Kristen Doute Responds to Body Shamers: "It’s Very Hurtful and I’ve Had Enough"

This season of Vanderpump Rules kicked off with an explosive argument between James Kennedy and Lala Kent and the rest of the group at the OK! magazine party. It was there that Lala and James made critical comments about Scheana Shay's appearance and Katie Maloney's weight. And Kristen Doute is shutting down that type of talk in the wake of the incident.

"It was awful. I mean, Katie’s a size 4. He’s going on and calling her overweight, it’s like what message are you sending to anyone who is a size 4 or bigger?” Kristen told PEOPLE. But it's not just comments coming from peers. Kristen cited the rise of internet haters and social media trolls as factors that perpetuate body shaming. “The more popular social media becomes and the more outlets that we have, I feel like it’s just getting worse,” she said, alluding to the recent events in which Playboy playmate Dani Mathers went on Snapchat and body shamed a woman in her gym locker room. “It’s very hurtful and I’ve had enough of it.”

She's also taking on body shamers on her new lifestyle website Vegiholic, by writing directly to "Internet Bullies" in a recent post. "I’m SO OVER you hiding behind your computer screens and hating on women’s bodies. We both know you don’t mean it nor would you ever have the balls to say it to someone’s face," she wrote. "Are you perfect? That was a rhetorical question because the answer is a hard HELL NO." Kristen ends the open letter with a call to action for compliments over criticisms. "In imperfection, lies beauty. We are all unique. Give someone a smile and a compliment today. Be gracious and kind. It feels a lot better."

Don't forget to check out Kristen and pal Stassi Schroeder on the latest episode of Bravo After Hours.

Bravo After Hours: Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute, part 1