By now everyone knows what a game changer Iyana Vanzant’s new show “Fix My Life” will be for Orpah’s OWN network. Kicking off the season with “Basketball Wives” Evelyn Lozada; she brought in record ratings for the channel, but with that recognition came backlash that the network was exploiting the reality TV star’s life, much like VH1. In an interview with The Grio, Ms. Vanzant completely rejected that notion.
“The show was done prior to the upheaval with her and Chad, and it was scheduled to be the third show, not the first show,” the life coach explained. “The reason it was the first show was, because of the upheaval with her and Chad, it was timely…And so, you know, at my age, I can’t care what people say, and most of it, I forget.”
“She wrote me, just like every other guest. That’s an indication of willingness.”
Vanzant told her audience at the screening that Lozada’s story reflects the core of her series’ theme – “life happens to everybody” – and that her intention with the first two episodes was to show young women who idolize reality stars that money, power and status can still equate to the same problems as those living “in the projects.”
Noted Vanzant, “Stupidity doesn’t care about your income level.”
Following the show’s taping, Vanzant says she continues to speak with Lozada nearly ever other day, and that the reality star “swings between gratitude and embarrassment.” Vanzant blames social media for attacking her, calling it a “veil” for “cowards.” Nevertheless, Vanzant doesn’t justify Lozada or anyone else’s actions or feelings; rather she seeks to understand and grow from them.
When asked about Lozada throwing a bottle at her cast member’s head, the life coach replied, “Have you ever been a Puerto Rican from the Bronx?…She was raised by a thug.”
Evelyn behind her, Iyanla Vanzant will now move on to other everyday people who are willing to have their lives taped for the sake of gaining wisdom from the life coach. If she’s not exploiting them. I wouldn’t say she’s exploiting Evelyn either. What do you think?
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