The news that Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss were conducting a seven-month-long affair broke the internet and stunned Vanderpump Rules fans. Not to mention Tom’s ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix. She swiftly broke up with him and is in complete shock.
But there will be rational decisions to make and business to address. The issue of the San Fernando Valley, California home that Tom and Ariana bought will be a priority. What will happen to the $2 million property the duo bought when they were still in love?
For now, Tom and Ariana are “still living together.” A source for Sandoval told Us Weekly the Schwartz & Sandy’s co-owner hasn’t been kicked out, yet. “They own the house together, and what happens next with the property will take time to sort out,” Tom’s rep said. “This isn’t something that’s going to be decided in a weekend.”
The house was featured on VPR, and the duo joked about their minimalist decor. Over the weekend, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, and Kristen Doute rallied to the house and brought Ariana wine and flowers.
The same day, Kristen shared a video to her Instagram Story embracing Ariana. She wrote, “I stan Ariana. This is in real-time. I love you so much. I love you more than anything. You’re my girl.” The house was also the setting for numerous trysts between Raquel and Tom. The illicit affair often took place when Ariana was out of town. Now Sandoval is bold enough to visit Raquel at her West Hollywood apartment.
Since Ariana found a sexually explicit video of Raquel on Tom’s phone, he issued a statement. It was in defense of his business, which is getting blasted with negative reviews by an angered public.
“Hey, I fully understand and deserve ur anger & disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz my friends and family out of this situation,” Tom shared. “Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions. This was a very personal thing.”
Sandoval then acknowledged the people he’s dragged down during his mid-life crisis. He continued, “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 and their families. 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. Im so sorry that my partners, Greg, Brett, and Schwartz and our employees have to suffer for my actions. 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.”
Tom’s co-stars blasted him for addressing his business interests and not Ariana. Shortly after Tom’s statement went viral, Lala Kent shared a screenshot on her Instagram Stories. She captioned it, “Where’s Ariana’s apology in this? It’s called narcissism … & and it’s terrifying.” Schwartz’s ex-wife Katie wrote, “Where’s the mention of hurting Ariana?! No apologies to her?” to her Instagram Story.
James Kennedy, who is shockingly now seeming like a more sympathetic character, posted to Instagram, “Where’s Ariana Madix mentioned? Make sure y’all unfollow this clown RIGHT NOW GO,” before deleting it.
While Ariana and Tom are figuring out the future of their house, questions remain about his relationship with Raquel. Bravo executive Andy Cohen thinks the two will try to legitimize their love now that it’s gone public.
“It is my understanding that they are still [seeing each other],” Andy said while hosting Andy Cohen Live on Sirius XM. “But I can’t say that as fact — that’s what I’ve gathered from my intelligence.”
Fans speculated if and how the illicit affair will be presented for the remainder of Pump Rules Season 10 as well as the reunion. Andy confirmed that Tom and Raquel will film the reunion, and tease the drama. “This reunion, that’s going to be … I’m girding my loins,” he said.
In light of recent events, Bravo was quick to start filming cast reactions. James confirmed production was ongoing with a clip of him filming. He posted it to his Instagram Story with the hashtag #Scandoval.” Scheana also shared a clip of filming Season 10 with the caption, “You know what time it is…”
TELL US- WHAT DO YOU THINK ARIANA AND TOM SHOULD DO WITH THEIR HOUSE? WOULD YOU WANT TO STAY IN THE HOUSE IF YOUR PARTNER CHEATED ON YOU THERE?
[Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo]
