If you’ve been on the internet for even a second this weekend, you probably stumbled upon the news that has taken the Bravo world by storm: Tom Sandoval cheated on Ariana Madix with their Vanderpump Rules co-star, Raquel Leviss.
Raquel, who called off her engagement with James Kennedy back in December 2021, has been in the news quite a bit after rumours surfaced that she made out with Tom Schwartz and hooked up with Garcelle Beauvais’ married son, Oliver Saunders.
Now Raquel (whose real name is actually Rachel) is once again making waves after she’s been found in the middle of a cheating scandal that has broken up fan-favourite couple, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix. Sandoval and Madix won fans over when they first got together in 2013, which was ironically when Leviss first joined the show.
So, considering Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss just broke the internet with news of the cheating scandal, here’s everything we know so far.
Related: ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cheating scandals: the most shocking accusations over the last 10 years.
Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss secretly wore matching necklaces during their affair
As you can spot throughout Vanderpump Rules season 10, Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss both don matching lightning bolt necklaces in multiple episodes. Page Six reports that both of the pendants can be spotted in several of Sandoval and Leviss’ photos, and Sandoval continues to wear his almost every day.
Leviss was even spotted wearing her matching lightning bolt necklace at BravoCon in 2022, where Madix was also in attendance.
News of Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss’ affair breaks
On March 3, TMZ broke the news that Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix called it quits after he allegedly cheated with co-star Raquel Leviss. Sources reportedly told the outlet that Madix found out about the alleged infidelity and quickly ended things with Sandoval.
As Page Six details, the affair allegedly pre-dated Leviss’ hookup with Sandoval’s best friend, Tom Schwartz. An insider told the outlet that their forbidden romance “began last summer,” adding that Leviss has “slept over Tom and Ariana’s house when Ariana’s been out of town.”
James Kennedy reportedly seconded this insider info, sending an Instagram DM to gossip outlet Deuxmoi, revealing that the affair allegedly began “7 months” ago, in July 2022.
A source also told People that Madix had no clue that the affair was going on.
“This has been going on for upwards of 6 months – all the while, Tom was sleeping next to Ariana in bed,” the source said. “She was completely blindsided by this; devastated doesn’t even scratch the surface of how she feels.”
Related: The most shocking ‘Vanderpump Rules’ breakups.
How Ariana Madix found out about Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss’ affair
According to Entertainment Tonight, Madix found out about the affair on Wednesday, March 1, when she went to her former partner’s show to support his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.
While she was there, Madix allegedly saw a sexual selfie video of Leviss pop up on Sandoval’s phone. She then scrolled through previous text messages that Sandoval and Leviss exchanged, and found a whole slew of inappropriate texts.
Kristen Doute, who was fired from VPR because of racist allegations, spilled more details on her podcast, according to Us Weekly.
“During Tom [Sandoval’s] performance, his phone fell out of his pocket or something — a mutual friend — picks up his phone, hands it to Ariana … Ariana had his phone and she told me that she just had this gut intuition to look at it,” Doute detailed.
While Doute says that Madix and Sandoval were usually “a trusting couple,” Madix “just felt like she had to look.” When she did, she found that “he had screen recorded a FaceTime of him and Raquel masturbating with each other. That’s the truth.”
Scheana Shay and Raquel Leviss have a ‘heated confrontation’ about the affair
Scheana Shay and Raquel Leviss, who seem quite close on VPR season 10, aren’t “Good as Gold” after rumours of the affair surfaced. As Page Six reports, Shay got into a “heated confrontation” with Leviss after the cheating scandal broke.
“After taping Watch What Happens Live, Scheana and Raquel went out to drinks with friends,” a source told the outlet. “At one point in the night, Scheana lost Raquel and then found her outside of the bar on the phone with Ariana, who Scheana could hear was bawling.”
The insider says that Shay demanded an explanation from Leviss, who came clean about the rumours while she was “still on the phone” with Madix.
“A heated confrontation ensued following the revelation,” the insider adds. “They went back to the hotel separately and haven’t seen each other nor spoken since.”
Related: The most iconic Vanderpump Rules moments ever.
Tom Sandoval speaks out about his split from Ariana Madix amidst the cheating allegations
Shortly thereafter, Sandoval spoke out about his breakup with Madix on Instagram, according to ET Canada, addressing the backlash in the post.
“Hey I fully understand and deserve ur anger and disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz my friends and family out of this situation… Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions,” Sandoval wrote. “This was a very personal thing.”
Sandoval then went on to urge fans to leave his bar, Schwartz and Sandy’s, out of the drama.
“I’m so sorry that my partners, Greg, Brett, and Schwartz and our employees have to suffer for my actions,” Sandoval wrote. “I will be taking a step back & taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees & partners. I need some time to address everything else. Sorry for everything.”
Lala Kent, Katie Maloney and James Kennedy clap back and Tom Sandoval’s statement
Tom Sandoval’s statement was met with tons of critiques from his co-stars Lala Kent, Katie Maloney and DJ James Kennedy, Us Weekly details.
“S*ndoval. Shut up. Employees, abort mission,” Kent reportedly wrote on her Instagram Stories. “Where’s Ariana’s apology in this? It’s called narcissism … & and it’s terrifying.”
Maloney also noted the lack of apology, writing on Instagram, “Where’s the mention of hurting Ariana?! No apologies to her?”
Kennedy also wrote about the drama in an Instagram post that has since been deleted. “Where’s Ariana Madix mentioned? Make sure y’all unfollow this clown RIGHT NOW GO,” Kennedy reportedly wrote.
See also: What is the net worth of the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast?
Schwartz and Sandy’s addresses backlash against restaurant
Schwartz and Sandy’s released a statement of their own amidst their owner’s very public cheating scandal.
“In light of the recent news we appreciate the many words of support but we also understand the outpouring of outrage that has been directed towards our business,” Schwartz and Sandy’s wrote on Instagram, according to Us Weekly. “However, those of us who are not famous have dedicated our time hearts and money to make this restaurant a reality.”
“We too are disappointed by the current situation as Ariana has always been a good friend and a great supporter of the restaurant,” the restaurant added in the lengthy post. “We appreciate that you may feel a certain way but please understand that the livelihoods of others also depend on this business. There are four more people involved in this venture other than just Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz.”
Lisa Vanderpump says she’s dreading the VPR reunion
VPR star and restaurant business mogul Lisa Vanderpump had her own things to say about Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss’ cheating scandal. According to Page Six, Vanderpump is now dreading filming the season 10 reunion.
Executive producer Andy Cohen reportedly tweeted, “How many parts is too many parts for the #pumprules reunion???,” to which Vanderpump replied,” “ummm one…I’m not sure my heart is up to it.”
Cohen then responded with, “You have time to get a pacemaker because I NEED YOU.”
The Watch What Happens Live host also reportedly revealed in an Instagram Story that LVP would be his “special guest” on the show this Wednesday, March 8, where they will discuss “all the latest.”
You may also like: What is Lisa Vanderpump’s net worth and how does she make her money?
Andy Cohen confirms the cheating scandal was caught on camera
Andy Cohen has finally answered the question on every Vanderpump Rules fan’s mind: yes, Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss’ cheating scandal was caught on camera. As ET Canada reports, Cohen took to his SiriusXM show, Andy Cohen Live, to reveal that the scandal and its fallout was captured on the show.
“You may have heard rumours the cameras were up over the weekend,” Cohen said. “Yes, the cameras were up. The cameras have been up on everyone, getting reactions and filming. So, you will see this play out, in a sense, this season of Vanderpump Rules before the reunion.”
See also: This is who Andy Cohen thinks gave Heather Gay a black eye.
Tom Sandoval is spotted visiting Raquel Leviss’ apartment amid affair allegations
After all of the news broke and he released his apology, Sandoval (or should we say Scandoval) was spotted heading to Leviss’ Los Angeles apartment on Saturday, March 4, according to Us Weekly.
Photos obtained by TMZ depict Sandoval arriving in all-black, donning a matching hat for the late-night meetup, which reportedly was not filmed for Vanderpump Rules.
Raquel Leviss threatens legal action against co-stars
Raquel Leviss has threatened legal action against her Vanderpump Rules co-stars, according to OK! Magazine. As part of the threat, Leviss is claiming that the explicit video Ariana Madix found on Tom Sandoval’s phone was recorded “illegally without Raquel’s knowledge or consent.”
Leviss’ attorneys reportedly sent letters to some VPR stars, warning them against obtaining or sharing the explicit footage. The letter cites a revenge porn law in California, highlighting that it’s a crime to distribute “nonconsensual pornography.”
Related: The most scandalous legal woes in Real Housewives history.
Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval kissed on camera in first scene after scandal
In their first scene back on Vanderpump Rules season 10 post-cheating scandal, Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval kissed, sources reportedly told Page Six.
“They kissed on camera” at Leviss’ Hollywood apartment, according to the insider. But another source says that, despite the show of intimacy, their relationship status is “complicated.”
Raquel Leviss files restraining order against Scheana Shay
Raquel Leviss has her attorneys at the ready after reportedly filing a temporary restraining order against Scheana Shay, according to Page Six. The filing is likely in response to Shay and Leviss’ “heated confrontation” outside of a bar after Shay found out about the affair.
See also: Michael Darby is suing ‘RHOP’ star Candiace Dillard-Bassett.
Tom Sandoval finally apologizes to Ariana Madix
Almost a full week after the cheating scandal broke, Tom Sandoval finally shared a public apology to his ex, Ariana Madix, as E! News details.
“Most of all, I want to apologize to Ariana,” Sandoval wrote on Instagram. “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.”
The Schwartz and Sandy’s owner went on to say that he “can only imagine how devastating this has been for Ariana and everyone around us.”
“I feel really horrible about that,” Sandoval added. “My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends.”
Raquel Leviss shares statement on Tom Sandoval cheating scandal
After nearly a week of silence, Raquel Leviss has shared a statement on the allegations that she had an affair with Tom Sandoval when he was dating Ariana Madix.
“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,” Leviss shared with Entertainment Tonight.
“I am 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 continued. “I have sought 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. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.”
Leviss went on to say that, while she decided to be on a reality show, she has “been physically assaulted, lost friendships, received death threats and hate emails in addition to having had my privacy violated.”
So, the VPR star has decided that “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.”
You may also like: Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan’s relationship timeline.
Raquel Leviss claims Scheana Shay gave her a black eye
Raquel Leviss is claiming that Scheana Shay gave her a black eye, Entertainment Tonight reports. The outlet obtained photos of the black eye, which were submitted alongside Leviss’ filing for a temporary restraining order against her co-star.
In her restraining order request, Leviss alleges that she was “pushed against a brick wall causing injury to the back of head and [Shay] punched me in the face causing injury to my left eye.”
Raquel Leviss reveals where she and Tom Sandoval stand
Just one day after breaking her silence and sharing an apology about the Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal, Raquel Leviss has revealed where her and Sandoval stand today.
“Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship,” Leviss told E! News. “Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones.”
In the wake of the scandal, Leviss is looking to prioritize her self.
“I need to take care of my health, work on self-growth and take time to be ok with being alone,” Leviss added. “I care for Tom, and I don’t want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now, I need to heal.”
See also: Ashley Darby and Luke Gulbranson’s relationship timeline.
Tom Schwartz claims Tom Sandoval forced kiss with Raquel Leviss
In an interview with ET Canada during the VPR season 10 premiere, Tom Schwartz opened up about his kiss with Raquel Leviss, claiming that Tom Sandoval encouraged it.
“I’m guilty by association,” Schwartz jokingly said of the on-screen kiss. “Oh my God. [Sandoval] made me do it. I didn’t want to do it. He’s like, ‘If you don’t do it, you’re a wussy… He steamrolled me.”
Scheana Shay responds to Raquel Leviss’ restraining order filing
Scheana Shay has clapped back at Raquel (AKA Rachel) Leviss’ claims that she gave her a black eye, according to ET Canada. Shay’s attorney, Neama Rahmani, shared a statement with the outlet, denying the claims Leviss made in her temporary restraining order request.
“This case is a fabrication by a known liar and a cheat who has betrayed everyone close to her. Scheana never punched Rachel, period,” Rahmani said. “The supposed dark markings around her left eye have been there for months.”
“Neither Scheana nor other cast members want anything to do with Rachel going forward,” Rahmani added. “The judge has only heard a one-sided account of what happened, and we look forward to presenting the full and true story at the March 29 hearing.”
See also: ‘RHOSLC’ star Jen Shah sentenced to more than 6 years in prison.
Ariana Madix breaks her silence on the affair
After taking some time away from social media, Ariana Madix has finally broken her silence on the affair between her ex, Tom Sandoval, and their co-star, Raquel Leviss.
“hi,” Madix wrote on Instagram, according to People. “where to begin? i want to express my most sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support i have received from friends, family, and people i’ve never even met in the last two weeks [sic].”
“when i have felt like i couldn’t even stand, you all have given me the strength to continue and seen me through my darkest hours,” the VPR star added. “to say i have been devastated and broken is an understatement [sic].”
Madix then turned to explain how she has a strong support system behind her as she navigates this devastating news.
“however, i know that i am not in this alone,” Madix wrote. “so many of my closest friends are also grieving this loss right now and reeling from this betrayal on so many levels. i am s f***ing lucky to have the best support system in the world and i hope i can repay every single person for the love you have shown me [sic].”
Madix left things off with a (slightly threatening) quip that seems to be pointed at Sandoval and Leviss, writing, “what doesn’t kill me better run. love, ariana [sic].”
Peter Madrigal’s text from Tom Sandoval could prove when the affair began
As ET Canada reports, Peter Madrigal took to Kristen Doute’s Sex, Love, and What Else Matters podcast, where he shared an incriminating text from Tom Sandoval that may pinpoint when the affair started.
Madrigal broke out a text from Sandoval from January 2023 that made him wonder when exactly Sandoval’s affair with Leviss began.
“I get an interesting text from one Tom Sandoval,” Madrigal said. “He hasn’t texted me in six months and then he texts me and he says, and I quote, ‘Dude, exclamation point. Just watched the first episode LOL, exclamation point. Did you bang Raquel the night after SUR, exclamation point, question mark, crying laughing face.”
Sandoval appeared to be referencing the season 10 premiere of Vanderpump Rules, which aired on Feb 8. The episode showed off Leviss’ short-lived romance with Madrigal, who asked her out on a date. Now, Madrigal is speculating that Sandoval may have been worried about whether or not they hooked up because he could have potentially already been having an affair with Leviss.
“If you go through my text messages with Tom Sandoval, he never texts me emojis. Never does,” Madrigal continued. “At the time, I am so disconnected, I didn’t even think about it. What I’m thinking is, ‘How are they portraying me on the show?’ So, I call him. He was all like, ‘Oh, no, I was just wondering if you banged Raquel that night.’ ”
After Madrigal watched back the episode himself, he reportedly revealed he was only confused about why Leviss wasn’t excited about going on a date with him.
“I don’t know why she responded, like, ‘Ugh.’ And now I know why. She was already dating Tom Sandoval,” Madrigal alleged. “She was already having sex with Tom. And that text message from him proves it.”
Filming for VPR season 10 began back in July, which would be when Madrigal claims the Scandoval began.
You may also like: ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ season 4 trailer: Daisy finds herself in a love triangle with Colin and Gary.
Tom Sandoval takes part in first interview post-scandal with…Howie Mandel?
Tom Sandoval recently took part in his first interview after the affair scandal broke, and for some reason it was with comedian and Deal or No Deal host, Howie Mandel. As Page Six details, Sandoval appeared on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, where he revealed that he and Raquel Leviss are “taking a break.”
“We’re not putting any label on it,” Sandoval explained of their relationship. “We’re just kind of taking a break.”
Mandel then asked if they were friends “with benefits,” but Sandoval denied any current sexual relationship with the SUR-ver.
Elsewhere on the podcast, Sandoval spoke at length about the cheating scandal and his relationship with Madix. He even claimed that Madix was “blind to” his overt infidelity, alleging that he broke up with her before the scandal broke.
See also: Interview: Alexia Nepola talks ‘RHUGT’ and ‘fighting like sisters’ with Marysol Patton.
Andy Cohen critiques Sandoval’s interview with Howie Mandel
Watch What Happens Live host and Bravo producer Andy Cohen has some thoughts on Sandoval’s controversial interview with Howie Mandel. On Tuesday night’s episode, Cohen reportedly laughed at the interview, saying “jackhole” Mandel “didn’t do his homework.”
Cohen also accused Mandel of “apparently [not] know[ing] what he was getting himself into.”
“Now both Sandoval and Howie are being dragged on social media,” Cohen said, before adding, “Howie, you have to be careful before you take a side. Bravo fans are very passionate.”
You may also like: What to watch on Slice this spring.
Ariana Madix has a new man
As Page Six details, Ariana Madix was spotted kissing personal trainer Daniel Wai at Coachella. In a video obtained by TMZ, Madix danced with her arms around Wai as they shared a kiss at the outdoor music festival.
The pair also reportedly appeared in each other’s Instagram stories many times throughout the weekend. Wai posted multiple selfies with Madix, who was cuddling into him, and the VPR star posted a photo of them holding hands.
Could this be a soft launch of a new BF?
Watch the dramatic new season of Vanderpump Rules on Wednesdays at 9EP on Slice, the Global TV app or STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels, fuboTV, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite SmartStream.
