Reflecting on the Raquel Leviss affair, a scandal that changed Vanderpump Rules forever
The revelation of Raquel Leviss’s extramarital romance with Tom Sandoval shocked the Bravo community, and it seems like that was only yesterday. We look back on this crucial period in the history of reality TV today and consider the lessons it taught us. Raquel Leviss, a well-known character on the popular television program Vanderpump Rules, acknowledged her months-long relationship with co-star Tom Sandoval in the beginning of 2023. With regret, Leviss, then 28 years old, said, “I want to apologize for my actions and my choices, first and foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans who are so invested in our relationships.” Her admission signaled a shift in the plot of the show and resolved an enthralling love triangle for viewers.
The path Leviss took was not without difficulties. In addition to her own deeds, she was the target of public scrutiny, friendship breaks, and physical attacks. Leviss stated, “I have begun counseling to end my unhealthy behavioral cycle,” demonstrating her dedication to mental health and personal development.
Betrayal and heartbreak: Ariana Madix’s perspective
Ariana Madix, Sandoval’s then-girlfriend of nine years, discovered the affair in a way that seemed straight out of a drama script. She found an intimate video and messages on Sandoval’s phone, leading to the couple’s eventual split. Madix’s reaction to the betrayal was one of complete shock. An insider close to her described her feelings as, “This is someone she thought she knew; someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with. You can’t even put into words that betrayal.” The legal battle that ensued over the leaked video added another layer to this complex saga. Leviss’ attorneys sent a legal notice to Sandoval and Madix, emphasizing the illegal nature of the video’s recording and distribution.
Looking back on this controversy now, it’s evident that it was more than simply story material for tabloids. It was a narrative about human emotions, errors, and the fallout from decisions made in public. Known for its dramatic turns, Vanderpump Rules’ storyline was altered by these actual occurrences. It serves as a reminder of the difficulties in relationships and the consequences of our decisions when we consider this period in the history of reality TV, particularly in the age of relentless media scrutiny. Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Raquel Leviss evolved from mere television characters to lessons on the harsh realities of fame and the brittleness of public personas.