over the newest franchise, Jennie – who is a close pal of current star Lisa Barlow – is still “so excited.”
The informant said: ”She saw her friends have an incredible experience on the show and has wanted to be a part of it since.
“She’s not afraid to speak her mind, get sassy or get into trouble and has amazing fashion so she will fit in nicely with the group.
“But she is involved in plenty of messy drama. Jen’s legal scandal is a big focus of the season of course but it’s definitely not the only drama that happens on the show.
“Some other big things go down Jennie is involved with,” the source teased.
A rep for RHOSLC did not respond to The Celeb Report’s request for comment.
Back in March, Jen was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a “telemarketing scheme” and is facing 30 YEARS in prison.
An insider close to the star claimed that the arrest was filmed: “Cameras were rolling but it was so chaotic, I’m not sure exactly what was captured.”
FACES 30 YEARS IN PRISON
While the source said producer “definitely got some footage,” it’s unclear exactly what was captured.
“The cast was getting ready for a group trip to Colorado,” the insider spilled exclusively to The Celeb Report.
Police also arrested her assistant, Stuart Smith, and they charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
When the arrest was made, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a press release obtained by The Celeb Report: “Jennifer Shah, who portrays herself as a wealthy and successful business person on ‘reality’ television, and Stuart Smith, who is portrayed as Shah’s ‘first assistant,’ allegedly generated and sold ‘lead lists’ of innocent individuals for other members of their scheme to repeatedly scam.
“In actual reality and as alleged, the so-called business opportunities pushed on the victims by Shah, Smith, and their co-conspirators were just fraudulent schemes, motivated by greed, to steal victims’ money.
“Now, these defendants face time in prison for their alleged crimes.”
They could each potentially face up to 30 years in prison if found guilty.
Following her being released without bond, Jen has been banned from excessive drinking and using drugs, she can’t use her credit cards, take out excessive amounts of money, and can’t travel outside of Utah until her October hearing.
