Max Boyens

Max Boyens
Nationality	American
Occupation	Reality television personality, restaurant worker
Known for	Vanderpump Rules (Season 8)

Max Boyens is an American reality television personality who gained public attention as a cast member on the eighth season of Vanderpump Rules, a Bravo reality series centered on Lisa Vanderpump and the staff at her West Hollywood restaurants. Boyens joined the show as part of a group of new, younger cast members introduced in Season 8, which premiered in early 2020. His time on the series was marked by interpersonal drama among the cast as well as a significant controversy when racist tweets he had posted years earlier resurfaced online, prompting a public apology. Although Boyens did not return to the show as a regular cast member after Season 8, he re-entered the Vanderpump Rules orbit in 2024 when revelations about a hookup between him and cast member Katie Maloney became a storyline during the show's later seasons. His trajectory on and around the series reflects the broader dynamics of reality television, where personal histories and off-screen behavior can shape public narratives as much as on-screen appearances.

Career

Vanderpump Rules: Season 8

Max Boyens was introduced as a cast member on the eighth season of Vanderpump Rules, which aired on Bravo. The series, which premiered in January 2013 as a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, follows Lisa Vanderpump and the employees of her West Hollywood restaurants, including SUR Restaurant & Lounge, Pump Restaurant, and TomTom. Boyens was part of a wave of newer, younger cast members brought onto the show during Season 8 alongside Brett Caprioni, Dayna Kathan, and others, as producers sought to refresh the series' dynamics.

During his time on the show, Boyens was involved in various interpersonal storylines typical of the series, including romantic entanglements with other cast members. He worked at one of Vanderpump's restaurants, consistent with the show's format of featuring the staff of her hospitality establishments.

Racist Tweets Controversy

In January 2020, shortly after his debut on Vanderpump Rules, a series of old tweets containing racist language that had been posted by Boyens resurfaced online. The tweets drew immediate criticism from viewers and media commentators. Boyens issued a public apology in response to the backlash.

The controversy was addressed during the Season 8 reunion, where Lisa Vanderpump explained her decision not to fire Boyens or fellow cast member Brett Caprioni, who had also faced scrutiny over past racist social media posts. Vanderpump condemned the tweets as "heinous" but stated her reasons for keeping both cast members on at the time.

The incident occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny of reality television cast members' past social media activity. In June 2020, Bravo fired several Vanderpump Rules cast members, including Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute, over racially insensitive behavior. Jax Taylor was also subsequently let go from the series.

Departure from the Series

Boyens did not return as a cast member after Season 8 of Vanderpump Rules. Fellow Season 8 addition Dayna Kathan also departed the series. When the show returned for its ninth season, Bravo confirmed a revised cast lineup that did not include Boyens.

According to Us Weekly's overview of former Vanderpump Rules cast members, Boyens is among the personalities who left the series and moved on from public life connected to the show.

Return to Public Attention: Katie Maloney Hookup (2024)

In March 2024, Boyens returned to the Vanderpump Rules narrative when it was revealed on the show that he and cast member Katie Maloney had hooked up. The revelation became a significant storyline, particularly because of its impact on Tom Schwartz, Maloney's ex-husband and a main cast member on the series. Schwartz discussed the situation on the show, describing the "uncomfortable" way in which Boyens informed him about the hookup.

The storyline generated considerable discussion among fans and media outlets covering the show. Additional details about the hookup were shared by cast member Brittany Cartwright during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Betches described the moment as notable within the season, situating it within the broader cast dynamics involving Lala Kent and Ariana Madix. LaineyGossip also covered the story as part of its reality television recap coverage, noting that Maloney had "made out with Max Boyens."

Life & Style magazine published a feature examining what had happened to Boyens since his departure from the show, noting renewed fan interest following the hookup revelation. The article indicated that Boyens had largely stepped away from the public eye after leaving the series.

Personal Life

Boyens' personal life has been documented primarily through his appearances on Vanderpump Rules and subsequent media coverage. During Season 8, he was involved in romantic storylines with other cast members on the show. Following his departure from the series, Boyens appears to have maintained a lower public profile.

In 2024, his personal life again became a topic of public discussion due to the reported hookup with Katie Maloney, which became a storyline on the show. The incident was discussed by multiple cast members, including Tom Schwartz and Brittany Cartwright, in both aired episodes and related media appearances.

Recognition

Boyens' public recognition is primarily derived from his appearance on Vanderpump Rules, one of Bravo's long-running reality series. The show, which debuted on January 7, 2013, has aired twelve seasons and spawned three spin-offs: Vanderpump Rules After Show, Vanderpump Rules: Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky, and The Valley. While Boyens appeared for only one season as a regular cast member, his involvement in subsequent storylines has kept his name in circulation among the show's fanbase and entertainment media.

The racist tweets controversy in January 2020 also brought Boyens significant media attention beyond the typical scope of the show's coverage, as outlets including E! News and People reported on the incident and its fallout.