Raquel Leviss Gushed About Growing Closer With Tom Schwartz Before Tom Sandoval Cheating Scandal: ‘We Are Tight’

Credit: Tommy Garcia/Bravo (3)

Raquel Leviss Gushed About Growing Closer With Tom Schwartz Before Tom Sandoval Cheating Scandal: 'We Are Tight'

The wrong Tom? Raquel Leviss gushed about how she was developing a meaningful connection with Tom Schwartz — which came months before news broke of her affair with Tom Sandoval. During a new episode of Vanderpump Rules, which aired on Wednesday, March 29, Raquel, 28, and Schwartz, 40, started to bond on screen. "I love that Schwartz and I have gotten to a place where we are tight. Who knows? Maybe we will be even tighter in the future," she told the cameras before joking, "Tighter kind of sounds like vaginal tighter though." James Kennedy, however, wasn't thrilled at his front row seat to Raquel and Schwartz's flirtatious conversations. "Like honestly what the f—k is that? Why are you flirting with Raquel right in front of me? You look f—king absurd mate. You look desperate and absurd," the U.K. native, 31, said in a confessional. "Go hit the treadmill you freaking fat f—k." After documenting their romance on the hit Bravo series, James and Raquel shocked their costars when they announced their split during the season 9 reunion. "We have decided to break off the engagement. It's been something that I have been thinking about for a while, and I think that James has noticed that my heart hasn't been fully in it," Raquel shared during the January 2022 special. "I didn't want to give up on him because he really has shown me how dedicated he is to me and the things that he is willing to do to better himself. But I feel like it is something deep within. I have been having nightmares about our wedding day, and I think that's a telltale sign that something is wrong." Following their breakup, James started dating Ally Lewber. Raquel, for her part, sparked romance rumors with Schwartz amid his divorce from Katie Maloney. As cameras started rolling on season 10, Us Weekly confirmed in August 2022 that the TomTom co-owner hooked up with Raquel at Scheana Shay and Brock Davies' wedding. [jwplayer GGWSmi9z-zhNYySv2] Schwartz previously noted that he stood by his brief romance with Raquel. "In the moment, there was momentary passion in the air. I kind of disappeared into that kiss, I'll be honest. It was kind of a transformative moment," he exclusively told Us in February. "In terms of any long-term romance with me and Raquel, I don't know how much chemistry is there." One month later, Us confirmed that Sandoval, 40, and Raquel were having an affair which led to his breakup from Ariana Madix. Raquel addressed the scandal in a public statement, writing via Instagram on March 8, "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.” Amid the scandal, Katie, 36, weighed in on how much her ex-husband knew about Sandoval's infidelity. “Yeah, part of me believes that he was duped," she said during an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen earlier this month. Schwartz, for his part, has not yet publicly addressed when he found out about his business partner's affair with Raquel. The cast hashed out their issues while taping the season 10 reunion on Thursday, March 23, which is set to air later this year. Scroll down for more bombshells from the new episode of Vanderpump Rules:

Credit: Tommy Garcia/Bravo (3)

Raquel Leviss Gushed About Growing Closer With Tom Schwartz Before Tom Sandoval Cheating Scandal: 'We Are Tight'

The wrong Tom? Raquel Leviss gushed about how she was developing a meaningful connection with Tom Schwartz — which came months before news broke of her affair with Tom Sandoval. During a new episode of Vanderpump Rules, which aired on Wednesday, March 29, Raquel, 28, and Schwartz, 40, started to bond on screen. "I love that Schwartz and I have gotten to a place where we are tight. Who knows? Maybe we will be even tighter in the future," she told the cameras before joking, "Tighter kind of sounds like vaginal tighter though." James Kennedy, however, wasn't thrilled at his front row seat to Raquel and Schwartz's flirtatious conversations. "Like honestly what the f—k is that? Why are you flirting with Raquel right in front of me? You look f—king absurd mate. You look desperate and absurd," the U.K. native, 31, said in a confessional. "Go hit the treadmill you freaking fat f—k." After documenting their romance on the hit Bravo series, James and Raquel shocked their costars when they announced their split during the season 9 reunion. "We have decided to break off the engagement. It's been something that I have been thinking about for a while, and I think that James has noticed that my heart hasn't been fully in it," Raquel shared during the January 2022 special. "I didn't want to give up on him because he really has shown me how dedicated he is to me and the things that he is willing to do to better himself. But I feel like it is something deep within. I have been having nightmares about our wedding day, and I think that's a telltale sign that something is wrong." Following their breakup, James started dating Ally Lewber. Raquel, for her part, sparked romance rumors with Schwartz amid his divorce from Katie Maloney. As cameras started rolling on season 10, Us Weekly confirmed in August 2022 that the TomTom co-owner hooked up with Raquel at Scheana Shay and Brock Davies' wedding. [jwplayer GGWSmi9z-zhNYySv2] Schwartz previously noted that he stood by his brief romance with Raquel. "In the moment, there was momentary passion in the air. I kind of disappeared into that kiss, I'll be honest. It was kind of a transformative moment," he exclusively told Us in February. "In terms of any long-term romance with me and Raquel, I don't know how much chemistry is there." One month later, Us confirmed that Sandoval, 40, and Raquel were having an affair which led to his breakup from Ariana Madix. Raquel addressed the scandal in a public statement, writing via Instagram on March 8, "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.” Amid the scandal, Katie, 36, weighed in on how much her ex-husband knew about Sandoval's infidelity. “Yeah, part of me believes that he was duped," she said during an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen earlier this month. Schwartz, for his part, has not yet publicly addressed when he found out about his business partner's affair with Raquel. The cast hashed out their issues while taping the season 10 reunion on Thursday, March 23, which is set to air later this year. Scroll down for more bombshells from the new episode of Vanderpump Rules:

Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Raquel's Dating History

During the episode, Brock, 32, weighed in on Raquel's love life while planning his wedding with Scheana, 37. "So Raquel is walking down the aisle with Joey and Peter [Madrigal] is sitting right next to James," the Australia native said, referring to Raquel's alleged make out session with his friend and brief romance with the SUR manager. "Raquel's got a bit of a roster stacking up."

Brock later noted that Raquel was "on fire right now" when she got flirty with Schwartz at his restaurant.

Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Katie and Schwartz Mend Their Issues

"After Tom and Ariana's pool party, Katie and I hugged it out. Not, like, literally but verbally and we came to an understanding [where] there was empathy," Schwartz told the cameras about reaching a truce with his ex-wife. "I invited Katie to [a] tasting [at Schwartz and Sandy's] because I respect her opinion. It is also my little way of saying I still care about you, and I still want you to be a part of my life."

The Bravo series included screenshots of a conversation between Katie and Schwartz where the Minnesota native wrote, "I didn't mean to dogpile you. There are ways to just say truce for the big day. Anyways don't be too upset bub, boys will cuddle ya."

In response, Katie replied, "Mexico is going to be a girls trip for Kristina [Kelly] and I."

Credit: Casey Durkin/Bravo

Integrating Ally Into the Group

James' girlfriend, Ally, received a warm welcome from his costars during a group lunch.

"I've hung out with Ally in big group settings. She's so sweet and I just feel like she should be included in things more. But I did let Raquel know that I was inviting her," Ariana, 37, noted in a confessional.

Scheana also praised the new woman in James' life, saying, "I really like Ally and I would love to get to know her more as long as it doesn't hurt Raquel's feelings."

Lala Kent, however, threw shade at Raquel after they had a huge argument on the show. "I really don't give a f—k if it hurts Raquel's feelings," she added.

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Lala Breaks Down Her Feud With Raquel

While discussing her past fight with Raquel, Lala, 32, broke down the double standard she felt was within their friend group.

"Everyone got a don't be mean [reminder at the pool party] except for Raquel who was being mean. She tries to plan out how the argument is going to go and if it doesn't go the way she thinks then she short-circuits," the Utah native joked. "This bitch calls me a mistress [and a] bimbo as she is in a pink sarong with six-inch heels at a pool party in Valley Village. She looked like a baby prostitute."

Lala continued: "When she was yelling at me while standing [at my side], I was like, 'I am literally having a conversation with your vagina. Can you please back the f—k up?'"

Later in the episode, the Give Them Lala podcast host admitted she was trying to avoid Raquel at social settings. "If I go to these bridesmaids' events, I am in close quarters with Raquel. There's no escape route — unless I throw her in the ocean. Which I would never do because I am afraid of prison," she quipped.

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Where Lala and Brock Stand Now

In season 9, Lala told Scheana on screen that Brock wasn't able to see his child from a previous relationship because his ex "slammed him with a domestic violence charge.” The former rugby player, for his part, admitted that things got physical at one point.

Brock went on to offer an update in Wednesday's episode about where he stands with his ex-wife.

"I got a message yesterday from my kid's mother back in Australia. Because of the pressure that I got from you on that, it really changed everything," he shared before thanking Lala for pushing him to make an effort. "I do have a past, and I am not proud of that, but I know for a fact that I will not make those mistakes moving forward. I promise you I learned from them, and we got there. I don't mind being held to a standard because I want to be that standard for everyone."

Meanwhile, Lala reflected on her ups and downs with Scheana's then-fiancé, telling cameras, "Brock and I had a very rough start. Now being in the situation that I am in with Randall [Emmett], I realized that situations are not black and white."

The beauty mogul explained that she and Brock grew closer because of their children. "We started getting together with the kids. Brock is an incredible husband to Scheana and he's an amazing dad. The way that he treats my baby? I like really love that dude a lot," she said in an emotional confessional.

Scheana also weighed in on the progress she made with Lala following the drama. "I have even talked about getting a house here together and raising the girls together," the California native, who shares daughter Summer with Brock, joked. "Just having an unconventional modern family sort of life. Brock would absolutely help with both girls. The conjugal visits would be just me obviously."

Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

A Blink and You Miss It Scandoval Moment

During Lisa Vanderpump's bridal shower for Scheana, Sandoval and Raquel were filmed sharing a smile while alone together.

Credit: Casey Durkin/Bravo

James' Candid Commentary on Raquel

Before James reunited with Raquel on screen, his father revealed that he "didn't really" see him getting married to his ex during their past engagement.

The professional DJ went on to call out the difference between how his friends were treating Raquel and Ally.

"This isn't about the budget, it isn't about the bloody tablecloth or how many steaks are being served. This is literally about what Raquel wants," he said, referring to Ally not being invited to Scheana's reception. "I will say that it is a complete out of body experience having to be around my ex-fiancée all the time."

James later joked to Lala that he should ask Ally to marry him in Mexico. "Payback is a bitch," he added as clips of Scheana and Brock from season 9 played. (The couple previously attempted to plan a wedding at James and Raquel's engagement party before changing their minds.)

Credit: Casey Durkin/Bravo

Raquel and Schwartz's Flirty Behavior on Full Display

At Scheana's wedding shower, Schwartz opened up about how he and Raquel became close friends, saying, "We are tight. I can bitch to you [about my issues]."

Raquel, for her part, gushed about her potential future with the bar owner. "I love that Schwartz and I have gotten to a place where we are tight. Who knows? Maybe we will be even tighter in the future," she said.

The former beauty pageant contestant was thrilled when she found out she had something in common with Schwartz. "The girls told me that one of your happy places is going to your room with your [galaxy] projector. I have one of those too," he told Raquel, who was all smiles at the fun fact.

Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Katie and Schwartz's New Normal

"Tomorrow is the anniversary [of my wedding to Schwartz]. It is kind of weird. It would have been six years, but I would be remiss not to want to acknowledge our anniversary," the Utah native told Kristina during the episode. "Tom and I might have a dinner to celebrate the closing of our house while we are in Mexico. The whole house situation was really hard for me so just unpacking a lot of strange emotions this week."

In a confessional, Katie said she was "not prepared" for how she would feel amid the end of her marriage. "Am I supposed to be sad? I do feel sad. Is it OK that I feel sad? The dream is over," she said.

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James Throws Shade at Brock

While discussing his plans to have kids with Ally, James got offended when Lala reminded him not to rush in his personal life. 

"Oh my God, if Brock can bring a baby into this bloody world ... What? He already did! And we know how it ended up the first time," James told Lala and Lisa. "He left the bloody country. There's facts and then there's facts."

In response, the Give Them Lala author called her friend's comments "out of pocket."

Credit: Bravo (2)

Scheana Faces Off Against Katie

Scheana told the cameras that she attempted to create distance between her and Katie in Mexico, saying, "I had her moved to a different tower and removed off the preferred club list. She stays on her side, I stay on mine. Out of sight, out of mind."

The California native admitted she was still upset about how Stassi Schroeder and Kristina reacted to her first wedding.

"Not only did Stassi and Kristina Kelly say that my dress was the ugliest f—king thing they had ever seen. They said something even more hurtful," she explained, referring to the duo's comments about Scheana's "skanky quinceanera dress" in a 2015 episode. "I don't talk about it a lot, but I am half Mexican. And for them to take such a special event in Hispanic culture and to make it sound trashy, skanky and low class actually hurt me."

Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Ariana and Tom's Quality Time Together

"I am so excited to be in Mexico. Nothing else to get in the way of my quality time with Tom," Ariana gushed about her then-boyfriend. "He is my prisoner."

(More than six months after the episode was filmed, Us confirmed that Ariana and Sandoval called it quits due to his affair with Raquel.)

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James and Ariana's Unlikely Feud

"As we were on our way here, one of Brock's friends who was clearly intoxicated walks up to James and puts his arm around him," Ariana explained about an encounter that divided her and James.

The Florida native recalled trying to shut down a fight between James and the stranger. Meanwhile, Lala noted that the musician "bodychecked" Brock's friend because he was drunk. As the episode came to an end, James started to get annoyed at his costars.

"I should have Will Smith backhanded his bitch ass," he said in a confessional.

In response, Ariana clapped back as James started to instigate an argument, adding, "Two seconds after I sit down, I am being berated about a situation just because I don't want there to be a fight? If you could hear your tone of voice when you speak to me because you have been very rude to me."