This summer, the hit reality television show Vanderpump Rules grew a mass following due to a turn in the series called #Scandoval. Vanderpump Rules first aired on Bravo in January 2013 and has been running ever since. The show was made by one of the Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump, and follows the staff of one of her restaurants in Los Angeles, SUR (stands for Sexy, Unique Restaurant.) The cast began as a bunch of 20-somethings who were all essentially dating each other and mild alcoholics. VPR was and still is one of those shows that’s absolutely addicting. I feel like I can sit down and watch Vanderpump for HOURS.
Flashing forward to the modern day, the cast has had many changes and additions, but one man stayed the same throughout, that man being Tom Sandoval. The OG cast members are in their 30s, and the majority are in their 40s. Some have children, husbands, wives, homes, animals, etc. You would think this ragged bunch would have grown up a bit throughout the years… but it’s reality television, so you’d be mistaken when thinking that.
Season 10 of Vanderpump Rules began airing earlier this year, and everything seemed to be normal. The typical drama, typical couples, nothing entirely shocking. Then, months go by, and the media starts booming about a supposed affair involving Ariana Madix, Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval. But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves; let’s backtrack for a moment.
In Season 1, Sandoval started on the show dating his then-girlfriend, Kristen Doute. Sandoval and Doute were together for years and had their ups and downs, but seem to be a relatively strong couple. Then, in Season 2, Ariana Madix hit the screen after being moved to Vanderpump’s restaurant SUR from Casa Blanca. Having Madix work at SUR caused a ripple in Sandoval and Doute’s relationship because it was rumored that he cheated on Doute with Madix. This drama engulfed much of Season 2, leading to Doute and Sandoval breaking up and Sandoval and Madix starting a relationship shortly thereafter. Although at the time Sandoval never confessed to it… it was later revealed that he did cheat on Doute.
When Season 5 roles around James Kennedy, DJ and star on VPR, introduces his pageant girlfriend, Raquel Leviss. Kennedy and Leviss date for many years and even get engaged! Sandoval helped Kennedy with the engagement and even donated some of his own money to make it spectacular. Months later, Kennedy and Leviss break off the engagement and go their separate ways.
Season 10 finally comes in early 2023, where Leviss is single, Kennedy has a new boo, and Madix and Sandoval are still together. At the beginning of the season, the viewers can tell that Madix, Sandoval, and Leviss are becoming closer friends while still keeping their friendship with Kennedy. As the season progresses, Levis begins making moves on recently divorced Tom Schwartz. Leviss and Schwartz share a kiss, and everyone thought the sparks may have been flying between them until the truth came out.
Halfway through the season, the media began buzzing about a supposed affair between Sandoval and Leviss. The two both posted on their Instagrams a public apology, confirming their adultery. The fans are left to watch their affair play out on the show. Throughout the seasons, there are so many moments where it appears obvious that they see one another.
Not only did Leviss and Sandoval betray Madix, but they also betrayed Kennedy. Both Sandoval and Leviss have received massive amounts of hate in the media and from their castmates and friends. Meanwhile, Madix is thriving, and the world has taken her side…thank god. From Uber commercials to Dancing with the Stars, Ariana MAdix has been everywhere, and I love it.
What do you think about the drama? Do you think #Scandoval will become an even larger issue in the next season?