Everything to Know About Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss’ Cheating Scandal, Ariana Madix Split

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Everything to Know About Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' Cheating Scandal, Ariana Madix Split

SUR-ving up the tea. Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss’ drama has quickly become one of Bravo’s biggest scandals ever. Us Weekly confirmed on March 3, 2023, that Sandoval and Ariana had broken up after nine years together after he cheated on her with Raquel. The news stunned Pump Rules fans and stars alike, particularly in the wake of Raquel’s brief romance with Tom Schwartz. A source exclusively told Us that Sandoval’s infidelity was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to his and Ariana’s relationship problems. “They were having problems for a while,” the insider shared, adding that things “only came to a breaking point” the day before the pair’s split was announced. Ariana joined the cast of Pump Rules in November 2013, and a few months later, she and Sandoval announced they were dating during the show’s season two reunion in February 2014. Despite their long-standing relationship, the restauranteur exclusively told Us in December 2018 that he and the model would “probably never” get engaged. Ariana echoed her boyfriend’s words during the interview, adding, “It’s not on the agenda for us.” At the time, Sandoval noted that they were more focused on buying a home together, stating, “To me, we’d rather put our money in that investment than, to us, marriage or a wedding and all that, an expensive ring.” The couple gave Us another relationship update at BravoCon in October 2022. “We’re great. We’re doing really good,” Sandoval shared, after which Ariana addressed false rumors of them calling it quits online. [jwplayer u9UfHTBB-zhNYySv2] “I look at all those blind items [online] and things like that. I’m into it, so I totally get it,” the Fancy AF Cocktails — which she cowrote with her now-ex — author told Us. “If you were to follow all of those things — I mean, we’ve been together for almost nine years — you would think we’ve broken up like times 50 times.” In January 2023, Ariana also addressed rumors that she and the Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras frontman had an open relationship, as costar Scheana Shay informed Sandoval in the Pump Rules season 10 trailer that Katie Maloney was making false claims about them. “We don’t have an open relationship,” she tweeted at the time. “I’m really not that cool. Thought that was obvious.” While Sandoval was previously dating former costar Kristen Doute before his relationship with Ariana, Raquel has been romantically tied to several of her Bravo castmates over the years. She began dating James Kennedy in 2016 and later got engaged in May 2021. However, the two called it quits in December of that year. In the summer of 2022, she went on several dates with SUR manager Peter Madrigal before hooking up with Schwartz during Scheana and Brock Davies’ Mexico wedding weekend in August, months after he and Katie announced their split in March 2022. “In the moment, there was momentary passion in the air,” Schwartz told Us in February 2023. “I kind of disappeared into that kiss, I’ll be honest. It was kind of a transformative moment. In terms of any long-term romance with me and Raquel, I don’t know how much chemistry is there.” Later that month, Raquel mirrored her former fling’s words, telling Us that they have “more of a friendship” than a romantic relationship. Scroll below for everything you need to know about Sandoval, Ariana and Raquel’s cheating scandal:

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Raquel’s Self-Discovery Journey

Days before news of her affair with Sandoval broke, Raquel opened up about rebuilding her self-confidence after she and James broke off their engagement. “This entire process leading up to this year has been a self-discovery journey,” the California native told Us on March 1, 2023. “I think there’s a misconception, like, ‘Oh, Raquel must have been so scared to be so silenced, and James must have had that effect on her.'”

She continued: “That silence is something that I’ve struggled with my entire life, and I’ve always challenged myself to push myself outside of my comfort zone because I knew that if I was able to overcome that challenge, that I would have the confidence that I’ve always wanted. So, I feel like we’re there. And if all of these things had to have happened for me to learn my own lessons and for me to find my own worth, I’m just thankful for all of it.”

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Raquel Says Sandoval is Her ‘Favorite’ Tom

On March 1, 2023, Raquel hinted at her attraction to Sandoval on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. After host Andy Cohen asked her and fellow guest Scheana, "Who's the hotter Tom, Schwartz or Sandoval?" the former pageant queen surprisingly answered, "Sandoval."

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Andy Cohen’s Timeline of Events

On the March 6, 2023, episode of his Radio Andy show, the WWHL host theorized that Sandoval and Raquel's affair had been going on for several months. “BravoCon was in October,” he stated. “There’s video people were posting of Tom and the [Most] Extras and I was at that show. … This [scandal] is reverberating.”

Cohen went on to bring up Raquel choosing Tom over Schwartz on WWHL. “I’m going through my cards and … Scheana said to Raquel, ‘You know, I only picked Sandoval because I knew that you were gonna pick Schwartz.’ And Raquel said, ‘Well, Sandoval has abs,’ and kind of shrugged. So, you know, that was interesting. And again, I didn’t think twice about it.”

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Necklace Twinning

Following the cheating reveal, Pump Rules fans were quick to point out via social media that Sandoval and Raquel had sported matching lightning bolt necklaces in the months leading up to the scandal.

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The News Breaks

Us confirmed on March 3, 2023, that Sandoval and Ariana had called their nine-year-long relationship quits as a result of Tom cheating on her with Raquel.

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The ‘Pump Rules’ Cast Reacts

Several members of the Pump Rules cast took to social media to share their reactions to the split. “Hope you all feel as sick as I do," James captioned a screenshot of an article about the news via Instagram, adding, "This explains everything."

In response to Sandoval calling her "overly douchey" in an interview, Lala Kent wrote on her Instagram Story the day of his and Ariana's split, "I’ve seen you for who you are for a long time, and you don’t like that. But, I think now is the time for you to shut the f—k up. I’m eatin good the next time I see you.”

In addition to Scheana unfollowing Raquel and Sandoval on Instagram and posting two clown emojis on her Instagram Story, Kristen supported Ariana via her Instagram Stories, despite her past with Tom.

"I don't know why I feel like I need to make this clear, but there's so many people right now wondering if this is making me happy,” she wrote. "And you guys, Ariana and I've been really good friends for many, many years now. So, I am team Ariana — all day, every day. That's what's up.”

Kristen ended her message with a warning for Raquel, writing, "Karma is indeed coming. So Raquel should just move home."

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Ariana’s Brother Speaks Out

Ariana's brother, Jeremy Madix, called out Sandoval in an emotional Instagram comment. "It’s funny to watch people social climb and be soooooooo fake that they’re willing to s—t on people that are supposed to be their ‘best friend’ (a term that gets thrown around very often around here) all just to come up or have some sort of story line,” he commented on James' since-deleted Instagram post reacting to the news. “This lifestyle and this group is beyond toxic and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”

He continued: “All just for clout from a corny ass network like BravoTV. Toms a try hard having a midlife crisis with his cringy band and Raquel has faked her way to the top trying to make something of her life willing to step on whoever to get there starting with James. Sell out type lame s—t. Let’s all remember that Raquel was a fan of the show before all of this. Does anyone pay attention?”

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A Breakup Was Brewing

A source exclusively told Us that Sandoval and Raquel's relationship was rocky before she found out about Sandoval's infidelity. “They were having problems for a while,” the insider shared on March 3, 2023. They went on to note that things "only came to a breaking point" the day prior to their split.

Credit: Courtesy of Tom Sandoval/Instagram

Sandoval Breaks His Silence

The night of his and Ariana's breakup, the TomTom co-owner addressed the news at a Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras concert in Anaheim, California. An eyewitness told Us that the Missouri native asked the crowd, “Have you ever been one of the most hated people in America?” The concert-goer added that fans in the audience vocalized their support for Ariana by yelling her name, to which Sandoval replied, "We love her."

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Supportive Friends

Scheana, Katie and Kristen supported Ariana by visiting their friend at home on March 3, 2023, bringing gifts such as bottles of wine and flowers with them.

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Ariana Steps Out Post-Breakup

Ariana made her first public appearance amid her split from Sandoval hours after the news broke on March 3, 2023, as she attended a Tove Lo concert with Scheana in Los Angeles. Her costar shared a clip of them dancing along to the song "Cool Girl" via her Instagram Story, captioning the post, "We rally."

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Sandoval Apologizes

The Schwartz & Sandy’s cofounder issued a formal apology via Instagram. “Hey, I fully understand and deserve ur anger & disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz, my friends and family out of this situation," Sandoval wrote on March 4, 2023. "Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions. This was a very personal thing."

He went on to remind fans that to not take their anger out on his and Schwartz's bar after it was spammed with negative Yelp reviews. “Also, Schwartz & Sandy’s might have my name on it, but also there are 3 other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families," he continued. "Just like TomTom, I’m a small part of a much bigger thing. Please direct ur anger towards me and not them. They did nothing wrong."

Sandoval ended his post by apologizing to his business partners and employees, as well as announcing a hiatus from the bar. "I need some time to address everything else," he concluded. "Sorry for everything."

Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo

Lala Slams Raquel’s ‘True Friend’ Comments

Lala criticized Raquel's alleged PR strategy to deal with the aftermath of the cheating scandal on March 6, 2023. “The strategy is to pretty much lean in to, like, save your image,” she said via an Instagram Story video. "[The plan is], ‘We gotta lean back into the fact that you’re dumb. You’re just dumb. You’re the victim. Lean in on that, now that it’s convenient.'”

She continued: “For so long, I’ve been saying that she ain’t got a lot upstairs, and everyone’s like, ‘She’s so sweet.’ And she sits there and is like, ‘I’m not dumb, Lala. I went to college.’ But now that all hell has broken loose and she’s lit herself on fire, she wants to lean in on, ‘I’m dumb, everyone else filled my head, I’m the victim.’ It’s not gonna work. It is not going to work.”

Katie later posted a screenshot of Raquel's PR strategy to her Instagram, writing, “More nefarious behavior.”

The Give Them Lala author also shared a recent interview clip of Raquel calling Ariana and Scheana her "true friends," which she captioned, "I tried to tell y’all. She is sick. Someone call her mama.”

Credit: Courtesy of James Kennedy/Instagram

Is ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Filming Sandoval and Raquel Scandal?

Us confirmed in March 2023 that cameras were back up to document “Scandoval.” James and Scheana shared photos filming confessionals on March 6, while Ariana and Sandoval reportedly taped a tense sitdown. 

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When Is the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Season 10 Reunion Taping?

Andy revealed on March 6, 2023, that the reunion is set to film “in two weeks."

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Secret Meetings?

Sandoval was seen arriving at Raquel's apartment one day after the scandal broke, per photos obtained by TMZ.

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Still Living Together

A rep for the musician confirmed to Us on March 6, 2023, that Sandoval and Ariana are "still living together" in their San Fernando Valley, California, home.

“They own the house together, and what happens next with the property will take time to sort out,” the rep shared. “This isn’t something that’s going to be decided in a weekend.”

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Raquel's Alleged Legal Notice

According to TMZ, Raquel's legal team sent several Pump Rules cast members a legal notice on March 6, 2023, warning them not to distribute footage of the former beauty pageant queen's intimate FaceTime session with Sandoval.

The letter reportedly alleged that the recording was "done illegally without Raquel's knowledge or consent" and distributing the video would therefore violate a law in the California legal code.

Lala slammed the alleged legal notice in a since-deleted Instagram Story.

"Raquel, tell your little Mickey Mouse lawyer, that if he has stuff to send over, he can send it to my lawyer,” the "Give Them Lala" podcaster said in the clip.

She continued: “I’ve never in my life had a lawyer contact me in my personal email. Alright? I don’t know if you know how this works; I know you’re pretty brand new to the game — didn't last long, look what you did with your f—king 15 minutes [of fame]. You have something to send over, you can send it to my lawyer."

Hours later, Us confirmed that Raquel filed for an order of protection against Scheana following their reported altercation about the controversy on March 1, 2023.

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Raquel’s Apology

Leviss broke her silence on March 8, 2023, in a lengthy statement to ET.

“I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana,” she said, adding that she is “reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved.”

Leviss is “taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices” after seeking “emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships.”

She went on to address the legal drama.

“Although I chose to be on a reality show accepting the good and bad that comes with it, beyond my own actions I have been physically assaulted, lost friendships, received death threats and hate emails in addition to having had my privacy violated,” she continued. “I have begun counseling to end my unhealthy behavioral cycle, learn to set stronger emotional boundaries and learn to protect my mental health. I don’t expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness.”

Raquel concluded: “Right now I must focus on my own health and well-being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes.”

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Sandoval’s 2nd Apology

Sandoval’s second statement was directed at Ariana after backlash for excluding her from his first apology.

“I made mistakes, I was selfish and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly. I can only imagine how devastating this has been for Ariana and everyone around us. I feel really horrible about that. My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana,” he wrote via Instagram. “I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends.”

He added that his “love for Ariana was stronger than any camera could ever have captured” as “some of our best times” and “biggest struggles” weren’t on the show. “The choices I made hurt so many people. I acted in a way that clashes with who and how I want to be,” he concluded. “I will continue to reflect and work on myself. I have work to do. I always have, and I always will.”

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock

Did Schwartz Know About Raquel and Sandoval’s Affair?

While Schwartz has stayed fairly mum on the controversy, Kristen claimed he found out in February. “Schwartz only found out about it a month ago,” she said.

On March 11, he declined to tell papparazzi when he learned of the affair. "You'll see it play out on the show," he teased. 

He did, however, deny that he kissed Leviss to help cover up her and Sandoval's affair. "No, that's not true. Unless I was a pawn in the game," he said.

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How Did Ariana Find Out About Sandoval’s Affair?

“Ariana found out after looking at Tom’s phone while he was on stage performing his new song [on March 1],” an insider told Us.

Kristen shared more details during the March 8, 2023, episode of her podcast: “During Tom’s performance, his phone fell out of his pocket or something and somebody — a mutual friend — picks up the phone, hands it to Ariana. … Ariana had his phone and she told me that she just had this gut intuition to look at it. They are, like, a trusting couple … She just found, like, she had to look. So she went into his photos. He had screen recorded a FaceTime of him and Raquel masturbating with each other. That’s the truth.”

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Are Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss Dating?

A source told Us that the twosome had confided to their “pals that it’s love and they have fallen hard for each other.” As the backlash continued, however, Leviss said that the pair haven’t put a “label” on things following their affair.

"Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship,” Leviss wrote on March 8, 2023. "Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones. I need to take care of my health, work on self growth and take time to be OK with being alone. I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal."

Sandoval “liked” the statement via Instagram.