Vanderpump Rules has really been doing a number on relationships lately. Call it the reality curse if you will, but whatever it is, it’s happening. First, we had the not so surprising split between Lala Kent and Randall Emmett. Then we had the very surprising on camera break-up between James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss. And now, comes the news that Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz are ending their marriage.
This is kinda sad. Afterall, this is basically the only couple that was together before Pump Rules started and stayed together the entire run. Can you imagine if Stassi Schroeder and Jax Taylor were still together? Or Kristen Doute and Tom Sandoval? Shocker.
We weathered Tequila Katie, Tom‘s many, many, many incidents of cheating, and two (TWO!) weddings. We’ve watched Schwartz and Katie get dogs together, buy (and furnish, I might add… looking at you Ariana Madix and Sandoval) a home together, and most recently, embark on an IVF journey in an attempt to start a family. No thanks to Sandoval, I might add. And don’t even get me started on how many times we’ve heard them call one another “Bubba” or some iteration of the word. Bleeech.
Thankfully, we will hear Bubba no more. The rumor mill has been speculating about a split for some time now. Katie has been taking selfies without her ring and the two have been spotted out with mutual friends separately multiple times. Now, E! News has shared that after twelve years together, Tom and Katie are going their separate ways.
It looks like the split was Katie‘s decision. Schwartz posted to his Instagram feed that he, “Fully respect[s] Katie’s decision and we’ve had healthy, productive conversations about it. It would be far sadder if she decided to stay with me whilst not happy. After 9 years on a reality TV show it feels a little tone def to say ‘please respect our privacy’ (especially while posting this) so instead I’ll ask [you] to please be kind.” I like that. No hiding behind the fourth wall here.
Tom sadly continued by stating the obvious. “I don’t think we were ever a model couple. Maybe we are model divorcees. A dubious title I suppose. I’ll be fine. So, I’ll shut up now and say it one last time, love you Bub. Always & forever you’ll be in my heart.” I could have lived with out one last Bub, but I digress.
Katie also took to Instagram to confirm the break-up. “I never thought I would have to make an announcement like this. But I feel it’s important that I’m open about my life with you. After 12 years on an adventure through our life together Tom and I are ending our marriage. This ending is not met with resentment or animosity, no sides to choose.” Take that Lala. We don’t have to pick sides. However, I can’t help but wonder if Stassi and Beau Clark or Jax and Brittany Cartwright will.
For now, however it seems like Katie and Tom both have everyone’s support. Stassi and Ariana both commented “I love you,” on Katie’s post. And a “Love you both so much,” on Schwartz’. Do you think they got together to coordinate responses?
Raquel chimed in with, “Sending love Katie.” You just know Raquel’s feeling her pain right now. Whatever animosity there might have been between the two before.
Even Kristen got in the action sharing, “love you both forever.”
While Beau shared three heart emojis with Katie and wrote, “love you bro!” on Tom‘s. Say what you want, but this is a cast made up of real relationships. They were friends before they started filming. Stayed friends while filming. And have one another’s backs. Even after contentious reunion shows.
I do wonder, however, how this will affect a potential next season? There’s got to be some fallout, no? Sandoval may be gleefully excited that he doesn’t have to rename “Schwartz and Sandy’s” just to appease his partner. There’s still “Something About Her” to contend with.
TELL US- DID YOU SEE A SPLIT BETWEEN KATIE AND TOM COMING? DO YOU THINK THIS WILL HELP OR HINDER A POSSIBLE NEW SEASON OF VANDERPUMP RULES? ANY WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR TOM AND KATIE AT THIS TIME?
[Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo]
