As someone who has only recently started diving into the drama behind Vanderpump Rules, one thing is clear—the show has no shortage of problematic men. The women of the cast—Katie Maloney, Stassi Schroeder, Ariana Madix, and Kristen Doute—haven’t simply endured toxic relationships; they’ve risen above them. Time and again, these women have found themselves in relationships with men who’ve held them back emotionally, personally, and professionally. Despite the drama, they’ve emerged stronger after breaking free from their respective toxic relationships.
Katie Maloney’s relationship with Tom Schwartz stands out as one of the most frustrating to watch. While his “golden retriever” energy and laid-back persona may seem charming at first, his emotional immaturity and passive behavior become clear quickly. Time and again, he failed to stand up for Katie, often leaving her feeling unsupported. From pouring a drink on her head in Season 2 and telling her to “f–k off” to not defending her when fellow co-star James Kennedy body-shamed her, Schwartz consistently let Katie down. While he struggled to hold down a job, he was always ready to gaslight her and evade accountability.
It’s been refreshing to watch Katie reclaim her voice, speaking out about her dissatisfaction with their marriage. After years of tumultuous ups and downs, including Schwartz’s infidelity (what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas!), Katie finally put herself first by ending the marriage. Since then, her success has been undeniable—she opened her own restaurant, Something About Her, launched a wine brand with her co-stars called Witches of WeHo, and even co-presented at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys with Ariana Madix.
Stassi Schroeder’s infamous on-again, off-again relationship with Jax Taylor was a masterclass in toxicity. Jax’s serial cheating and compulsive lying left Stassi emotionally wrecked, holding her back from personal growth and career advancement. Unfortunately, Stassi’s next two relationships also spiraled into toxicity, with one ex extorting her by sharing her sex tape and the other emotionally withdrawing from her. But when Stassi finally found love with Beau Clark, she began to thrive—launching her own brand, writing a book, and hosting a popular podcast. Her journey shows that cutting ties with toxic partners can open the door to both personal and professional success.
Ariana Madix’s relationship with Tom Sandoval initially seemed like a breath of fresh air—supportive and balanced compared to the others. But over time, the cracks started to show. Ariana, an independent thinker with aspirations beyond traditional gender roles, often found her needs sidelined by Sandoval’s ambitions. Whether it was him trying to overshadow her while she was creating her cocktail book Fancy AF Cocktails or pressuring her to have kids despite her firm stance against it, Sandoval prioritized his image and career over her desires. After Sandoval cheated with friend and fellow cast member Rachel Leviss (Scandoval), Ariana swiftly left him and found seemingly overnight success, gaining hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, starring on Broadway, opening a restaurant, and becoming the host of Love Island USA.
Kristen Doute’s relationships were notoriously volatile, particularly her time with DJ James Kennedy. Stassi and Jax’s relationship, marked by jealousy, infidelity, and public blowups, often distracted Kristen from her career ambitions. Her next ex, Carter, wasn’t any better—lazy, uninspired, and even stealing her wallet to fund his lifestyle. But after finally breaking free, Kristen focused on her business ventures, launching a clothing line, starring on The Valley, and getting engaged to co-star Luke Broderick.
Katie, Stassi, Ariana, and Kristen’s journeys remind us that bad relationships don’t just drain you emotionally—they can hold you back in every area of life. These women have shown fans that breaking free from toxic men isn’t just empowering; it’s the key to unlocking your full potential. Their stories inspire us to seek healthier relationships and prioritize our own growth.