Shannen Doherty and Tori Spelling Open up About Their Rift

Shannen Doherty and Tori Spelling rose to fame on the primetime soap opera Beverly Hills, 90210. The actresses were as close in real-life as their onscreen characters Brenda Walsh and Donna Martin. But Doherty’s departure after the show’s fourth season sparked rumors of behind-the-scenes drama, including a rift with Spelling.

Shannen Doherty and Tori Spelling reflect on what ended their friendship

Doherty earned a bad girl reputation because of her behavior on Beverly Hills, 90210. The actress didn’t get along with her co-stars and admitted to a fight with Jennie Garth. Spelling, who was once Doherty’s friend, turned her back on her pal and sided with the other cast members.

For years, rumors have circulated about a feud between Spelling and Doherty. Whatever tension there was between the two seems to have dissipated. Recently, the actresses reunited for an episode of Doherty’s Let’s Be Clear podcast, where the topic was their rift. The two couldn’t recall what exactly led to the end of their friendship but agreed that others easily swayed Spelling.

Doherty remembered how upsetting it was to see spelling being controlled.

You were always easily swayed. And it was very frustrating for me because I always used to tell you like, ‘Yeah, Tor, have an opinion.’ Like you’re smart, you’re funny, you’re talented. I loved you and I respected you and I wanted you to believe in yourself as much as I believed in you.

The ladies then discussed how Spelling’s relationship with an abusive ex-boyfriend contributed to her being easily swayed. After the couple returned from a trip to Mexico, Doherty noticed a rift growing between her and Spelling.

All I can think is that because you didn’t break up with him. You stayed and you got tortured for a little bit longer.

It wasn’t just Spelling’s boyfriend that she was swayed by. Spelling often took the side of her other co-stars in disagreements with Doherty. One incident involved the cast informing Doherty not to do solo magazine covers. Looking back at her behavior, Spelling admits she is ashamed.

I’m sorry. I couldn’t [speak up]. I still can’t speak up for myself sometimes – at 50. I think when I was young, it was whoever was the alpha more at the moment would sway me. And I think I couldn’t stand up for myself, I didn’t take ownership of anything. So it’s like, you know, nice, nice, nice to everyone. But it’s like you said, have a f***ing opinion about something. And I’m sure I did.

Time has healed all wounds for Doherty and Spelling. The podcast is isn’t the first time the pals have reunited. In 2019, they reunited with the rest of Beverly Hills, 90210 cast for the revival BH90210.