Stephanie Nieves
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Stephanie Nieves is a writer, editor, teacher, and personal empowerment enthusiast from Spanish Harlem in NYC. She studied writing and rhetoric in college, then went on to teach ELA and writing to middle and elementary school students. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Thought Catalog, FGRLS Club, Grown Magazine, and a number of literary magazines. When she's not writing, you can catch her watching reruns of RuPaul's Drag Race or ordering an overpriced dirty chai latte at Starbucks. You can connect with her on wordchefsteph.com.
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It's Super Bowl Wednesday for Bravo (and reality TV) fans, because the Vanderpump Rules Season 10 finale finally aired tonight. After a truly chaotic season of "Scandoval" madness, weddings (shout out to Scheana Shay and Brock Davies tying the knot), and divorces (RIP Bubba), there's somehow even more shocking news rocking the Bravo-universe ahead of the finale: Page Six and The Daily Mail report that the the explosive affair between cast members Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss — which was exposed after nearly seven months of secrecy — has ended ahead of tonight's season 10 finale despite their on-screen declarations of love.
If you're still catching up, we previously reported that the affair rocked social media, and you better believe Bravo picked up their cameras to capture the wildly unexpected fallout of a relationship that was a longtime pillar of the show. Need a refresher on everything you missed this season? Keep reading below.
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.
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.