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Unlikely Prison Pals: 'Real Housewives' Star Jen Shah and Theranos' Elizabeth Holmes Bond Over 'Poop Duty'
The two high-profile inmates found common ground in the challenges of incarceration, from shared fitness classes to late-night heart-to-hearts.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:22pm
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Jen Shah, star of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," revealed she developed an unlikely friendship with Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes while the two were incarcerated together. Shah said the two bonded over shared experiences of prison life, including mandatory "poop duty" cleaning duties, fitness classes Holmes attended, and late-night walks where they would open up about missing their families and plans for life after release.
Why it matters
The surprising friendship between the two high-profile inmates sheds light on the social dynamics and shared struggles that can emerge even among unlikely peers behind bars. Their bond underscores how incarceration can foster unexpected connections, as individuals facing similar challenges seek camaraderie and support.
The details
Shah said she and Holmes, who were both serving time for fraud-related convictions, would team up to avoid the dreaded "poop duty" cleaning tasks in their shared prison bathroom. When their bathroom did receive three strikes, requiring one of them to inspect and clean it, they would take turns performing the unpleasant chore. In addition, Holmes frequently attended Shah's prison fitness classes, including line dancing sessions. The two also spent evenings walking the track together, opening up about missing their families and discussing their plans for life after release.
- Shah and Holmes were incarcerated together in 2023 and 2024.
- Shah revealed details of their friendship in an interview published on April 2, 2026.
The players
Jen Shah
A star of the reality TV series "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" who was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and served time in prison.
Elizabeth Holmes
The founder of the failed blood-testing startup Theranos, who was convicted of fraud and also served time in prison.
What they’re saying
“Lizzie and I are good friends. As another high-profile prisoner, there are just certain things you're both dealing with, so you naturally come together in those instances.”
— Jen Shah, Reality TV Star
“If someone in your bathroom does not clean it, you get a strike. If your bathroom gets three strikes, you have to do poop duty.”
— Jen Shah, Reality TV Star
“On poop duty, you pull up a metal chair and watch everybody come in and use the bathroom. After they use the bathroom, you have to get up, go inspect it, and either clean it if they don't or tell them to come back and clean it.”
— Jen Shah, Reality TV Star
What’s next
As Shah and Holmes complete their prison sentences, the public will be watching to see how the two high-profile inmates transition back into society and whether their unlikely friendship continues.
The takeaway
The surprising bond between Jen Shah and Elizabeth Holmes demonstrates how shared experiences of incarceration can foster unexpected connections, even among individuals from vastly different backgrounds. Their story highlights the complex social dynamics and emotional challenges that can emerge behind bars.
