“Bling Empire” star Leah Qin claims co-star Anna Shay was “struggling” prior to her unexpected death from a stroke Monday at the age of 62.
“People put a lot of stress on her. She had a lot of struggle. It is just shocking,” Qin told the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
The reality TV star claimed that she noticed Shay’s “mood was unstable” but didn’t elaborate on when.
“She had her good times and had her moody times, but I don’t think it’s anyone’s fault. She has just been through things,” she said.
Qin even expressed “regret” over not being able to “help Anna with her happiness and health.”
“She’s been through things. I always wanted to help her to be happier, but unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance,” she continued.
Qin wished that their hit Netflix show highlighted both Shay’s “caring” side as well as her alleged “struggles.”
“She was struggling herself and had her own stuff to deal with,” she vaguely explained.
Qin emphasized that she felt “bad for her” and hoped the “unfortunate” stroke was “not a lot of pain.”
“When you are in a position of people looking up [to you] and you are at the top, it is lonely. Everyone expects a lot of you and there is a lot on your shoulders,” she continued.
The real estate developer added that being on reality TV, “people automatically assume” that “you are fine,” but “sometimes you just want a hug.”
“Anna was a beautiful person,” she gushed, while calling the loss of the “genius” woman “heartbreaking.”
Shay’s family confirmed the passing of the “Bling Empire” matriarch to People on Monday
“It saddens our hearts to announce that Anna Shay, a loving mother, grandmother, charismatic star, and our brightest ray of sunshine, has passed away at the early age of 62 from a stroke,” the statement read.
“Anna taught us many life lessons on how not to take life too seriously and to enjoy the finer things. Her impact on our lives will be forever missed but never forgotten.”
Shay rose to fame with the success of the popular reality show – which starred wealthy East and Southeast Asian Americans in Los Angeles – in 2021.
She was also the heiress of her dad’s company, Pacific Architects and Engineers.
