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Meredith Marks Says Jen Shah is 'Gutsy' For Filming RHOSLC Amid Fraud Case

Shah faces up to 30 years in prison on conspiracy and wire fraud charges.
  • Jen Shah and Meredith Marks (Photos: Bravo/NBCUniversal)
    Jen Shah and Meredith Marks (Photos: Bravo/NBCUniversal)

    The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jen Shah, who recently switched her plea from not guilty to guilty in a case regarding financial crimes, is not letting her legal woes get in the way of filming for the Bravo reality series. Her fellow housewife, Meredith Marks, believes Shah's choice to continue filming amid the case could prove to be a bad decision for Shah in the long run.

    During an appearance on Wednesday's episode of the "#NoFilter with Zack Peter" podcast, Marks shared her thoughts on the matter, saying, "It's just very risky [to stay on the show] because whether you are guilty or not, it is so easy to say something that could be spun to incriminate you."

    "And I just think it's kind of scary," she continued. "I mean, I think it's really gutsy that she stayed on. I do. I don't think I could under those circumstances."

    Marks added that it can be a "tricky boundary" to determine what to share and what to keep private while filming the show.

    "Once you open that door you can lose a lot of your rights," she said. "And that's very problematic so you have to be very very careful."

    In July, Shah pleaded guilty to federal charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud for her involvement in an alleged telemarking scam. After trying to get the charges dismissed and initially planning to plead not guilty, the reality star made a surprise choice to switch her plea. She will not stand trial and currently awaits sentencing, which could amount to up to 30 years in prison.

    Days after the news of Shah's guilty plea, it was reported that the RHOSLC star was still filming the show. A source reportedly told People that the case was "a very big part of Jen's story," adding, "Producers don't want us to stop following it now. They'll keep filming with her as long as they can, just like they did with Teresa [Giudice]."

    E! later reported that filming for Season 3 of RHOSLC wrapped prior to Shah's plea, but resumed in order to include additional footage, including reaction confessionals by Shah's co-stars.

    The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is available to stream on Peacock.

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    Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.

    TOPICS: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Bravo, Peacock, Jen Shah, Meredith Marks, The Real Housewives Franchise, Reality TV