Lala Kent, Ariana Madix attend White House dinner, shock fans
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“Vanderpump Rules” takes Capitol Hill.
Bravo fans were stunned to see Lala Kent, Ariana Madix and Lisa Vanderpump at the 2023 White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night.
The trio of reality stars looked ethereal on the red carpet at the DC Hilton Hotel, following Madix’s highly publicized split from Tom Sandoval.
The breakup — which has become one of the biggest pop culture scandals of the year — was even referenced by host Roy Wood Jr.
“The untouchable Tucker Carlson is out of a job, but to Tucker’s staff, I want you to know that I know what you’re feeling,” he began.
“I work at ‘The Daily Show,’ so I too have been blindsided by the sudden departure of the host of a fake news program. Tucker got caught up. Got caught up like that dude from ‘Vanderpump Rules,’” the comedian went on, calling out Madix’s now-ex.
Lala Kent, Ariana Madix and Lisa Vanderpump attended the 2023 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Arroyo-OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Madix, who was a guest of the Daily Mail, stunned in a white gown with a cape. AP
Vanderpump and her two co-stars were invited amid the headline-grabbing Scandoval. Getty Images
Madix, 37, and the SUR restaurant owner, 62, were invited by the Daily Mail, while Kent, 32, was a guest of the Los Angeles Times.
“My wonderful late grandmother was very active in local politics and I’ve always dreamed of visiting the White House, so this is an incredible honor,” Madix told the Daily Mail after taking a tour of the White House and attending the prestigious event.
Vanderpump, who successfully lobbied to ban cat and dog meat sales in 2018, chimed in, saying, ”I’m also looking forward to visiting Capitol Hill again after we successfully passed resolution 401.”
Tom Sandoval’s affair has become one of the biggest news stories of 2023. AFP via Getty Images
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Madix stunned in a long sleeve white gown with a sheer cape, while her former SUR boss wore a black strapless dress with a sparkling, gold cape. Meanwhile, Kent opted for a beige and blue strapless gown, and styled her blonde tresses in a sleek up-do.
However, not everyone was sure why the reality TV stars were invited to the annual gala.
“ARIANNNAAA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HEREE?!?” one person commented on an Instagram video of Wood Jr.’s speech, with another adding, “I love y’all however I have to be real. Why were y’all invited to the white correspondents dinner??”
A third fan chimed in, asking, “umm I love these ladies so much but really? WHCD?!”
Cameras cut to Madix when host Roy Wood Jr. made a joke about “Pump Rules.” Getty Images
The group also got a tour of the White House before the prestigious event. Getty Images
Others took to TikTok to ponder why the reality stars were even on the guest list. “I’m confused. Was Ariana invited to the dinner just for that joke ?” one person asked, with another adding, “I love bravo but why are we talking about it at the White House.”
As previously reported, Madix and Sandoval were in a relationship for almost a decade, but the Lifetime movie star broke things off with the restauranteur in March after she discovered he had been having a months-long affair with former pal and co-star Raquel Leviss.
Just one day prior, Madix attended the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where she was accused of slighting Meghan McCain by cropping her out of a photo.
However, her rep told Page Six exclusively that it was all a misunderstanding.
“I can tell you without a doubt that there is no agenda with this post whether political or otherwise,” Madix’s manger explained. “Its just how the post came out.”
Source: Page Six
