Academy Award winner Emma Stone revealed in a new interview that she once waited outside in freezing cold for two hours to catch a glimpse of reality star Jen Shah during her fraud sentencing, underscoring her deep fandom for ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.’ The disclosure came during Stone’s conversation with W Magazine for its Best Performances Issue 2026, published on January 6, 2026. In the interview, Stone shared that she and her brother, Spencer Stone, braved the cold in New York City to witness Shah’s sentencing in 2023, describing the experience as a testament to her investment in the Bravo reality series.
Stone, a two-time Oscar winner, explained that living in New York made it convenient to walk over to the courthouse where Shah was being sentenced. She recounted the two-hour wait, emphasizing her dedication to seeing the former ‘RHOSLC’ star in person. This anecdote highlights Stone’s genuine enthusiasm for the show, which she has praised publicly on multiple occasions, including during red carpet events and previous interviews.
Jen Shah, a central figure in ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,’ was sentenced to 78 months in prison in January 2023 after pleading guilty to charges related to a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme. Her case involved defrauding thousands of vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, leading to a significant prison term. Shah reported to prison in February 2023 and served 33 months before being released in December 2025 from a federal facility in Texas, as exclusively reported by PEOPLE.
Following her release, Shah was reunited with her family, including her husband Sharrieff Shah and their two sons, in an emotional airport greeting in Utah. She remains under post-release supervision for five years, which includes requirements such as drug testing and participation in mental health programs. Shah’s legal troubles and subsequent imprisonment have been widely covered in the media, adding a layer of notoriety to her reality TV persona.
Stone’s revelation also touched on her admiration for other ‘RHOSLC’ cast members, particularly Bronwyn Newport, whose unique fashion sense she described as ‘phenomenal.’ She cited Newport’s choice to wear a life raft as part of a sailing outfit during a boat trip episode, noting how everything on the show ‘is sort of a costume.’ This comment reflects Stone’s appreciation for the theatrical elements of reality television, which she finds captivating and entertaining.
The actress’s fandom for ‘RHOSLC’ is not new; she has previously expressed her love for the series, citing the Mormon cultural backdrop as a factor that elevates the drama. In a 2020 interview, Stone mentioned that the show’s integration of religious elements adds depth to the conflicts, making it stand out among other reality franchises. Her consistent endorsement has helped bring mainstream attention to the series, bridging gaps between Hollywood and reality TV audiences.
This story sheds light on the intersection of celebrity culture and reality television, where A-list actors like Stone openly engage with pop culture phenomena. It underscores how reality TV can captivate diverse audiences, including award-winning performers, and influence public discourse. Stone’s candid sharing humanizes her public image, showing that even acclaimed artists have mundane passions and curiosities.
Looking ahead, Stone’s interview may inspire further discussions about the impact of reality TV on entertainment landscapes and celebrity interactions. As ‘RHOSLC’ continues to evolve, with Shah’s release adding new narrative threads, fans and critics alike will watch how such personal stories intertwine with broader cultural trends. Stone’s anecdote serves as a reminder of the unpredictable ways in which media consumption shapes personal experiences and public revelations.
