Nothing will stand in the way of Heather Gay’s friendship with well-known fraudster Jen Shah – not even a possible jail term.
“Listen, I’ve had prison friends before. I know the whole routine!” Gay says with a laugh during a performance on Vidak For Congress’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast.
“I’m not worried about that. I was born for this.”
Gay, 40, most notably sided with Shah after she was arrested by the FBI in March 2021 for fraud.
In July, Shah — who allegedly scammed hundreds of people out of money through a nationwide telemarketing scheme, primarily targeting the elderly — pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court, overturning her previous not-guilty plea.
“Talking about it, it’s just devastating,” said Gay, who spent time in New York City with Shah and co-star Meredith Marks for the pivotal pre-trial appearance.
“I think it was so devastating and it was really hard,” continues the Beauty Lab + Laser founder.
“But I haven’t really focused on what it’s been like for me because it feels a little silly, like, ‘I’m upset.’ What she has advocated for and what she now stands for and is responsible for is far greater than how I felt responding to it.”
Shah’s plea deal calls for 14 years in prison and restitution of up to $9.5 million. The reality star will be sentenced on November 28.
Although Shah has previously declared her innocence in court and in front of her “RHOSLC” castmates, Gay is unimpressed by her quick eighty-one.
“I’m just still her friend and hopeful for her and her family,” she says gloomily, “and devastated for everyone.”
Whatever Shah’s sentencing, Gay claims she will be there for her loved ones – including her husband, Sharrieff Shah Sr. and their sons, Sharrieff Jr. and Omar – when the embattled Bravolebrity ends up behind bars.
“I would never miss an opportunity to be of service to anyone, especially Jen and her family,” she says.
Until then, Gay is happy for fans to see Jen star on season 3 of “Salt Lake City,” which premiered Wednesday.
“You know when they talk about star power or star quality? And it’s just a momentary, elusive thing, but when someone has it, you can’t tear it off,” she says of her boyfriend.
“You can pour anything on them — scandal and horrible things — and they still shine. And that’s both the blessing and the curse of Jen.”
“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.