Can VH1’s Single Ladies survive without the talents of Stacey Dash?
That is the question co-stars, fans and producers of the show might be asking themselves today. After a successful first season, Dash has announced in a statement to Global Grind that she will not be returning to the hit series, but has no hard feelings. “I wish VH1 the best of luck with the show in maintaining the strong fan base we developed in Season 1.”
As for her reason for leaving, Dash said she needed to focus on parenting, “I have to be back in L.A. with my children right now and the Single Ladies shooting location [in Atlanta] makes this impossible.”
VH1 also released a statement regarding Dash’s departure from the series.
“VH1 respects Stacey’s decision and her commitment to what she feels is best for her family. We thank her for all of her hard work in making Single Ladies a success right out of the gate, and we wish her nothing but the best in her future plans.”
In May, VH1 premiered Single Ladies, and 2.8 million viewers tuned in. That night the network received their highest ratings since October 2009. VH1’s first hour-long scripted series is produced by Queen Latifah and stars LisaRaye McCoy, Charity Shea and up until yesterday, Stacey Dash. The show follows Val, Keisha, and April — three best friends with different philosophies on sex and relationships, proving not all women have the same desires.
Despite the highly-rated first season there was speculation and rumors that Dash would not be returning to the hit series. Following the season 1 finale of Single Ladies, In Touch Weekly reported that Stacy Dash was fired. The outlet cited unnamed sources that said Stacey “feuded with the cast, canceled promos and caused entirely too much drama.”
When the In Touch Weekly report surfaced, there was no formal statement from VH1, but LisaRaye McCoy finally addressed the rumors with a message posted to her Facebook wall:
I was just made aware of the lies that are being spread by Mediatakeout and other blogs that like to create false stories. I was not even aware that Stacy Dash had been fired from Single Ladies. Furthermore if she has been fired that is a network decision. I don’t have the power to get her fired nor do I have any beef with her.
Based on the most recent statment from Dash and VH1, the public is being led to believe that the Single Ladies star’s split from the show was amicable.
The lingering question is did Stacey Dash leave on good terms? Or was she really fired?