Spencer Pratt hits back after Lisa Rinna says America doesn’t need ‘another’ reality star in politics

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: TV personality Spencer Pratt responded to recent remarks by actress Lisa Rinna, who questioned whether a former reality star should run for mayor of Los Angeles during comments made on Monday, May 25.

Pratt, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the June 2 election as a Republican candidate, previously revealed that he entered the mayoral race after receiving death threats at the height of his reality TV fame and being advised by security personnel to purchase a firearm for protection.

Spencer Pratt fires back at Lisa Rinna criticism

Pratt reacted to Variety’s X post featuring Rinna’s interview by sharing an old interview clip of himself in response to the remarks. In the caption, he wrote, “Hey Lisa, if you’re against me because I was on a TV show in my 20’s, wait till you learn what Karen Bass was doing in her 20’s.”

Rinna made the comments while speaking to the outlet on the red carpet outside the American Music Awards in Las Vegas. When asked who she supported in the contest, she said, “I don’t know yet,” but quickly clarified that she was not backing the former star of MTV’s 'The Hills.'

Pratt has recently gained traction in polls after criticizing Bass over the city’s handling of the Palisades fire in January 2025. Pratt and his wife, fellow reality TV star Heidi Montag, lost their home in the devastating wildfires.

“Not a reality star, though,” Rinna further said. “I love him [Pratt], but we’ve already done that. We’re not going to do that again,” she added, appearing to reference President Donald Trump, whose profile expanded significantly after NBC’s 'The Apprentice.'

In the interview clip, Pratt addressed concerns about his reality television background. Asked whether the label hurt or helped his campaign, he said, “The reality, pun intended, is that was from 20 years ago.”

He then compared his past to Bass’ alleged activities decades earlier, claiming, “If we look at what Karen Bass was doing 20 years ago, she was in Cuba learning how to make bombs.”

Pratt added that despite being “not the most likable character,” he was “still TV,” while arguing his opponent’s background made his own “pretty strong.”

Spencer Pratt accuses Karen Bass of electioneering

When questioned about why Pratt was gaining support from some industry figures, Rinna said, “You got me, because listen, I’m a reality person. You wouldn’t want me as mayor, really.” She added, “I love him. I think he’s amazing. I just think we did that.”

Rinna also briefly confused the mayoral race with California’s gubernatorial contest and mentioned San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan as someone she preferred for governor. “I like him,” she said of Mahan. “I like him for governor.”

The exchange came shortly after another public clash between Pratt and Bass. He reposted a video showing Bass encouraging voters to drop off ballots early and accused her of violating election law by electioneering within 100 feet of a ballot drop-off location. 

Bass responded directly on X, writing, “Spencer is just mad that his supporters are AI cartoons and we have real Angelenos. We follow the rules.”

Pratt later filed a formal complaint with the City of Los Angeles, requesting an investigation into Bass for allegedly engaging in illegal electioneering, which California law prohibits near polling places and ballot drop-off locations.