US TV networks ‘hire private investigator’ to probe for stars’ racist social media posts

Report suggests the stars of programmes such as RuPaul's Drag Race and Jersey Shore could be vetted

Several US TV networks, including CBS, Showtime and MTV, have reportedly hired a private investigator to search their own actors’ social media profiles for racist comments.

According to Page Six, PI Edward Myers was retained by the broadcasters after a spate of scandals involving celebrities being fired for resurfaced racist posts.

Last week, Vanderpump Rules actors Brett Caprioni and Max Boyens left the series after making offensive tweets, and for reporting their black co-star Faith Stowers to the police for a crime she didn’t commit.

In a statement, TV network Bravo said: “Bravo and Evolution Media confirmed today that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules.”

Reality TV series Below Deck Mediterranean also lost its star, Peter Hunziker, on Wednesday (17 June), following a racist Instagram post.

The CW superhero series The Flash sacked star Hartley Sawyer after a series of racist and sexist tweets, while Teen Moms cast member Taylor Selfridge left the show amid problematic social media activity.

Page Six reports that letters have already been sent out to actors letting them know that Myers’ firm, Edward Myers and Associates, will begin its probe soon.

Myers’s website details services such as “surveillance and counter-surveillance” and “intelligence gathering”, as well as “investigation and risk assessment”.

The report suggests that TV series including RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jersey Shore and Teen Mom may be among the projects being vetted, although it adds that there is “no word” on whether the list includes CBS’s Magnum, PI.