By Jessica Wedemeyer
3:00am PST, Jan 30, 2024
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The Bravoverse was rocked in March 2023 — less than a month after season 10 of "Vanderpump Rules" debuted — when the news broke that one of reality TV's longest-running couples had called it quits in the wake of a cheating scandal involving a co-star.
Now nearly a year later — as we gear up for season 11, which debuts on Jan. 30, 2023 — we're taking a look back at one of the biggest reality TV dramas of all time…
Keep reading for a refresher on "Scandoval" …
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Rachel and James call off engagement
In December 2021, "Vanderpump Rules" co-stars Rachel Leviss (then known as Raquel) and James Kennedy took to Instagram to share identical statements announcing that they were going their separate ways following five years of coupledom. (They got engaged seven months earlier in May 2021.)
MORE: Notorious celeb cheating scandals
Rachel and Schwartz spark romance rumors
In April 2022, Tom Schwartz took to Twitter to shoot down rumors that he was "boldly holding hands and making out" with "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Rachel Leviss during Coachella. "Guys, hate to break it to you, but I wasn't at Coachella," he tweeted. (Nearly a year later, former "Vanderpump Rules" star Kristen Doute alleged on her podcast that "it was Tom Sandoval making out with Raquel at Coachella.") Just four months later, however, Schwartz and Rachel made headlines again when they were seen making out at Scheana Shay's wedding in Mexico. When season 10 of "Vanderpump Rules" debuted on Bravo in February 2023, it focused heavily on the apparent flirtation between Tom and Rachel, which led to tensions with Tom's then-estranged wife, Katie Maloney. (They finalized their divorce in October 2022 — two months after Scheana's wedding.)
Ariana catches Sandoval cheating with Rachel
On March 3, 2023, TMZ broke the news that Ariana Madix dumped her boyfriend of nearly a decade, Tom Sandoval, after she caught him cheating with Rachel Leviss. In the days that followed, current and former "Vanderpump Rules" stars shed light on what allegedly happened: While performing with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, at TomTom in West Hollywood on March 1, the reality star dropped his cellphone, which Ariana reportedly recovered. For whatever reason, she started scrolling through his camera roll and found a screen-recorded video of a FaceTime chat between Tom and Rachel during which they each engaged in some particularly naughty behavior. Multiple media outlets later reported that Tom and Rachel took their relationship to the next level in mid-2022 while Rachel was living with Tom and Ariana in the wake of her breakup from James. (Tom and Rachel reportedly hooked up in the home he shared with Ariana — who'd taken Rachel under her wing following her breakup from James Kennedy — while she was sleeping.)
Scheana allegedly attacks Rachel over Sandoval affair
Ariana Madix promptly confronted both Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss about their relationship. Tom allegedly told Ariana he couldn't find the right time to come clean about the affair — he didn't want to hurt her more after her grandmother and dog died within weeks of each other in the summer of 2022, he claimed. After Ariana spoke with Tom on March 1, 2023, she contacted Rachel, who was in New York City shooting "Watch What Happens Live" with Ariana's best friend, Scheana Shay, at the time. There are conflicting reports about what happened next. According to former "Vanderpump Rules" star Kristen Doute, after Rachel got off the phone with Ariana, she told Scheana, "Sandoval and I had a seven-month affair." Scheana then "threw Raquel's phone in the gutter." Rachel, however, alleged that Scheana "punched" her in the face, "causing injury" to her eye. (More on that later!)
Sandoval publicly apologizes to Schwartz — but not to Ariana
As the drama made headlines, several "Vanderpump Rules" stars made it clear on social media that they were standing with Ariana Madix — who deactivated her own Instagram account — amid her shocking split from Tom Sandoval. Bravo fans also made it clear they were "Team Ariana" by bombarding Tom's businesses — TomTom and Schwartz & Sandy's — with negative reviews, prompting Tom to release a statement on March 4, 2023, asking fans to refrain from taking out their anger on his friend and business partner, Tom Schwartz, and their businesses. "I fully understand and deserve your anger and disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz, my friends and family out of the situation. Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions," he wrote. (At the time, it was unclear how much Schwartz knew about Sandoval's affair with Rachel Leviss, and there were questions about whether or not Schwartz and Rachel manufactured their previous flirtation as a cover for her affair with Sandoval.) Sandoval went on to point out that he's only "a small part of a much bigger thing" where his businesses are concerned. "I'm sorry that my partners … and our employees have to suffer for my actions. I will be taking a step back and taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees and partners," he concluded, enraging fans for his failure to acknowledge Ariana or apologize to her.
Sandoval visits Rachel amid reports they're in love
On March 4, 2023, Tom Sandoval was photographed visiting Rachel Leviss at her home in Los Angeles. Although production on season 10 of "Vanderpump Rules" had already wrapped, a Bravo camera crew shot the duo reuniting amid the scandal — they even kissed on camera. Us Weekly later reported that, according to a source, Tom and Rachel were "the real deal" and saw "a long-term future together." They reportedly "confided to pals that it's love" and that they'd "fallen hard for each other."
Rachel files paperwork to block dissemination of scandalous video
On March 6, 2023, Rachel Leviss sent a legal notice to several of her "Vanderpump Rules" co-stars warning them against sharing the screen-recorded video of her naughty FaceTime chat with Tom Sandoval. (Ariana reportedly sent the video to herself from Tom's phone, but it's unclear who else has access to it.) According to TMZ, Rachel's lawyers claimed that Tom recorded the call "without [her] knowledge or consent" and warned that distribution of the "nonconsensual pornography" could result in further legal action.
Rachel gets a restraining order against Scheana over alleged attack
On March 7, 2023, Rachel Leviss filed for a restraining order against Scheana Shay alleging that her "Vanderpump Rules" co-star shoved her against a brick wall and "punched" her in the face in New York City after learning about her affair with Tom Sandoval six days earlier. Rachel even shared photos of a cut under her eyebrow and bruising around her eye as evidence. She alleged that Scheana "doesn't regret the physical attack" and "would do it again if she found that further emotional distress was caused to our mutual friend" — Ariana Madix. A judge granted the restraining order, calling into question whether or not Rachel and Scheana — who had to stay at least 100 yards away from Rachel, her home and her workplace — would be able to shoot the "Vanderpump Rules" season 10 reunion special in late March. (Keep reading to see how the reunion special and the restraining order ultimately played out.)
Kristen returns to "Vanderpump Rules" to support Ariana
On March 7, 2023, former "Vanderpump Rules" star Kristen Doute was photographed arriving at Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval's home in Los Angeles, indicating that she would appear on the reality show for the first time since Bravo fired her in mid-2020 amid a racism scandal. Kristen later said on her podcast that when Tom arrived at the home, he admitted, "I know everyone hates me." Kristen also claimed that she asked Tom to give Ariana a "couple of hours heads up before you need to come home so she can leave." He allegedly replied, "She can leave if she's not comfortable." (It's unclear what will become of the home amid Tom and Ariana's breakup — neither has moved out yet.) Kristen dated Tom from 2006 to 2013, though they both cheated on each other — he actually kissed Ariana before he and Kristen called it quits for good.
Sandoval and Rachel publicly apologize to Ariana
On March 8, 2023, Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss took to Instagram to release individual statements taking accountability for their bad behavior and apologizing to Ariana Madix. (Read Tom's — which alluded to problems in his relationship with Ariana — here.)
In Rachel's since-deleted statement, she admitted that she "sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy" while "negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over friendships."
Rachel says she's taking a break from Sandoval
Later on March 8, 2023, Rachel Leviss released a second statement alleging that she and Tom Sandoval were taking some time apart in the wake of the scandal: "Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship. Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones. I need to take care of my health, work on self growth and take time to be ok with being alone. I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal," she wrote. (Tom reportedly liked Rachel's post.)
Earlier that day, Page Six reported that, according to a source, Rachel "has been completely ignoring Tom" amid the scandal. Said a second insider, "Tom has been unable to track Raquel down for several days. He's been asking mutual acquaintances if they've heard from her at all, but has had no luck. He can't get in touch with her."
Kristen says Schwartz only found out about the affair a month earlier
On the March 8, 2023, episode of her "Straight Up With Stassi" podcast, former "Vanderpump Rules" star Stassi Schroeder shared her suspicions that Tom Schwartz and Rachel Leviss faked their flirtation in the summer of 2022 at Tom Sandoval's behest: "This sounds like something Sandoval would come up with," she said. "Schwartz wasn't into Raquel and I even remember in real time Katie [Maloney] telling me, 'What hurts the most is that Schwartz isn't interested in Raquel and Raquel isn't interested in him. They are doing this for a story. This doesn't feel real.'"
Meanwhile, on the March 8, 2023, episode of her "Sex, Love and What Else Matters" podcast, former "Vanderpump Rules" star Kristen Doute alleged that Schwartz found out about the affair "a month" earlier. "[Schwartz] said that he told [Sandoval] he needed to tell Ariana before it blew up in his face and humiliated the hell out of her," she said, adding that Schwartz's attempts at damage control were "too little too late." She also noted that Schwartz "isn't happy" about the situation because it's having a negative impact on the businesses he shares with Sandoval.
Ariana returns to social media after unfollowing "Team Sandoval"
On March 8, 2023, Ariana Madix returned to Instagram. She reportedly unfollowed Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz and Rachel Leviss on the social media platform.
Scheana denies assaulting "known liar and cheat" Rachel
On March 9, 2023, Scheana Shay's lawyer released a statement shooting down Rachel Leviss's claims that Scheana assaulted her: "This case is a fabrication by a known liar and a cheat who has betrayed everyone close to her. Scheana never punched Rachel, period. The supposed dark markings around her left eye have been there for months," the lawyer said, adding that "neither Scheana nor other cast members want anything to do with Raquel going forward." As for Rachel's restraining order against Scheana, "The judge has only heard a one-sided account of what happened, and we look forward to presenting the full and true story at the March 29 hearing," Scheana's attorney said.
Well, neither Rachel nor her attorney showed up in court for that hearing, prompting a judge to dismiss the restraining order against Scheana.
Scheana's attorney, Neama Rahmani, told "Entertainment Tonight" in a statement, "This isn't reality TV. This is the real world and Rachel's actions have real consequences. Rachel filed a false police report, a false medical report, and a frivolous petition for a restraining order. Scheana didn't punch Rachel. Rachel didn't get a black eye. Scheana pushed Rachel but only after Rachel grabbed her wrist, and Rachel did not suffer a concussion."
"When Rachel realized that she would lose in court and that she couldn't just drop it, she decided to not show up at all. We were prepared to expose Rachel's lies, but instead she will have to live knowing that she betrayed two of her best friends: Scheana and Ariana [Madix]. Instead of accepting responsibility for her actions, Rachel shamefully tried to misuse our justice system to shift blame to Scheana. We are happy that Scheana is now vindicated," he continued.
Ariana finally speaks
On March 15, 2023, Ariana Madix took to Instagram to address Tom Sandoval's affair with Rachel Leviss: "Hi. Where to begin? I want to express my most sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support I have received from friends, family, and people I've never even met in the last two weeks. When I have felt like I couldn't even stand, you all have given me the strength to continue and seen me through my darkest hours. To say I have been devastated and broken is an understatement. However, I know that I am not in this alone. So many of my closest friends are also grieving this loss right now and reeling from this betrayal on so many levels. I am so f****** lucky to have the best support system in the world and I hope I can repay every single person for the love you have shown me. What doesn't kill me better run," she captioned a stunning photo of herself.
An explosive season 10 reunion taping
After filming the explosive "Vanderpump Rules" season 10 reunion special on March 23, 2023, host Andy Cohen teased what went down. "Well, that was really confrontational," the Bravo exec said on his Instagram Story. "It was really emotional. Nothing was left unsaid."
Said star Lala Kent on her Instagram Story after the taping looking place, "That was the most exhausting reunion I've ever done in my life. I'm drained. I feel like I want to crawl into a hole and sob and scream, but I'm happy to be home now with my [daughter], crawl in bed, watch 'Seinfeld' and just, like, regroup." Lala promised fans they'd really enjoy the confrontational reunion special when it aired, calling it "the silver lining to it all."
TMZ shared more details, citing sources close to production who said no one sided with Tom Sandoval or Rachel Leviss (seen here arriving for the reunion) and that there was constant tension during the entire five-hour taping, with things getting so heated so quickly that Andy had to separate two cast members "to prevent an assault and battery," the webloid wrote. "It was like a nuclear bomb went off in the studio," a source told TMZ. Andy asked Tom and Rachel if they were still together and it was clear they were, TMZ reported, but according to a source close to production, "That relationship is, like, on an egg timer. It's not gonna last."
Restraining order affects reunion taping
Seating charts released by Bravo before the season 10 "Vanderpump Rules" reunion taping on March 23, 2023, revealed that Tom Sandoval and mistress Rachel Leviss sat next to each other on set. Co-star Scheana Shay had to film at a separate time because of the temporary restraining order Rachel had taken out against her, claiming Scheana assaulted her after learning about the affair because she was so upset about what Tom and Rachel did to his now-ex Ariana Madix. (Scheana denied the claim and the day after the taping, a judge dismissed the temporary restraining order against her.) Scheana's attorney told Page Six that at the reunion taping, Rachel had Andy "serve" Scheana papers with "no legal meaning," implying it was a stunt.
Scheana tells her side of Rachel altercation story for the first time
After the temporary restraining order against her was dismissed by a judge, Scheana Shay detailed, for the first time, what she says really happened during the confrontation with Rachel Leviss that went down after Scheana learned about Rachel and co-star Tom Sandoval's affair. "My hands ended up on her after she grabbed my wrist," Scheana told co-star Lala Kent on the March 31, 2023, episode of her "Scheananigans With Scheana Shay" podcast, as reported by Page Six.
"No, I did not punch her [like Rachel claimed]. We've established I can't really form a fist with these nails," she added, noting that she "had no words because nothing was getting through" to Rachel, who was just "standing there" and wasn't crying.
"When she touched me, I was enraged. Like, 'Get off me. Get out of my space. I don't want you anywhere near me.' I needed her away from me in that moment," Scheana said. (Scheana's attorney previously said that Scheana admitted to "pushing" Raquel.)
Schwartz comes clean about what he knew about his best friend's affair — and when he knew it
On the April 5, 2023, episode of "Watch What Happens Live," "Vanderpump Rules" star Tom Schwartz came clean about when he really found out that best friend Tom Sandoval was cheating on live-in girlfriend Ariana Madix with their castmate Rachel Leviss. Schwartz also offered up new details about the infidelity. "I learned in late August [2022] about the affair," Schwartz told "WWHL" host Andy Cohen, explaining that Sandoval, who's also his business partner, told him he and Rachel had a "one-night stand." Then, he said, it turned into an "emotional affair" in the fall of 2022. "In January [2023], Tom came to me … and he told me that he was in love with Raquel. I was flabbergasted," Schwartz shared. "After that, I mean, Tom kind of got flagrant — he was brazen." Schwartz also claimed that Sandoval "became obsessed" with Rachel because of his ADHD. "He's addicted. It's an infatuation of all infatuations. Raquel is Tom's heroin," he said. "Man, he got lost in the sauce."
Schwartz insisted that he's "not morally bankrupt" while defending himself for failing to warn Ariana about the affair: "I was consumed in my own little world. And maybe I should have been more proactive about it. In my defense, I did tell Tom exactly what he needed to do. He agreed, and then he didn't do it," he said, adding that "for the record," Sandoval was feeding him a narrative "that he has broken up with Ariana, or attempted to multiple times — many, many times. And he's not happy, they're not healthy, they're not intimate, blah blah blah."
Andy then asked Schwartz if he thought Sandoval and Rachel's forbidden romance could survive. "I've actually thought about this a lot," Schwartz admitted. "I think it'll be a miracle if they make it. … Their relationship is, you know, I know they care so much about each other, but, like, even in the short time they've been in love — or whatever you want to call it — it's become toxic, and I don't know if it's sustainable."
Tom Sandoval breaks his silence about his affair in weird Howie Mandel interview
Tom Sandoval's first post-affair sit-down interview to go public wasn't with Bravo but, bizarrely, with game show host Howie Mandel, who's never even watched "Vanderpump Rules" before. On the April 11, 2023, episode of the "Howie Mandel Does Stuff" podcast, Tom discussed all things Scandoval in an interview deemed by fans to be one of the messiest ever… at least since Tom Schwartz's appearance on "Watch What Happens Live" the week before.
The former SUR bartender didn't seem to have much remorse during the nearly one-hour and 20-minute chat, during which he opened up about his "magnet" first kiss with Rachel Leviss and pushed the narrative that his relationship with Ariana Madix was "lacking intimacy." He also repeatedly referred to their "brand," seemingly reducing their 10 years together to a marketing strategy, noting, "We always wanted to make sure and keep the optics that we were a solid and powerful couple."
Tom also revealed that he and Ariana were in couples therapy — where he intended to break things off with her — but he seemed to contradict that claim later in the interview when he alleged that he actually broke up with Ariana on Valentine's Day… just a few weeks before she uncovered his affair with Rachel. (Eagle-eyed Bravo viewers noted that Tom weaved a similar tale during the season 2 reunion… when he cheated on girlfriend Kristen Doute with Ariana. At that reunion, he said he tried to break it off with Kristen so he could justify the cheating. For her part, Kristen denied those claims).
Rachel checks in to a mental health facility
On April 14, 2023, "Entertainment Tonight" reported that "Vanderpump Rules" star Rachel Leviss had admitted herself into a mental health facility: "Raquel and her family decided before the relationship [with Tom Sandoval] was discovered that she would enter a voluntary facility for mental health counseling," her rep told "ET," noting that Rachel was not in rehab for substance abuse issues. "She was scheduled to go in pre-reunion [taping on March 23] but decided she wanted to finish her filming commitment. Bravo and production were aware and in support of her journey towards better mental health."
Rachel's big return
Rachel Leviss's time in an Arizona mental health treatment facility reportedly came to an end in July 2023. Two weeks later, she announced her intention to drop her stage name — Raquel — in favor of her birth name: Rachel. She returned to Instagram that September — after confirming that she would not return to "Vanderpump Rules" for season 11 — and announced her "Rachel Goes Rogue" podcast in November. The podcast officially launched in January 2024.
