Tensions flared in Hollywood after Spencer Pratt delivered a sharp rebuttal to actress Lisa Rinna’s criticism of his campaign for Los Angeles mayor.

Rinna, speaking at the American Music Awards, dismissed the idea of a reality television personality running for office, saying she did not believe such a background qualified someone to lead the second most-populous city in the country.

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Pratt swiftly responded online, addressing her by name and turning the jab back on her.

“Hey Lisa, if you’re against me because I was on a TV show in my 20s, wait till you learn what Karen Bass was doing in her 20s,” he wrote, referencing the current mayor of Los Angeles.

His message included a clip from an interview in which he alleged that Karen Bass, now serving as mayor, had expressed support for Fidel Castro in her youth.

The post was amplified by independent journalist Andy Ngo, who shared background information describing Bass’s trips to Cuba during the 1970s.

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Pratt used the moment to draw a stark contrast between his reality television past and Bass’s early political associations.

He stated, “The reality, pun intended... is that was from 20 years ago,” while referencing his time as a young cast member on MTV.

He went on to say, “If we look at what Karen Bass was doing 20 years ago, she was in Cuba learning how to make bombs with the people who would then go to bomb Capitol Hill.”

Pratt added, “So, if we’re looking at backgrounds, I’m pretty proud of what I was doing at 20 on reality television.”

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Right-leaning outlets characterized Pratt’s response as both biting and strategic, suggesting it mirrored the combative political style of Donald Trump.

Commentators such as RedState’s Becky Noble described him as a “new type” of Republican candidate whose direct communication resonates with disaffected voters.

Pratt’s campaign materials have drawn similar attention.

One of his recent ads reportedly shows him power washing a sidewalk near what appears to be Skid Row, revealing the phrase, “Imagine if the streets were this clean. Spencer Pratt for Mayor of LA.”

Supporters have pointed to the ad as an example of how he uses unconventional visuals to make political points.

Criticism from entertainment figures like Rinna is not new, but Pratt appears eager to meet it head-on.

He has continued to frame his exchanges with Hollywood critics as proof that his message cuts through the city’s cultural establishment.

Rinna has not responded further to Pratt’s remarks as of this report.

Variety, which covered her original statement, emphasized the contentious nature of the growing online back-and-forth.

Pratt’s campaign remains focused on criticizing Karen Bass’s leadership of Los Angeles.

He frequently argues that the city’s worsening conditions under her administration show the need for a candidate outside the political mainstream.

Though his run will face challenges in a strongly Democratic region, his highly visible approach, and ability to turn celebrity feuds into campaign moments have generated significant media attention.

For Pratt, that visibility seems to be part of the strategy.