Full Vanderpump Rules: Cheating, Confessions, and Fallout from Tom Sandoval & Co.

The Full Vanderpump Rules Affair Timeline: Cheating, Confessions, and Fallout from Tom Sandoval & Co.

In March 2023, the Vanderpump Rules universe was rocked by a scandal so explosive it sent shockwaves far beyond Bravo fandom. The revelation that longtime cast member Tom Sandoval had been having a secret affair with his co-star Raquel Leviss—while still in a committed nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix—shattered the tightly knit dynamic of the show and forever changed the way viewers saw some of its most central figures.

It all began on March 3, 2023, when TMZ broke the bombshell report: Ariana Madix had discovered that her partner of nearly a decade, Tom Sandoval, had been cheating on her with Raquel Leviss, a fellow castmate and former friend. According to sources close to the show, the affair had allegedly been going on for at least six months, possibly longer—long before Leviss’s controversial kiss with another Vanderpump Rules cast member, Tom Schwartz, in August 2022.

As news of the betrayal spread, so did outrage among fans and castmates alike. The Bravo community quickly took sides, with overwhelming support rallying behind Ariana. On Instagram, Leviss’s ex-fiancé James Kennedy didn’t hold back. “Hope you all feel as sick as I do,” he wrote. “This explains everything.” Lala Kent, never one to mince words, jumped into the conversation as well, responding to Kennedy, “I’ve been telling y’all! Everyone said I was a ‘bully.’ It’s called YOU TRIGGER ME AND I SEE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE! I’ve known these two are disgusting from the jump.”

The affair quickly became known as “Scandoval,” and it dominated entertainment headlines for weeks. Fans launched campaigns to boycott Tom Sandoval’s new bar, and speculation about when the affair began and who knew what escalated to a frenzy.

But to truly understand the depth of this betrayal and its ripple effect across the Vanderpump Rules cast, we need to look back at how this love triangle—and ultimate betrayal—developed over time.

A Look Back: Ariana and Tom’s Nearly Decade-Long Relationship

February 10, 2014 – Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix confirmed they were dating during the season 2 reunion of Vanderpump Rules. Their relationship, which began as a slow-burn romance, would go on to become one of the show’s central love stories. Sandoval, an original cast member, had already built a following, while Madix joined the series in its second season and quickly became a fan favorite.

January 28, 2019 – Their seemingly strong bond was tested publicly when Ariana accused Tom of violating her trust. During season 7, Sandoval had shared private details with his friends about a sexual experience between Ariana and co-star Lala Kent. In a confessional, Ariana expressed her disappointment, saying, “I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of what happened between Lala and I, but I do feel like Tom betrayed my trust by telling this story to his guy friends.” She further emphasized, “When you talk about anyone’s sexuality without their consent, it’s really not okay.”

October 26, 2021 – Madix appeared on Watch What Happens Live and made it clear that traditional marriage didn’t appeal to her. “I think the big thing for me is that I’m not really into the whole fanfare of it,” she explained. “It’s really more about the two people. So if it was just about us, I honestly think I would be more open to it.

I just don’t want it to be like a big thing about having a giant wedding and a bachelorette party and all that bullshit.”

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November 16, 2021 – Ariana revealed during an episode of Vanderpump Rules that she had made the empowering decision to freeze her eggs. “This does not mean that I’m jumping on the baby train,” she said, “It’s about having agency over my own body and my own future. It’s also kind of a nice, fun ‘fuck you’ to anybody who questions my values or my choices.”

The Downfall Begins: Raquel’s Breakup, The Kiss, and Secret Romance

December 5, 2021 – Raquel Leviss and James Kennedy, who had been together for five years and engaged since May, announced their breakup. “We love each other very much, but we aren’t in love anymore,” the pair said in a joint statement, adding, “We want nothing but the best for each other so please keep any thoughts positive. Sending Love.”

Summer 2022 – According to insiders who later spoke with People and Page Six, this is when the affair between Sandoval and Leviss allegedly began. The clandestine relationship reportedly started shortly after a girls' trip and following the death of Ariana and Tom’s beloved dog, Charlotte, on August 2, 2022. In retrospect, this timing became a chilling revelation—occurring during a moment of deep personal loss for Ariana.

August 26, 2022 – At Scheana Shay and Brock Davies’s wedding in Cancún, Raquel shocked both cast and fans when she kissed Tom Schwartz, the ex-husband of Katie Maloney. The moment aired during Vanderpump Rules and became a pivotal plot point. However, as rumors of her affair with Sandoval surfaced months later, fans began to speculate that the Schwartz kiss was orchestrated to distract from the real secret—that Leviss and Sandoval were already romantically involved.

Adding fuel to the fire, a deleted scene released in April 2023 featured Ariana joking while looking at a hot tub photo with Sandoval and Leviss. “It looks like we’re a throuple on a romantic vacay,” she said. Leviss, clearly nervous, added, “These photos better never surface.”

The Fallout: Friendships Ruined, Careers at Stake

The revelation of the affair devastated Ariana and ruptured multiple friendships within the Vanderpump Rules cast. While Ariana received an outpouring of public support—including endorsement deals and an invite to compete on Dancing with the Stars—both Sandoval and Leviss were vilified online and faced mounting professional backlash.

The affair also reopened wounds and questions about honesty and loyalty within the group—especially in a show where personal relationships are public domain.

Part II: The Scandoval Timeline Continues — Secrets, Symbols, and a Shocking Discovery

As the Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal unraveled in real-time throughout early 2023, new revelations continued to surface—deepening the betrayal and further dividing the cast and fandom. What started as a secret "one-night stand" soon turned into one of reality TV’s most closely scrutinized affairs, complete with cryptic symbols, public lies, and a shocking moment of discovery that ended a nine-year relationship in a matter of seconds.

August 2022: Schwartz Admits He Knew More Than He Let On

Months after the affair became public, Tom Schwartz—Sandoval’s longtime friend and business partner—sat down for an interview on Watch What Happens Live on April 5, 2023. During the appearance, Schwartz confessed that he had first learned about the affair back in August 2022, when Sandoval told him it had started as a “one-night stand” with Raquel Leviss.

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“I learned in late August about the affair, the one-night stand,” Schwartz told host Andy Cohen. However, he denied rumors that he had actively acted as a decoy to help cover for his friend’s affair, insisting instead that, from his perspective, it seemed like the relationship had become an “emotional affair”—still inappropriate, but not fully realized in the beginning.

October 2022: The Matching Necklaces

In the weeks following the March 2023 bombshell, internet sleuths and Vanderpump Rules fans began connecting previously unnoticed clues, including one highly symbolic accessory: matching lightning-bolt necklaces worn by both Sandoval and Leviss. According to TMZ, these matching necklaces had been seen on both cast members as early as October 2022—a quiet but public way of signaling their connection. Fans now believe the necklaces were a covert sign of their growing romance, worn in plain sight while the two maintained a façade of innocence.

January 9, 2023: Ariana Denies Open Relationship Rumors

Amid growing speculation about the nature of her relationship with Sandoval, Ariana Madix took to Twitter in early January 2023 to set the record straight. Responding to fan theories suggesting she and Sandoval may have had an open relationship, Ariana tweeted (per People):

“We don’t have an open relationship. I’m really not that cool. Thought that was obvious. Bisexual ≠ polyamorous.”

The tweet has since been deleted, but at the time it served as a strong public denial of rumors that had been swirling—and a moment of painful irony, given what was really going on behind the scenes.

January 2023: Schwartz Learns the Truth—and It Becomes an “Open Secret”

During that same Watch What Happens Live interview, Schwartz revealed that he became fully aware of the true nature of the affair in January 2023. That’s when Sandoval confessed that his relationship with Leviss had evolved into something much more serious.

“[Sandoval] came to me in January and he told me…” Schwartz began, before dropping his voice to a whisper, “...that he’s in love with Raquel.”

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Schwartz said he was stunned but “not surprised.” According to him, the affair had, by then, become something of an “open secret,” with several people around the group suspecting that something was going on. He described Sandoval’s behavior after the confession as “flagrant” and “brazen,” suggesting that Sandoval no longer seemed concerned with hiding the relationship.

Schwartz also claimed that Sandoval had told him he and Ariana were either already broken up or headed for a breakup—an excuse many have since criticized as a blatant attempt to justify ongoing deceit.

January 2023 (Part II): Even Sandoval’s Mom Knew

Adding to the mounting betrayal, TMZ reported in April 2023 that Sandoval’s own mother, Terri Green, had known about the affair since January—and had even met Raquel Leviss. While the outlet noted that Terri “wasn’t cool with their situation,” her prior knowledge raised even more questions about who else had been complicit in keeping the secret.

March 1, 2023: Ariana Discovers the Affair

Despite Sandoval’s public denials and carefully maintained facade, the affair came crashing down on the night of March 1, 2023. Earlier that day, Sandoval was interviewed by Page Six, ironically discussing the strength of his relationship with Ariana. “We definitely have our ups and downs for sure,” he said. “I think we’ve been really good about respecting each other and having each other’s backs in a reasonable way.”

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That same night, Madix showed up to support Sandoval at a concert for his band, Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras. But at some point during the evening, Madix came across Sandoval’s phone—and reportedly discovered a selfie-style sexual video of Raquel Leviss, as well as a string of inappropriate messages exchanged between the two.

According to People, that moment was a breaking point. Madix immediately confronted Sandoval and ended their nearly decade-long relationship. “She was completely blindsided,” a source told the publication. “Devastated doesn’t even scratch the surface. This is someone she thought she knew—someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with.”

Also that night, Raquel Leviss reportedly confessed the affair to Scheana Shay after the two filmed an episode of Watch What Happens Live in New York City.

March 2–3, 2023: The Fallout Begins

By March 2, Page Six posted a video of Leviss discussing a group chat between herself, Sandoval, and Schwartz during an appearance on their Virtual Reali-Tea podcast. In the interview, she claimed to be “dating herself” and focusing on growth—comments that, in light of the news breaking just one day later, struck fans as deeply disingenuous.

On March 3, TMZ confirmed that Ariana and Sandoval had officially split, and Vanderpump Rules producers quickly began filming the cast’s raw reactions to the affair. “The majority of the cast is expected to gather and film tomorrow,” one insider told Page Six. “Mostly everyone is shook and completely heartbroken for Ariana.”

Madix’s discovery reportedly occurred when she saw the explicit video and then scrolled through Sandoval’s phone, uncovering six months’ worth of texts and evidence pointing to a deep and ongoing affair. That evening, Sandoval was photographed packing bags into a car outside their home, while fans flooded social media in support of Ariana.

At a concert in Anaheim that night, Sandoval briefly addressed the growing backlash, telling the crowd:

“Have you ever been one of the most hated people in America?”

Meanwhile, Ariana found comfort in an unlikely ally: Sandoval’s ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute. Doute, who had once been embroiled in her own cheating drama with Sandoval, showed up at Madix’s side in an emotional Instagram video. “I stan Ariana,” Doute said as the two embraced. “I love you more than anything in the whole wide world, and I’ll kill people for you.”

March 4, 2023: Lala Kent Cuts Ties, Sandoval Issues Half-Apology

The fallout didn’t end there. On March 4, Lala Kent took swift action by slashing the price of her makeup collaboration with Raquel Leviss. The “Bambi-Eyed B*tch” eyeshadow palette from Give Them Lala Beauty dropped from $42 to $20 overnight. “Everything must go,” Kent wrote on Instagram, making it clear she was distancing herself from Leviss both personally and professionally.

Later that day, Sandoval released a statement on Instagram—but it was notable for what it didn’t say. Rather than directly apologize to Ariana, Sandoval focused on defending Schwartz and asking fans to spare his business partners from backlash.

“I fully understand and deserve your anger and disappointment,” he wrote. “But please leave Schwartz, my friends, and family out of this situation.” He added, “This was a very personal thing,” and concluded, “I need some time to address everything else. Sorry for everything.”

Part III: Fallout, Legal Drama, and Public Reckonings – The Scandoval Saga Deepens

After Ariana Madix’s shocking discovery of Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss, what followed was an explosive series of emotional confrontations, legal maneuvers, and public statements that only added fuel to the fire. What started as a personal betrayal became a cultural moment—unfolding in real-time across social media, courtroom filings, tabloid headlines, and Vanderpump Rules filming schedules.

March 6, 2023: The Confrontation – Gaslighting Allegations and Excuses

In the days following the scandal breaking, Vanderpump Rules cameras were rolling, capturing raw moments between the cast—none more pivotal than the taped confrontation between Sandoval and Madix. According to Page Six, Madix walked away from that conversation feeling “gaslit.”

“He gave her several excuses as to why he never told her about the affair,” a source revealed. Among Sandoval’s justifications: he claimed he feared how the truth might affect Ariana’s mental health, especially after the recent death of her grandmother. He also cited their shared home as a reason he kept the affair a secret—allegedly saying he didn’t want to complicate an already difficult situation.

But Sandoval’s reasoning did little to garner sympathy. Sources said the cast was deeply disappointed by his inability to show true remorse or take responsibility. “Tom seems unable to take accountability for his actions,” one insider said, “and it’s clear he doesn’t understand the gravity of what he’s done.”

March 7, 2023: Legal Trouble and a Restraining Order

The fallout took a legal turn when TMZ reported that several cast members received cease-and-desist letters from Raquel Leviss’s legal team regarding the now-infamous video that had exposed the affair. The video—captured during a private FaceTime call between Leviss and Sandoval—was the smoking gun Ariana had discovered on March 1.

Leviss’s lawyers stated the footage was recorded without her knowledge or consent, invoking California’s “revenge porn” statute, which criminalizes the nonconsensual distribution of sexually explicit content. While the letter didn’t name Sandoval as the person who filmed or shared it, it was strongly implied—since only the two of them were on the call.

The message to the cast was clear: anyone in possession of the video must delete it immediately or risk legal consequences.

March 7, 2023 (Part II): Leviss Files a Restraining Order Against Scheana Shay

That same day, Page Six reported that Raquel Leviss filed for a temporary restraining order against longtime friend and castmate Scheana Shay. The filing came after a reported physical altercation in New York City, which occurred following Leviss’s confession to Shay after filming Watch What Happens Live.

Leviss alleged Shay had physically assaulted her—an incident that would come to dominate headlines and divide public opinion.

March 7, 2023 (Part III): Sandoval Issues a Personal Apology

Later that day, Tom Sandoval took to Instagram to post a new, more personal apology—this time directed at Ariana.

“I am beyond sad that it ended the way it did,” he wrote. “The choices I made hurt so many people. I acted in a way that clashes with who and how I want to be.”

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Sandoval admitted he had “work to do” on himself and promised to reflect on his actions. While some fans saw this as a step forward, many felt it came far too late and failed to fully address the depth of betrayal.

March 8, 2023: Leviss Breaks Her Silence and Faces Accusations

One day later, Raquel Leviss issued her own formal apology in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

“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,” she wrote. “There is no excuse. I am not a victim and I must own my actions. I deeply regret hurting Ariana.”

Leviss also stated that she would be prioritizing her mental health and learning from her mistakes, acknowledging the widespread hurt she had caused.

That same day, TMZ published photos showing what appeared to be a black eye on Leviss—allegedly caused by Scheana Shay during their confrontation. According to legal filings, Leviss claimed Shay had punched her in the left eye. In a later Watch What Happens Live appearance, Lisa Vanderpump offered her perspective: “I think Scheana slapped her around the chops. But her emotions were high—Ariana has been her best friend for over a decade.”

March 11, 2023: Schwartz Speaks Out Again

At an airport run-in with TMZ, Tom Schwartz denied speculation that his kiss with Leviss in August 2022 had been a cover-up for her relationship with Sandoval.

“That’s not true. Unless I was a pawn in the game,” he said, sounding somewhat unsure. Schwartz also commented on Sandoval’s state of mind: “He has a sense of profound sadness, rightfully so, that he’s a piece of shit… and maybe he is.”

Despite expressing some sympathy for his longtime friend, Schwartz made it clear his thoughts were with Ariana. “Luckily, she has a really good support system,” he said. “I hope she goes on a living spree.”

March 13, 2023: Ariana Finds Joy—and Someone New

Just days after the scandal hit its peak, People published photos of Madix at a friend’s destination wedding in Mexico, where she appeared radiant and happy. This event reportedly marked the first time she met fitness coach Daniel Wai, who would later become her new boyfriend. After weeks of devastation, Ariana’s healing process had officially begun.

March 16, 2023: Ariana Speaks

Ariana made her first official Instagram statement since the scandal broke, though the specific message is not detailed here. The post reportedly addressed the pain she endured, her gratitude for the support she received, and her plans to move forward.

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March 20–22, 2023: Trailers, Casting Announcements, and “No PDA” Dinners

In a dramatic midseason trailer for Vanderpump Rules released on March 20, Ariana is seen confronting Sandoval and, in one of the show’s most searing lines, tells him:

“I want you to die.”

Just two days later, Lifetime announced that Madix would star in their upcoming movie Buying Back My Daughter, signaling that her public image had not only survived the scandal—it was thriving.

Meanwhile, Leviss gave her first on-camera interview post-scandal to TMZ—from a nail salon in Valley Village, California. She admitted that she had texted Ariana an apology (which wasn’t well received) and confirmed she and Sandoval were taking a “break.”

When Madix was asked to respond by Page Six, her reply was blunt:

“I don’t pay attention to any of that.”

March 23–24, 2023: Reunion Taping and Final Legal Moves

On March 23, the Season 10 reunion of Vanderpump Rules was taped—but Leviss and Shay were required to film separately due to the active restraining order. That evening, Ariana arrived wearing a now-iconic yellow sweatsuit emblazoned with “1-800-BOYS-LIE”, a bold sartorial statement that instantly went viral and sold out shortly after.

Later that night, Madix and her friends were seen watching a TV clip of Sandoval and Leviss at a bar, booing loudly and flipping them off—a symbolic moment of catharsis.

On March 25, TMZ published photos of Sandoval and Leviss out to dinner together following the reunion taping. While no public displays of affection were seen, the pair were seated closely and appeared relaxed, drawing further ire from fans.

The following day, Leviss dropped her restraining order against Shay, issuing a statement to Entertainment Tonight that she had hoped to do it sooner so they could tape the reunion together. “The TRO was intended to provide a cooling-off period,” she said. “I didn’t want to continue with the permanent RO or cause Scheana further agony.”

Madix, asked once more about the couple, put it plainly:

“I don’t care about anything that either of them does.”

Part IV: Merch, Meltdowns, and Makeouts – The Aftershocks of Scandoval

As the dust continued to settle from one of reality TV’s most jaw-dropping betrayals, the Scandoval scandal only became more layered. With public apologies already issued and social media ablaze, the cast of Vanderpump Rules—especially Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, and Raquel Leviss—began navigating the fallout with very different strategies. While one turned heartbreak into branding gold, another disappeared into silence, and the third attempted a shaky PR tour that didn’t land the way he likely hoped.

March 27, 2023: Sandoval’s Strip Mall Interview — A Masterclass in Evasion

Outside a Los Angeles strip mall, Tom Sandoval mirrored Raquel Leviss’s earlier moves by giving his own impromptu TMZ interview. What could’ve been an opportunity for honesty turned into a mumbling string of half-statements. When asked about the scandal, Sandoval’s response was vague:

“Hindsight’s always 20/20, man.”

He offered little more than a few sheepish “no comments,” reinforcing the perception that he was unwilling—or unable—to face the full scope of public backlash.

March 28, 2023: Ariana Madix Launches Her “Revenge Merch” Line

While Sandoval dodged questions, Ariana Madix seized her viral moment. From the set of a mysterious project, she quietly teased fans on Instagram:

“Hey guys! I’m on set so I have to be quiet… but I wanted to share something exciting. If you go to this link, something cool is there.”

That “cool” thing turned out to be a full-blown merchandise line, inspired by her most iconic Vanderpump Rules moments. Slogans like “Born F*ing Cool”** and “Bad Bitches Only” adorned shirts, hoodies, and accessories. The merch drop was an instant hit—symbolizing Ariana’s control over her own narrative and proving that sometimes, revenge really does come in retail form.

March 29, 2023: Leviss Seen Leaving Sandoval’s House—Rumors Ignite Again

Photos published by tabloids showed Raquel Leviss leaving Sandoval’s house with multiple bags in hand while Ariana was reportedly out of town. The optics were damning, and fans speculated wildly about a possible sleepover.

However, Sandoval’s team rushed to shut down the rumors. Speaking to E! News, his rep claimed Raquel had merely “stopped by to say hi and bye to Tom” while out shopping nearby, insisting she did not spend the night.

Still, the internet wasn’t buying it.

March 30, 2023: Baggage Goes Viral—and So Does the Bag

One surprising party caught in the crossfire? Béis, the luggage company owned by actress Shay Mitchell. When fans recognized Raquel’s Béis Weekender Bag in the viral photos, many wrongly assumed it was a sponsored post or promotion.

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Béis quickly shut that down with a now-iconic Instagram Story:

“PSA: This is NOT a sponsored post. We provide the bag, not the baggage.”

The post was widely applauded—and solidified how even brands were getting in on the scandal’s pop culture moment.

April 3, 2023: Bravo Teases the Reunion—and Ariana’s Revenge Look

Bravo gave fans a sneak peek at the upcoming Vanderpump Rules reunion, and all eyes were on one thing: Ariana’s dress. Dressed in a slashed, skin-baring red cutout number, she looked like a woman reborn—and unbothered.

Dubbed by fans as the “Revenge Dress of the Century,” it became an instant fashion moment. The message was clear: she wasn’t hiding from the fallout—she was owning it.

April 9, 2023: Ariana Joins the DWTS Rumor Mill

Page Six broke the story that Ariana Madix was in late-stage talks to join Dancing with the Stars for its fall 2023 season. According to sources, NBCUniversal had already signed off, signaling how far Madix’s star had risen in just over a month.

April 11, 2023: Sandoval’s Podcast Fumble—and Bravo's Fury

In a tone-deaf move, Sandoval appeared on Howie Mandel’s podcast, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, to discuss the scandal. The interview, filled with awkward defenses and vague sentiments, fell flat. Sandoval explained that he and Raquel weren’t “putting any labels” on their relationship.

“We’re kind of taking a break,” he said. “We’re friends. Not with benefits.”

Bravo fans—and cast members—were not impressed.

Andy Cohen immediately addressed the interview on Watch What Happens Live, calling it “disappointing” and warning Mandel:

“Bravo fans are passionate—you need to know who your guests are.”

Lala Kent went even further on Instagram Stories, calling the interview:

“F***ing weird.”

Sources later revealed that Vanderpump Rules producers were blindsided by Sandoval’s unsanctioned podcast appearance, as they had hoped to save all major discussions for the reunion.

April 14, 2023: Leviss Checks Into a Mental Health Facility

Leviss’s team issued a statement confirming that she had entered a voluntary mental health treatment facility, explaining that plans had been in place even before the scandal broke.

“Raquel and her family decided months ago that she needed mental health treatment,” her rep told Page Six.
“She postponed her original plan to fulfill her filming commitments for the reunion.”

Bravo was reportedly supportive of her decision, though critics noted the timing—just weeks after the controversy erupted.

Also April 14, 2023: Ariana Declares She’s “Thriving”

That same day, Ariana Madix appeared in a TikTok video at Coachella, smiling, radiant, and dancing. When asked how she was feeling, she replied simply:

“Amazing.”

The caption? “She’s thriving.” No further explanation needed.

April 16, 2023: Ariana and Daniel Wai Make It Official—at Coachella

During Bad Bunny’s headlining set at Coachella, Ariana was photographed in a full-blown makeout session with Daniel Wai, the fitness trainer she’d met at her friend’s wedding in March. Their chemistry was undeniable—hands on waists, arms around necks, kisses that screamed, “I’m done with the past.”

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Wai also posted sweet photos of the two on his Instagram Story, confirming they weren’t just a festival fling. Ariana looked free—lighter, even.

April 18, 2023: Madix Keeps Winning—and Laughing

Ariana dropped Daniel off at LAX that week and sealed the goodbye with another kiss, all captured by paparazzi. Meanwhile, Tom Sandoval gave yet another TMZ soundbite, this time about his ex’s Coachella PDA:

“I love that.”

Whatever that means.

But Ariana had the last laugh—literally. She appeared in a comedic mock-interview with comedian Hanna Dickinson, who opened with the punchline:

“What’s worse—Lori Loughlin bribing USC or your castmate banging your boyfriend of nine years?”

Ariana, stone-faced, responded:

“Next.”

Part V: Secrets, Showdowns, and the Slutty Funeral Dress — Scandoval Reaches Its Peak

As Vanderpump Rules rolled through April and May 2023, the scandal that began as a salacious rumor became a full-blown cultural moment. The truth trickled out piece by piece—on camera, in leaked footage, and through explosive reunion episodes. The damage wasn’t just emotional; it was nuclear. Friendships collapsed, careers pivoted, and the phrase “Scandoval” was cemented into reality TV history.

April 19, 2023: The Abbey Bombshell

The latest VPR episode revealed a key moment that retroactively rang alarm bells. Ally Lewber, James Kennedy’s girlfriend, dropped a subtle but significant detail: she saw Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss dancing together at The Abbey in West Hollywood—at 1 a.m.

“I thought it was kind of weird,” she told James. “We were like, ‘Where’s Ariana?’”

Later in the same episode, Katie Maloney confronted Sandoval about the suspicious night, accusing him of finding a little too much joy in Raquel’s company.

Sandoval’s defensive response?

“Dude, what the fuck are you saying? Get the fuck out of here, man.”

His reaction only deepened suspicions.

April 26, 2023: Sandoval Denies, Gaslights—and Gets Caught

In another new episode, Sandoval vehemently denied any wrongdoing when asked directly about the night at The Abbey.

“At the fucking Abbey? We know everybody there. It’s not a place where I’d have a secret fucking rendezvous,” he told castmates.

Privately, in a confessional, Sandoval doubled down, insisting:

“Nothing has happened between Raquel and I… nothing that wouldn’t happen between me and Katie [Maloney].”

But Katie wasn’t buying it, labeling him “very manipulative.” She also threw cold water on the theory of an open relationship:

“If Tom and Ariana have an open relationship, Ariana knows nothing about it.”

A preview teased more drama: Lisa Vanderpump confronted Leviss about a suspicious sleepover at Sandoval’s house while Ariana was away. Leviss claimed she “overslept” after a jacuzzi hangout with Schwartz and Sandoval. Lisa wasn’t having it:

“It doesn’t matter if anything happened—it’s just the fact that you were there.”

Later, on a FaceTime call, Sandoval weakly admitted:

“Yes, she stayed over. But like, dude, I have people crash at my house all the time.”

April 29, 2023: From SUR to the White House

Ariana Madix continued her redemption arc in style—this time, on the national stage. She attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner alongside Lisa Vanderpump and Lala Kent.

Paul Morigi/Getty Images

Host Roy Wood Jr. even slipped in a Scandoval joke, turning the personal drama into political comedy gold.

May 2–3, 2023: Finale Trailer Drops—And New Cheating Claims Emerge

Bravo released the explosive finale trailer on May 2, just hours after a slightly altered version leaked online. And on May 3, former VPR cast member Kristen Doute stirred the pot further, claiming Leviss wasn’t the only woman Sandoval had cheated with. Specifics remained unclear, but the insinuation added fuel to a fire that was already roaring.

May 4, 2023: Ariana & Daniel Wai—From Coachella to NYC

Ariana and Daniel Wai were spotted kissing in New York City, making it clear their fling had blossomed into a full-fledged romance. The glow-up was real, and fans loved seeing her happy, thriving, and done with the drama.

May 16, 2023: The Affair Timeline Darkens

Ahead of the finale, Bravo released more clips. In a heartbreaking reveal, Ariana recalled the precise moment she discovered the affair—and the context made it even worse:

Sandoval and Leviss had sex in Ariana’s car, just days after her dog Charlotte passed away on August 2, 2022.

Sandoval, meanwhile, was reportedly seen spending time with a mystery woman in Austin, Texas.

May 17, 2023: Finale Day—And It’s Brutal

Before the finale aired, Page Six confirmed the inevitable:

“Raquel dipped out. Sandoval is not the one for her,” a source claimed.

Another insider told People there was technically no breakup:

“They were never a couple.”

Then came the finale—and it delivered.

Ariana finally confronted Sandoval:

“I regret every moment that I stood up for you, defended you, supported you. You’re worth nothing, and I want you to feel that deep in your soul.”

Sandoval, visibly emotional, apologized to everyone except Ariana. He said he and Leviss had planned to come clean before the reunion, claiming they couldn’t handle the guilt of Ariana continuing to defend them.

Later, Sandoval visited Leviss. They exchanged “I love yous” on camera. Leviss asked if he might cheat on her someday. He said no—but in his confessional added:

“When I kissed Raquel, I felt hope. Like… you’re not washed up. Your best days aren’t behind you.”

Meanwhile, James Kennedy slammed Leviss over the phone:

“You trashed every friendship for Sandoval’s stinky, 40-year-old cock. Seriously, Raquel?”

Katie Maloney confronted Tom Schwartz, who admitted he knew about the affair since the summer of 2022:

“I knew about the one-night stand. He tried to break up with Ariana—it just didn’t work.”

Madix was done:

“I will not have mutual friends with him. So I am not your friend anymore.”

Even more shocking—Sandoval admitted to another affair beyond Miami Girl and Leviss.

May 17 (Part III): Ariana’s “Slutty Funeral Dress” + WWHL Confessions

On Watch What Happens Live, Ariana wore a now-iconic “slutty funeral dress”—tight, black, and a clear message: the old Ariana was gone.

She revealed she and Sandoval still lived under the same roof—but had no contact. She planned to sell the house.

In a jaw-dropping moment, she addressed a Sandoval quote where he claimed she could’ve just followed him to uncover the affair.

“I had the password to his iPad,” she said.
“So I did check your location—and you were at Schwartz’s.”
Translation: They used Schwartz’s place as the rendezvous point.

She also confirmed she knew about Sandoval’s hookup with Miami Girl, but protected his image early in their relationship.

And while she doesn’t have concrete proof of the third woman, she admitted:

“I have a theory.”

Asked about her new relationship with Daniel Wai?

“Very happy. Very satisfied,” she said with a smirk.

May 17 (Part IV): Production Paused — New Secrets Revealed

Executive producer Alex Baskin dropped a bombshell: season 11 contracts were not sent out.

“I thought we needed cameras back on them immediately. Now I think we need a minute,” he told Variety.

Why the pause? According to Baskin, new information was revealed during the one-on-one reunion interviews with Andy Cohen that even the cast didn’t know yet.

“There are revelations. We need some space.”

May 18, 2023: New Beginnings in NYC

Ariana was spotted enjoying a double date in New York City with Daniel Wai, Scheana Shay, and Brock Davies. According to Page Six, there were kisses, toasts, and plenty of smiles.

“They were making out and toasting to new beginnings,” said a source.
“It was nothing but good times.”

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May 21, 2023: Paparazzi caught former Vanderpump Rules star Billie Lee walking Ariana Madix’s dog, sparking a flurry of reactions from fans and tabloids. Many pointed out that Lee had appeared to support Tom Sandoval earlier during the unfolding scandal. Responding to a Daily Mail article that mistakenly described the dog as belonging to Tom, Ariana took to social media to set the record straight: “Billie helping out when I am out of the state for work is a nice thing to do, but Mya is my dog and that article should correct itself. ❤️” The message was clear — despite the swirling rumors and fractured friendships, Ariana was still claiming her space and her pet as her own.

May 22, 2023: After a quiet weekend, the gossip engines roared back to life. Page Six reported that Sandoval was romantically linked to influencer Karlee Hale, stirring fresh speculation about his personal life. Meanwhile, Us Weekly spotted Madix in the midst of moving her belongings out of the house she once shared with Sandoval — a symbolic step toward reclaiming her independence.

May 23, 2023: But hold up — not so fast! Sandoval’s representative quickly shut down dating rumors, clarifying that Sandoval and Hale were “just friends.” Meanwhile, Madix’s “move” turned out to be a sponsored content photoshoot for personal finance company SoFi, rather than a permanent relocation. Alongside this, she opened up to People about the challenges of learning to trust again, all while promoting a line of razors — a savvy blend of personal growth and business hustle. Ariana was clearly finding ways to stay strong and focused amidst the chaos.

May 24, 2023: The first part of the Vanderpump Rules reunion aired and promptly broke the internet. Filmed back in March, the episode was an emotional rollercoaster full of shouting matches, tears, and raw confrontations. Raquel Leviss (formerly part of the main cast but now embroiled in scandal) was seen watching from an RV, a reminder of the restraining order drama that had kept her physically separate from the others.

One unforgettable moment came when Sandoval attempted to apologize, his voice cracking with tears — but multiple cast members called out what they saw as “crocodile tears.” Ariana’s pain was palpable, and it was clear she hadn’t moved on at all. James Kennedy was so enraged he openly declared he wanted to punch Sandoval. On Peacock’s extended cut, Scheana Shay revealed that Sandoval had tried to justify the cheating by claiming he and Madix were in an open relationship during Coachella — a claim repeatedly denied by Sandoval himself.

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May 26, 2023: Things escalated further as Raquel Leviss’s rep disclosed to Page Six that her family was seeking FBI protection after receiving “violent and graphic” death threats both online and by phone. The FBI would neither confirm nor deny any investigations but urged anyone feeling in imminent danger to call 911. The dark side of reality TV fame was painfully apparent.

June 7, 2023: Tom Schwartz, who had been Sandoval’s closest ally through the scandal, revealed on the podcast When Reality Hits with Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright that he was taking a break from Sandoval. “He made a big mess and then left it for us to clean up back at the businesses,” Schwartz admitted. His loyalty had been tested, and he now felt “resentful,” explaining that Sandoval had “exploited” his friendship by taking advantage of his trust. Schwartz hadn’t seen Sandoval in quite some time, signaling a major fracture in their long-standing friendship.

Later that evening, the final reunion special aired on Bravo, delivering even more jaw-dropping moments. The spotlight was on Raquel Leviss, who faced intense backlash from the cast but remained largely stoic and tearless. Sandoval stunned viewers with a cringeworthy comment about his sex life with Madix, casually noting, “She kept her T-shirt on. It was super hot,” while discussing a moment Madix had pointed out during the time Sandoval was cheating. The awkwardness left even longtime friends James Kennedy and Lala Kent momentarily speechless.

The reunion’s closing moments were especially explosive. Six days after filming, Leviss sat down for a tearful, private interview with producers. She confessed that she and Sandoval had lied about when their physical relationship began, revealing that they had sex during a trip to Mexico and even inside Madix’s own home while she was at her grandmother’s funeral. She also revealed that she had once floated the idea of forming a throuple with Madix and Sandoval — a proposal Sandoval quickly rejected. “I even suggested, like, ‘What would Ariana think about having me as an addition?’” Leviss said. “He was like, ‘No, no, no, no, she would not be into that.’”

June 8, 2023: When paparazzi asked Ariana if she felt even a little sympathy for Leviss after the reunion, she replied, “Sure, yeah.” However, she was less forgiving about Leviss’s detailed confessions, telling Page Six, “I’m sure you can imagine... not great.” On the same day, Madix made her debut as a Glamour cover star — a powerful moment of personal triumph amidst the storm.

June 9, 2023: After watching the reunion, Lala Kent shared her evolving feelings about Leviss in an interview with TMZ. Initially, she said, “In the moment, during the reunion, after I left, I felt dirty.” But seeing Leviss’s emotional breakdown later shifted her perspective. “Just as a human, I feel like we’re all kind of playing the same game,” Kent reflected. “But watching that, I thought, maybe this is someone who shouldn’t be on this kind of platform. It can be rough, and you have to know when you’re on a show like this, bad decisions have consequences.” She added, “I don’t know how others felt about the last five minutes, but I thought, ‘Oh shit, she needs some real help,’ and I hope she got it.”

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June 14, 2023: The “Secrets Revealed” episode aired, giving fans new insight into the aftermath of Sandoval and Leviss’s first night together — in Leviss’s car, shortly after Madix’s beloved dog Charlotte had passed away on August 2, 2022. Newly released footage showed Leviss arriving at Madix and Sandoval’s home with a bouquet of flowers. Sandoval greeted her with a warm hug, and the two shared a flirty exchange. “I haven’t seen you in so long,” Leviss said. Sandoval smiled and replied, “You got me flowers? Oh, my God, I love it.” The intimate moment underscored the complex web of relationships and betrayals.

August 16, 2023: In the first part of a candid conversation on Bethenny Frankel’s podcast, Raquel Leviss (now going by her birth name Rachel) spoke out for the first time since completing treatment at a mental health facility. She described spiraling emotionally after a breakup, which led to the affair, and gently pushed back against the notion that her betrayal was worse than others because of her friendship with Madix. “She was an acquaintance turned friend, not a close confidante,” Leviss explained.

Leviss opened up about not thinking long-term and being caught in heartbreak and anxiety. She admitted to drinking heavily to cope and feeling unsupported in the reality TV environment. After therapy and self-reflection, she learned about “love addiction” — a condition where the brain’s chemical changes mimic those caused by drugs, explaining why she couldn’t stop seeing Sandoval despite the consequences.

“It’s painful to think I hurt her,” Leviss said, “but I wasn’t trying to be malicious. I just wasn’t thinking clearly.” She didn’t expect forgiveness, noting how hard it is to rebuild trust once it’s broken. She also revealed that she and Madix were still living together, despite Madix’s earlier statements about selling their shared home. Leviss said she had given Sandoval a key to her apartment while she was in treatment, but he chose to stay with Madix, further complicating the situation. “They haven’t been an authentic couple — romantic or intimate,” Leviss said, offering her perspective on their ongoing arrangement.

August 25, 2023: Ariana Madix appeared on the podcast Scheananigans with Scheana Shay to call out Bethenny Frankel for giving Leviss a platform in the multi-part podcast interview. Although Madix hadn’t listened to Leviss’s interview herself, she had read detailed summaries. She criticized Frankel for not doing enough research and conducting the interview “without knowing what the fuck she was talking about.” Madix was especially upset by Frankel’s suggestion that Sandoval’s cheating mattered less because he and Madix were unmarried and childless. “In many states, [he was my common-law spouse],” Madix stated firmly. “None of these relationships are less meaningful because of the absence of marriage or children. She should know better.”

September 12, 2023: Sandoval’s attempts at reconciliation fell flat. Leviss, embracing her birth name Rachel and focusing on healing, posted a serene Instagram Reel of herself in a lush garden. For once, the comments were supportive, encouraging her “healing era.” But on her 29th birthday, Sandoval publicly posted on Instagram, “Happy Birthday Rachel, I really hope ur finding peace and happiness. Miss u friend.” What looked like a thoughtful gesture backfired, sparking backlash and leading Leviss to block him entirely — a firm boundary and perhaps the best birthday gift she could give herself.

January 30, 2024: As Ariana Madix was living her dream performing on Broadway, Sandoval made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Appearing on reality star Nick Viall’s podcast, The Viall Files, Sandoval’s attempt at a redemption arc flopped spectacularly. Not only was he late to the interview, but he appeared unprepared and rambling. He admitted feeling “belittled” during his relationship with Madix and called his affair an “acting out” due to “low self-esteem.” However, when asked what he’d learned in the six months since the scandal erupted, he couldn’t articulate a single lesson — a glaring failure in accountability.

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February 20, 2024: Sandoval’s image rehab continued with a profile in The New York Times, but it fell flat with audiences and critics alike. When asked why the scandal had blown up so big, Sandoval offered a baffling comparison, referencing major historical and cultural events: “I’m not a pop culture historian really,” he said. “But I witnessed the O.J. Simpson thing and George Floyd and all these big things, which is really weird to compare this to that, I think, but do you think in a weird way it’s a little bit the same?” The answer? No, Tom. Absolutely not. The awkward statement only added fuel to the fire and underscored his continued missteps in handling the fallout.

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