Elle O'Brien
Looking for sweet cookie recipes,
the latest fashion trends and inspo,
or a way to up your calligraphy game?
We'll help you find something amazing ✨
Inspiration delivered to your inbox
Subscribe to our newsletter.Plus, get access to the latest and greatest content from Brit + Co.
The Biggest Revelations From The Reunion Part 1
“It kind of feels like you're the most hated man on television right now,” reunion host Andy Cohen told Sandoval — which TBH is probably true. After all, you shouldn't cheat on your decade-long GF (who also asked you to donate sperm to fertilize her eggs) with your co-star AND her best friend. But who knows — maybe that's just us.
The reunion marked the first time Sandoval and Leviss faced the larger Vanderpump group after the world learned of their cheating scandal. Due to the restraining order Leviss filed against co-star Shay, she was unable to be in the room for the first part of the reunion and instead watched the drama unfold in a trailer outside the studio.
Conversations quickly devolved into fights — mainly verbal and nearly physical — with Tom sobbing amid boos and the greater group calling out his fake tears. TBH the only time he actually looked sad is when he learned that his now-ex, Madix and cast member Katie Maloney made $200,000 off of merch sales post-Scandoval, so we're totally with the rest of the gang on this one.
Anyway, here are some more startling revelations about the infidelity heard around the world.
1. Sandoval's interest in Raquel began at the beginning of 2022 — though they didn't hook up until after a guys' night in August.
“Honestly, throughout last year, like towards like beginning of the year, I really started to see and get to know who she really was," Sandoval revealed. "That very next See You Next Tuesday...they were filming. We weren't a part of it. But then a bunch of us went to The Abbey. [We had sex] that night."
2. Madix and Sandoval are still living together "on and off."
When asked about their current living situation, Sandoval revealed that he was still living in his and Madix's shared Los Angeles home "on and off," prompting Cohen to compare it to Kent's tumultuous relationship with her ex-fiancé Randall Emmett.
3. Lala Kent accused Tom Sandoval of being "a dangerous human being."
"Lala, I know when you and Randall broke up you got out of the house pretty quickly. Do you think it's healthy for these two to be sharing the home now?" Cohen asked, to which Kent immediately responded, "No. Sandoval is Randall. Give it 10 years, he is Randall Emmett. It's absolutely terrifying."
She continued, "That is a f---ing narcissist. Everyone needs to be warned about this person. This is a dangerous human being."
Lisa Vanderpump pushed back on Kent's accusation, but Kent doubled down: "He was sleeping next to her. This was his life partner. If you can do that to her, there's something wrong with this person."
4. Vanderpump continues to support the men without question.
The fact that Vanderpump doesn't hold the men of the show (namely Sandoval and Tom Schwartz) accountable isn't anything new, but certainly needs to be discussed. The women aren't perfect, but Sandoval and Schwartz regularly demonstrate extremely questionable judgement and dangerous tendencies that shouldn't be ignored.
5. Raquel wanted to know why Sandoval didn't come clean earlier.
"Sandoval, once you started your relationship with Raquel, why not come clean to Ariana right then?" Cohen pressed towards Sandoval, to which Leviss responded, "I want him to answer this question."
Sandoval hesitated, telling Cohen, "I was obviously scared to. I think also she was going through a lot during that time. And I didn't want to add anything."
6. Tom Schwartz first learned of the affair in August, which was not what he claimed earlier.
Uh oh, Sandoval and Schwartz! The gig is up! Apparently these BFFs don't communicate as well as they should, because Schwartz said that he learned of Sandoval and Leviss's ongoing relationship in "late August after [Shay's] wedding," prompting Sandoval to react with confusion.
"Oh no, did you not put your timelines together to match?" Kent quickly chimed, before the scene flashed to Cohen and Sandoval's sit-down, during which he alleged that he told his business partner about the affair in "mid-to-late January."
7. Madix knew Sandoval cheated on her with "Miami girl."
Only OG Vanderpump fans will remember the iconic moment former cast member (and Sandoval's ex) Kristen Doute brought a woman from Miami (who has since been dubbed "Miami girl") to SUR to confront Sandoval about his alleged infidelity to Sandoval. At the time, Sandoval vehemently denied the rumors, and Madix defended her new boyfriend.
However, during the season 10 finale, Sandoval revealed that the rumors were true, and he had been unfaithful to Madix with "Miami girl."
At the reunion, Cohen asked Madix why she had been willing to forgive Sandoval after his first transgression.
"We were not really exclusive at that time," she responded. "And I saw the rest of my life with this person, and I wanted everyone to see the best in him because that's what I saw at the time."
7. Madix won't "be as close" with Vanderpump if she continues to work with Sandoval.
After Cohen inquired how Madix and Vanderpump's relationship will change if the restauranteur continues her business partnership with Sandoval (Vanderpump, Sandoval and Schwartz are all co-owners of TomTom, a West Hollywood bar), Madix answered: "We just won't be as close."
Vanderpump pushed back, asking, "Hold on a second. What do you expect me to do?" to which Madix replied, "I don't expect anything of anyone."
Madix added that she "will have a hard time confiding" in Vanderpump if she stays in business with Sandoval.
"Do you think she should pull out of her business?" Cohen asked.
"No I think she knows what's best for her," Madix said. "I mean, I'm not someone who's going to be giving Lisa business advice."
What Your Missed In Season 10's Finale Episode
This episode was certainly eventful. Not only was Scandoval finally revealed, but a whole lotta details about the dramatic affair (that was truly a cultural reset, if we do say so ourselves) were broadcasted for a nation of #TeamAriana stans. Some of the episode highlights include Sandoval and Leviss admitting they love each other basically as soon as Sandoval left Madix at their Valley Village home, Scheana Shay claiming she couldn't have punched Leviss because of her very long nails and, of course, one of Madix's friends snapping Sandoval's penis flute (yes, you read that right) in half.
All Of The Reactions To The Season 10 Finale
I mean this without irony or hyperbole, but the first 10 minutes of tonight's Pump Rules finale is some of the best television I have ever seen.
— Dame Brian Moylan (@BrianJMoylan) May 17, 2023
Kristen coming in dusty slides to perform witchcraft is sending me to the moon. #PumpRules
— samantha bush (@takeyourzoloft) May 18, 2023
today may be the first day the “United” in the United States of America has been true since 1776#PumpRules#VanderpumpRulespic.twitter.com/VGgDYBRryB
— T (@trinawatters) May 17, 2023
“You got a little bit of money, a little bar, a little band…”
— Gibson Johns (@gibsonoma) May 18, 2023
Ariana is reading this man for filth. This is amazing. #PumpRules
If the nails can’t make a fist you must acquit #PumpRulespic.twitter.com/RGmYPA6wWP
— Becca (@ImWatchingBravo) May 18, 2023
That episode of #PumpRules is going to be nominated for an Emmy. And it's going to win. pic.twitter.com/jdQhdBsJfX
— Dave Quinn (@NineDaves) May 18, 2023
The feminine urge to pistol whip the grin off his face #pumprulespic.twitter.com/Hzg9jHfDIV
— Sophie Ross (@SophRossss) May 18, 2023
SHE DOESNT GIVE ONE SHIT #PumpRulespic.twitter.com/q2KLqmYkmg
— Vanderpump Rules (@sur_rules) May 18, 2023
More Highlights From Vanderpump Rules Season 10
In an emotional conversation between Sandoval and co-star Ariana Madix, who were in a nine year relationship with one another at the time of the affair, the trailer shows Sandoval pleading with Madix. “I wish we both would have tried harder,” a deflated Sandoval says.
“You don’t deserve one tear of mine,” she shoots back.
The affair comes as a shock to the entire cast, especially considering Leviss’s seemingly ongoing relations with Schwartz and Oliver Saunders, son of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Garcelle Beauvais.
“This is a full-blown love affair,” Shay expresses as emotions run high in a string of teasers for the season.
The #PumpRules Season Finale Trailer is here and I’m shaking! pic.twitter.com/Tooc3dlEXq
— Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) May 2, 2023
Social media was quick to come to Madix’s defense – and attack Sandoval and Leviss – with co-stars Lala Kent, James Kennedy and former co-stars Kristen Doute and Jax Taylor fueling the fire. Even Shay – who may or may not have given Leviss a black eye following the affair reveal – is being praised for her support of Madix.
Co-star Lala Kent has been particularly vocal throughout the drama, standing in support of Madix.
And Jax...made it pretty clear where he stands on everything.
Bravo fans in particular rushed to Madix’s side once the affair became public, quickly filling Twitter with messages of support for her and messages condemning her ex.
The tea doesn't stop there, though! Bravo filmed the reunion with the cast this week on March 23...where allegedly all parties involved showed up. Andy Cohen, Bravo’s resident host, already promised the most explosive season yet, and we imagine the reunion will be no different. We’ve seen weddings, divorces and affairs galore, so we’re sure there’s no shortage of drama to discuss.
Fans alongside current and former VPR cast members have plenty to say about all the goss in lieu of the impending reunion.
Me trying to explain to my bf who Sandoval, Ariana, Raquel and Schwartz are and why this impacts me personally pic.twitter.com/esAC3qZmdT
— Sara Levine (@saralememe) March 4, 2023
when Ariana and Katie's sandwich shop opens I'm getting baptized there
— mariah mariah mariah (@mRiah) March 3, 2023
Sending lots of 💚 and support out into the universe today for Ariana as the cast films the #PumpRulesReunion. I can't imagine how difficult this will be. The fans support you, Ariana. 💚
— Bren (@BookishBren) March 23, 2023
#TeamAriana#WeLoveYouAriana
Here's everything we know about the reunion as of late.
When will the "Vanderpump Rules" reunion air?
The first of three reunion installments will air on May 24, and we are counting down the episodes until then. For now, you can tune into all things VPR Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.
Will Raquel Leviss be at the reunion in person?
Yes! Raquel confirmed via Instagram that she will be present and filming at the reunion. Her attendance seemed up in the air for a moment, as she recently took out a restraining order against Shay for an incident that occurred after the news broke. However, per the order she will be maintaining a 100 yard distance from Shay.
Will Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix discuss the affair?
You better believe it! Bravo has filmed the entire thing, and Madix, along with many of the VPR crew, have a lot to say to Leviss and Sandoval.
Are Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss in a relationship?
Photo by: Nicole Weingart/Bravo.
Ever since news of the affair broke, fans have been speculating an ongoing relationship between the pair, but neither have confirmed their status. Page Six now reports the two have broken up.
Are any former castmates returning to "Vanderpump Rules" this season?
OG cast member Kristen Doute, who dated Sandoval at one point, is returning to the show after her firing in 2020. Like Kent, Doute has been outspoken in her defense of Madix, and is expected to continue supporting Madix throughout the reunion.
This reunion is sure to be one for the Bravo history books, so you know we'll be sitting in front of our TV screens every Wednesday night.
Keep up with all of your fave shows this year on Brit + Co.
This story was originally published on March, 20, 2023 and has been updated with new reporting.
Photo by: Nicole Weingart/Bravo.