Scandoval! Pump Rules’ Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix Cheating Scandal Timeline

The One-Night Stand

According to Tom Schwartz, the duo had a “one-night stand” in August 2022.

“I learned about the affair in August,” he shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on April 6. “The one-night stand was in August and then it became, from my point of view, it became an emotional affair. Which is still inappropriate but I didn’t think it was a linear thing. … “In January, he came to me and told me that he was in love with Raquel.” 

Tom and Ariana Split

The couple — who first confirmed their romance during the season 2 reunion in 2014 — called it quits amid rumors that Tom cheated on Ariana with Raquel.

Life & Style confirmed the news of their breakup on March 3 with a source confirming the cheating rumors.

James Kennedy Reacts

James was one of the first VPR stars to speak out, seemingly confirming the scandal in a series of Instagram comments. When one commenter called Tom and Raquel “the most vile subhumans I’ve ever met,” James wrote back, saying, “CORRECT.”

Peter Madrigal Pleads the Fifth

As news broke that Raquel and Sandoval were having an alleged affair, she was casually dating Peter on the current season of VPR.

The SUR manager seemingly addressed the rumors via Twitter.

“No comment … Yet,” Peter wrote on March 3, 2023.

The ‘VPR’ Cast Rallies Around Ariana

After news of the cheating scandal broke, VPR cast members took to social media and expressed their support for Ariana.

Raquel’s Sister Enters The Chat

Vanderpump Rules star Charli Burnett seemingly tweeted about #Scandoval on March 3, 2023.

“At the end of the day, no one deserves to feel this gut punch. To say Im disappointed would be an understatement,” she wrote.

Raquel’s sister, Kate, responded to the tweet, while seemingly confirming rumors that Scheanna allegedly punched Raquel in the face after learning about the affair.

“Nor, punched in the face,” Kate wrote, before following with a second tweet, “Not defending, just also not condoning physical violence.”

Charli doubled down on her statement and addressed Kate as a “dumb f–king c–t.”

“Get the fuck off my page before I drag you & your mf sister. Show her this too,” Charli wrote.

Tom Seemingly Addresses the News

His band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, played a show on March 3, and the reality star appeared to address the scandal while on stage.

“Have you ever been one of the most hated people in America?” Tom asked the crowd that night. When fans started chanting Ariana’s name, he said, “We love her.”

Sandoval’s Official Statement

Tom shared a statement via Instagram on March 4.

“I fully understand and deserve ur anger [and] disappointment towards me, but please leave [Tom] Schwartz, my friends and family out of this situation. Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions. This was a very personal thing,” he wrote. “Also, Schwartz & Sandy’s might have my name on it, but also there are 3 other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families. Just like TomTom, I’m a small part of a much bigger thing. Please direct ur anger towards me and not them. They did nothing wrong.”

The musician went on to say that he “will be taking a step back [and] taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees [and] partners.” 

Lisa Vanderpump Heartbroken By the Alleged Affair

Andy asked fans via Twitter how many parts they needed for the VPR season 10 reunion as more information unfolded the day the news broke.

Lisa responded, “Ummm one … I’m not sure my heart is up to it.”

Schwartz and Sandy’s Releases a Statement

“In light of the recent news we appreciate the many words of support but we also understand the outpouring of outrage that has been directed towards our businesses,” the restaurant’s Instagram page shared on March 4, addressing the scandal. “However, those of us who are not famous have dedicated our time hearts and money to make this restaurant a reality. We too are disappointed by the current situation as Ariana has always been a good friend and a great supporter of the restaurant.”

The post asked followers to remember “that the livelihoods of others also depend on this business.” The note added, “There are four more people involved in this venture other than just Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz,” calling out various members of the staff.

“Please take into consideration, that posting negative comments affects more than just the individual you may be upset with,” the restaurant concluded. “Our goal has always been to create a place where our community can come and enjoy a fun atmosphere with good food and friendly service and we intend to continue to focus on that endeavor. ”

Lala Defends Her and James’ Past Hookup

Lala addressed haters on social media on March 4 after they slammed her for sticking up for Ariana after she and James admitted to hooking up at the start of their respective relationships with Randall Emmett and Raquel.

“Since so many wanna point out James and I hooking up. Let’s not forget that reunion where R*quel said ‘We really started our relationship after I moved in with him,’” Lala shared via Instagram Stories. “And we now know R*ndall was indeed married at the time (& lied about it), and you can’t cheat on a married person — so as far as I’m concerned, James and I were two single people having a goooood time. Enough with your noise. It’s starting to sound like S*ndovals band and it’s hurting my freshly pinned back ears.”

Ariana and Tom Avoid Post-Breakup Interaction

Ariana appeared to be running out of her and Tom’s shared home on March 4, per photos obtained by Page Six. In the snaps, she got into her car while he was pictured arriving back at the home.

Scheana Gets Dragged Into the Drama

“Always got your back! #TeamAriana,” Scheana Shay posted via Instagram on March 5.

One commenter brought up Scheana past drama with Eddie Cibrian, who previously cheated on then-wife Brandi Glanville with the “Good as Gold” singer.

“Wonder who had @brandiglanville’s [back]. So quick to team up but let’s not forget you walked in @raquelleviss shoes @scheana,” the social media user wrote. Scheana fired back, adding, “I don’t recall having an affair with my best friends bf KNOWINGLY but go off!”

Lala and Katie Expose Raquel’s Alleged PR Strategy

Celebrity gossip Instagram account Deuxmoi posted a blind item from a person who exposed Raquel’s alleged PR strategy to save her image from the cheating scandal.

The March 5, 20223, blind item alleged that Raquel hired a new PR team to victimize herself and accuse Sandoval of “recording intimate videos without her knowledge.”

Lala and Katie posted the blind item to their respective Instagram Stories while slamming Raquel for her alleged plan.

“More nefarious behavior …” Katie wrote alongside the email submission at the time.

As for the “Give Them Lala” podcast host, she posted a video saying Raquel is “leaning back” into the “dumb” and “victim” role because it’s now “convenient” to do.

“Now that I’m thinking about it, I want a cut of whatever she’s paying her PR team. I created that image for her,” Lala said. “The exact image that her crisis PR team is trying to get her back to is the image I created for her. Where’s my cut? I’m sending you an invoice, Raquel.”

Andy Cohen’s Take

“I think this was going on during BravoCon,” Andy Cohen speculated during his SiriusXM “Radio Andy” show on March 6, referring to the three-day-long annual convention in NYC that took place in October 2022. “This is reverberating, OK.”

Andy also reflected on a recent Watch What Happens Live appearance with Raquel and Scheana from March 1. Per the talk show host, the duo played the “BFF Test,” and when asked, “Who’s the cuter Tom?” both women answered Tom Sandoval. During the commercial break, Andy said that Scheana told Raquel, “You know, I only picked Sandoval because I knew that you were going to pick Schwartz.” Raquel replied, “Well, Sandoval has abs.”

During another moment from the radio show, Andy confirmed that the “cameras were up over the weekend” and filming the Vanderpump Rules stars as the drama continues to unfold.

Raquel Takes Legal Action

Raquel is reportedly taking legal action against her Vanderpump Rules costars after her affair with Tom was exposed. The former beauty queen’s lawyers sent a letter on behalf of the star claiming that an “intimate FaceTime session” between herself and Tom had been screen recorded “illegally without Raquel’s knowledge or consent,” TMZ reported on March 7.

The letter didn’t explicitly accuse Tom of the illegal recording, however, the lawyers cited a California revenge porn law, which outlaws “nonconsensual pornography.” While the letter apparently doesn’t share any other details, it implores anyone with the video to remove it from their phones or in “any other manner or method in which the recording may exist.”

Reps for Raquel and Tom did not immediately respond to Life & Style‘s request for comment.

Their First Onscreen Kiss?

It appears Tom and Raquel’s romantic feelings will play out during season 10 of the show, as the pair reportedly shared their first Vanderpump Rules onscreen smooch. “They kissed on camera,” a source told Page Six on March 7, adding that the lip lock occurred at Raquel’s North Hollywood apartment on March 4, the day after news broke about Tom and Ariana’s split due to his affair.

Lala Speaks Out

During an appearance on Amazon Live on March 7, Lala weighed in on the ongoing scandal and revealed that Raquel hasn’t contacted anyone since things imploded.

“She obviously hasn’t reached out to me or anyone on my side, because I was never friends with her. I don’t know if she’s reached out to anyone else,” Lala said. When asked if she thinks Tom will apologize to Ariana for how everything has gone down, Lala continued, “I am not in Tom’s head. I don’t know what he’s thinking. Never liked that guy, and now it feels good to have everyone else feel the same way I do.”

Tom Might Call It Quits

As the situation has gone from bad to worse, Tom has reportedly been struggling with the Vanderpump Rules production. A source told ET on March 7, “Tom told production that he would no longer shoot Vanderpump Rules if they don’t listen to him,” alluding to a scene shot with Raquel that he didn’t approve of.

Adding fuel to the fire, Jax Taylor posted in a since-deleted tweet that Tom was “refusing to film” amid the ongoing drama.

Restraining Order Filed

Raquel filed a restraining order against Scheana on March 7, Life & Style confirmed, after an alleged altercation between the ladies. After a judge granted Raquel her request, photos of the VPR star with a black eye surfaced, allegedly from the reported physical altercation between Raquel and Scheana. Raquel claimed in the legal documents, first reported by TMZ, that Scheana pushed her into a brick wall and proceeded to punch her in the eye. She went on to assert that Scheana “doesn’t regret the physical attack on me and would do it again if she found that further emotional distress was caused to our mutual friend [Ariana].”

Tom’s Apology

“I want to first and foremost apologize to everyone I’ve hurt through this process,” Tom wrote via Instagram during the early hours of March 8. “Most of all, I want to apologize to Ariana. I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly. I can only imagine how devastating this has been for Ariana and everyone around us.”

He continued, “My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends. My love for Ariana was stronger than any camera could ever have captured. Some of our best times together were never filmed. The same goes for some of our biggest struggles. I wish things happened in a different order and our relationship was not severely tarnished, and that it ended with the same respect for her that it began with. I owed Ariana better.”

Raquel’s Official Statement

“I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana,” Raquel said in a statement via Instagram on March 8. “I am reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved. I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.”

The model noted that she “chose to be on a reality show” and understands the “good and bad” of putting your life in the public eye, but she said things have gone much further.

“I have been physically assaulted, lost friendships, received death threats and hate emails in addition to having had my privacy violated,” her statement continued. “I have begun counseling to end my unhealthy behavioral cycle, learn to set stronger emotional boundaries and learn to protect my mental health. I don’t expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness. Right now I must focus on my own health and well-being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes.”

Raquel’s Second Statement

Raquel took to Instagram on March 8 to issue a second statement regarding the scandal. “Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship,” she wrote in a text post. “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,” the TV personality continued. “I care for Tom and I don’t want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal.”

Lisa Vanderpump Weighs In

Lisa Vanderpump weighed in on the affair while appearing on the March 8 episode of Watch What Happens Live.

“I literally had no words. I didn’t see it coming — nobody saw it coming,” Lisa said, adding that Raquel made her way onto the show by dating several cast members. “I clearly didn’t know who Raquel was. She stuck her toe in the Peter pond, she snagged Oliver, she schmoozed with Schwartz and she shagged Scandoval.”

She went on to admit that she wasn’t impressed by Tom’s apologies. “Obviously, it was because he had some kind of reaction to the first apology that he felt it was necessary to apologize to Ariana. But I don’t think these apologies are worth the paper or the social media they are written on,” Lisa said. “I want to see true contrition and I hope that when the reunion comes, we actually all sit down and we can have a better understanding how this happened, why this happened, when this happened.”

The businesswoman concluded the topic by predicting what she thinks the season 10 reunion will be like amid the scandal. “I think it is going to be really tough. I don’t think it is going to be the same reunion where there are these accusations flying because they admitted to it. I think it is going to be difficult,” she noted. “This is breaking up a couple that has been together for [nearly 10] years and the deceit.”

Lisa added that Raquel “acted like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Kristen’s Update

Kristen Doute shared insight into why Ariana felt like there were problems in her relationship with Tom during the March 8 episode of her podcast, “Sex, Love, and What Else Matters.” 

“She had his phone and she told me that she just had this gut intuition to look at it,” Kristen recalled of a conversation she had with Ariana, noting that the pair had always been a “trusting” couple.The Bravo alum then explained that Ariana found a screen-recorded FaceTime video between Tom and Raquel on his phone “masturbating each other.”

Ariana Returns to Instagram

Ariana returned to Instagram on March 9 after deactivating her account following the affair news. Upon her resurgence on the app, she appeared to block both Sandoval and Raquel and unfollowed Schwartz. Neither her ex nor Raquel’s Instagram handles now appear in any previously tagged posts on her page, a huge snub in the social media world.

Schwartz and Raquel’s Makeout Resurfaces

According to Schwartz, his infamous makeout session with Raquel at Scheana’s August 2022 wedding was all thanks to Sandoval’s persuasion. 

“Oh my God. [Sandoval] made me do it. I didn’t want to do it,” he told ET Canada at the season 10 premiere in February, one month before Sandoval and Raquel’s cheating scandal came to light. “He’s like, ‘If you don’t do it, you’re a wussy’ … He steamrolled me.” 

Sandoval jumped in saying, “I thought it was fun.”

“They went behind this little greenery wall and I went and cracked two beers and handed it to them,” he added.

Ariana Flees to Mexico

The reality star found a way to escape the “Scandoval” drama while being surrounded by non-Vanderpump Rules pals. She attended a friend’s destination wedding Oaxaca, Mexico, on March 11, which was on her schedule well before Tom’s cheating scandal broke. Ariana was photographed smiling in group snapshots that didn’t include any other Pump Rules stars.

Lala Blasts Schwartz

Lala believes Schwartz knew about Sandoval’s affair with Raquel and should have stepped up to let Ariana know. “I don’t like weakness. At times, you have to be a good person,” she told TMZ on March 13.
“[He should have] rolled up on Ariana or said [to Sandoval] ‘You tell Ariana, or I will,’” the longtime Vanderpump Rules star added.
Two days prior, a cameraman for the website caught up with Schwartz at L.A.X. and directly asked the bar owner if he knew about his business partner and BFF’s affair with Raquel. “You’ll see it play out on the show,” Tom responded, adding, “It’s f—king complicated. That’s the understatement of the year.”

Who Wore It Better?

Lala called out Raquel for stealing her style, pointing to the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards as evidence. Raquel donned a black and nude lace gown with a high ponytail and a black ribbon in her hair to the June 15, 2019 event. Two weeks prior, however, Lala wore a suspiciously similar look to the Critics Choice Reels Awards on June 2. 

“Say, Ambular, that you going through my laundry?” Lala shared via her Instagram Story on March 14 over photos of the two looks. “That one time I wore this to an award show and the next award show R*quel showed up in the saaaaame look. The red flags have been everywhere this whole time [sic].”

Ariana’s Statement

Ariana broke her silence about the scandal after reactivating her Instagram account during the early hours of March 16.

“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,” Ariana captioned a photo of herself smiling in a pink dress. “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.”

She continued, “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–king 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.”

Katie Threatens Schwartz

During a March 15 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, when Katie was asked how she would react if she found out ex-husband Tom Schwartz “willingly” protected Sandoval’s affair with Raquel, she immediately fired back, “I would light him on fire.”
Katie went on to explain that even though she asked Schwartz when he found out about Tom cheating on Ariana, she still doesn’t know what the TomTom co-owner told his longtime BFF. “Part of me believes that he was duped … by both of them,” Katie said about her ex.

Katie and Lala Diss Raquel

On the March 15 episode of the “Give Them Lala” podcast, the friends and costars detailed how they dealt with Raquel prior to finding out about her affair with Sandoval.
“I can confidently say f —k you to her, because I gave you every opportunity. I was so kind to you when I didn’t have to be, but I was,” Katie declared. “And the fact that you didn’t really step up or really appreciate that or recognize that, and you just walked all over that and took a giant dump on it? Like, you’re an idiot and I don’t care. I don’t care what’s coming to you right now. You deserve it,” Katie continued about Raquel
Lala felt good about the fact that she never tried to strike up a friendship with Raquel. “Thank God I did not give this ho a chance to be in my presence and breathe my air,” she said.

Midseason Trailer

VPR fans got a sneak peek of what’s to come in the latter half of season 10 after the midseason teaser trailer dropped on March 20, 2023 – including a glimpse at Sandoval and Ariana addressing his months-long affair with Raquel.

Toward the end of the former couple’s tense discussion, Sandoval asked Ariana if she wanted anything as he rummaged through the kitchen of their Valley Village, California, home, to which the Drink From Home founder replied, “For you to die.”

Additionally, the trailer showed Sandoval locking lips with an unidentified woman – who fans believe is Raquel – in bed, as well as what appears to be Scheana’s reaction to finding out about Sandoval and Raquel’s “full-blown love affair.”

Andy Cohen Teases ‘Great’ Reunion

During the March 20, 2023, episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, the Bravo patriarch touched on the highly anticipated season 10 reunion, which is set to start filming soon. “Vanderpump Rules reunion, full steam ahead guys,” he said. “Everyone is very concerned because they love the show and they want to get a great reunion. I’m here to tell you, you gonna get it. You’re gonna get it.”

Andy also revealed that he watched forthcoming ninth and tenth episodes and was planning on watching episodes 11 and 12 before flying to Los Angeles.

“But again, it continues. The foreshadowing … continues and things that read one way when the show was shot read completely differently now,” he explained. “There are some interactions between Raquel and Katie, Raquel and Lala, where you just, again, you won’t believe it and what and how it all plays out with Raquel and Schwartz. Oh boy. I want to save it because I just don’t want to give it away, but it’s really something.”

Raquel Confirms She Will Attend Reunion

The former pageant competitor confirmed via her Instagram Story on March 22, 2023, that she would be attending the season 10 reunion “in person,” which is set to film the following day.

“We can’t wait to see you @raquelleviss,” Lala wrote over a repost of Raquel’s Story on her own Instagram Story, adding a smiling devil emoji to the end of her short statement.

Trading Bravo for Lifetime?

Amid the messy news, it was announced that Ariana will star alongside Meagan Good in the Lifetime movie, Buying Back My Daughter. Already filming, the VPR star is joining Riverdale‘s Faith Wright and Arrow star Roger Cross, clearly turning her attention away from Scandoval and onto professional endeavors.

Ariana Reacts to Scandoval Post Reunion

The reality star was asked her thoughts about reports Tom and Raquel went out to dinner following the explosive reunion show taping and she is over it. “I don’t know what they do. I don’t follow that,” she told a paparazzo in a video published by Page Six on March 26.
“At this point, I don’t care about anything that either of them does,” Ariana added in her first public comment since the taping.

Tom’s Hindsight

Tom told TMZ that he regrets cheating on Ariana on March 27, 2023. However, he added that “hindsight’s always 20/20.”

The reality star also weighed in on why he thinks that scandal has garnered so much attention. “I just think it was really unexpected,” he told the outlet.

Turning Lemons Into Lemonade

Ariana decided to turn her heartbreak and betrayal into a business venture. She stared a “Team Ariana” website that features all sorts of empowering clothing and other merchandise. One item is a hoodie reading, “It’s not me, it’s you,” as well as T-shirts and sweatshirts with the sayings, “Best f—king friend,” “Ride or die” and “Bad bitches only.”

The actress let fans know about the new merch while working on the Lifetime movie Buying Back My Daughter. In a March 28 Instagram Story, Ariana whispered into the camera, “Hey guys I’m on set so I have to be quiet and I can’t talk long but I really wanted to share something exciting with you so if you go to this link something cool is there,” with the link out to her Team Ariana page.

Reunion Brawl

Lala confirmed reports that a brawl broke out during the season 10 reunion taping and that “security got involved.” During an Amazon Live on March 28, she revealed, “Andy [Cohen] got involved … he could hardly control it.” While she didn’t name names about who was involved in the altercation, Lala stated, “I won’t say who was trying to brawl or whatever, but it was very heated the entire day.”

The podcaster said the reunion left her feeling “sick” and disgusted” after confronting Tom and Raquel over their affair, adding it was the “most intense day.”

Tom Won’t Move Out

Even after Tom’s cheating was exposed, he wouldn’t “leave” the Valley Village, California, home he and Ariana have shared since purchasing it in 2019, Lala Kent claimed in the April 5 episode of her “Give Them Lala” podcast. She said Ariana needed a “safe” place to “recharge” after the betrayal and Tom wouldn’t give her the space.

“I don’t know if he will now, but for a very long time he [was] … using every room in the house,” Lala told listeners.

Tom Schwartz Speaks Out

Tom Schwartz revealed on April 5 that he’s “upset” with Tom Sandoval.

“He took advantage of my kindness and put a lot of people, not just myself, in very compromising situations where our integrity was at stake,” he explained on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen from April 5. “I think — Tom has ADHD – and honestly, he became obsessed. He is notorious for having an obsession.”

Tom Victim Blames Ariana

During an April 12, appearance on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, Tom explained, “I love Ariana, I still love Ariana and I care about her very much,” but that they had become “more like best friends, family sometimes roommates.”

The club owner then claimed Ariana had heard things about him and Raquel but was “very much turning a blind eye” to his infidelity.

“I had to actually tell her, ‘Have you not noticed how distant I’ve been lately?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, you have?’ … She didn’t even notice because that’s just how our relationship was. We had separate lives,” Tom shared.

“I was seeing Raquel as often as I could — which I know that sounds horrible — and FaceTiming her all the time and, like, Ariana didn’t even notice because that’s just how separate our lives were,” he said.

Tom went on to describe his first kiss with Raquel, explaining, “It was magnetic. … I felt something that I hadn’t felt in so long, like emotionally,” adding, “Those feelings that I had started to take over in a sense. Logic went out the window,” about their affair.

Erased From Wedding

Even though Raquel was a bridesmaid at then-BFF Scheana Shay’s 2022 Mexican nuptials to Brock Davies, she’s literally been erased from the event in light of her cheating scandal with Tom Sandoval.

Scheana revealed on the April 12 episode of the “Undressed” podcast that she had her wedding photos edited to have costar Lala Kent’s face placed over Raquel’s in all of the pictures from her big day. “I had to. I don’t want that bitch in my photos,” she revealed.

Ariana Shades Tom’s Public Apologies

Ariana commented on a TikTok video from a user named @mentalhealness who broke down Tom’s first two public apologies and deemed him a “narcissist” on April 9. The online user ultimately shared how the TomTom owner wasn’t sorry for cheating on Ariana – he was sorry for getting caught and pointed out how he never mentioned his former girlfriend of 10 years until the last sentence of his second apology.

Ariana commented on the post, clearly familiar with the TikTok user, writing, “I used to show him your videos … love your work!”

Are Tom and Raquel in Love?

Lala had plenty to say about Tom and Raquel’s cheating scandal during an April 12 appearance on Watch What Happens Live. When asked if the two were in love, she responded, ​”I think Raquel may be in love with him, but I don’t think he is in love with her because I think he is incapable of that type of emotion.”

As season 10 plays out, Lala has been the most suspicious of Raquel, and revealed she started to wonder if there was something going on with Tom in August 2022. Tom Schwartz revealed during a WWHL appearance on April 5 that Sandoval allegedly told him he and Raquel had a one-night stand around that time.

“It was my mother who said, ‘Be careful of this one she moves like a snake,'” Lala said about Raquel.
The “Give Them Lala” podcast host also teased a chilling scene between Raquel and Ariana that takes place in the season 10 finale. When asked a viewer question about if Raquel would continue to act like Ariana’s bestie despite having an affair with Tom, Lala said, “You guys are going to, you know, are going to die. There’s one conversation in the finale episode and she’s sick.”

Andy agreed, calling the scene “very upsetting.” He added, “I asked Raquel about it during our one-on-one, about how she could look in her eyes and have that conversation. You will see it,” regarding the reunion episode.

Raquel Entered Rehab

Amid the ongoing drama surrounding Scandoval, Raquel checked herself into a rehab facility to aid in her mental health treatment, her rep confirmed to Life & Style. 
“Raquel and her family decided months before the relationship was discovered, that she needed mental health treatment and ultimately deciding she would enter a voluntary facility for mental health counseling,” Raquel’s rep told Life & Style in a statement. “Raquel was scheduled to go in pre reunion but decided she wanted to finish her filming commitment. Bravo and production were aware and in support of her journey towards better mental health.” 
Attorney Neama Rahmani – who is representing Scheana – further told Life & Style that she and her client are “happy” that Raquel is “getting the treatment she needs,” before turning attention to the ongoing legal proceedings developing between the VPR stars.

Raquel and Tom’s Alleged Wedding Kiss

Scheana’s wedding dress designers, Patrik Simpson and Pol’ Atteu, claimed to have caught Tom and Raquel making out at Scheana’s Mexico wedding.

“I get off the elevator, and I see Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss kissing off to the side,” Patrik alleged during an appearance on Sirius XM’s “Jeff Lewis Live.”

When it came to Raquel’s kiss with Tom Schwartz, the designers claimed that it “was fake” because the series producers asked them to move out of the way to capture the moment on camera.

Secret Names

According to TMZ, Tom and Raquel used code names for each other to cover up their affair. The outlet reported that the duo created fake names for each other on their phones, with Tom using “Jamie” for Raquel.

Sandoval Slams ‘VPR’ Castmates

According to a video published by TMZ on April 18, Tom accused his VPR costars of worsening the drama in the public eye.

“The people that are perpetuating it the most are the, you know, the squad of it all,” he told a photographer before agreeing that the discussion around the scandal is from “all the girls involved” with the show.

Jax and Brittany Weigh in

During a clip from Peacock’s “Watch This” feature obtained by Page Six, Jax and Brittany reacted to a video of Tom denying that he ever hooked up with Raquel.

“No. Nothing has happened between Raquel and I, like, nothing,” he insisted in his confessional. “Like, it wouldn’t happen between, you know … like me and Katie.”

Upon watching Tom’s denial, Brittany reacted by saying, “Oh, he can’t even say it without a smile on his face! He is smiling. He cannot help but smile. Like, little devilish grin is what that was.”

Did Ariana Get Her Eggs Fertilized With Tom’s Sperm?

During season 10, it was revealed Ariana had her eggs frozen and Tom ended up getting his sperm tested to see if the couple wanted to make embryos and try for a baby, even though he was secretly having an affair with Raquel at the time. So, did they ultimately create embryos together?
“Her eggs are protected and frozen by themselves with none of that sperm. Thank God,” pal Scheana revealed on her “Scheananigans With Scheana Shay” podcast on April 27.

Katie Weighs In

During a May 10, appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Katie dropped a surprising take on the situation.

“I still think maybe [Tom and Raquel] should give [their romance] a shot because they’ve blown up their lives. May as well,” she said, adding that she didn’t “know what they’re doing” in terms of Tom and Raquel’s then-status.

It’s Over

Tom and Raquel split after seven months, according to multiple reports.

“Tom and Raquel broke up,” a source told The Messenger on May 17. “[Tom’s] relationships with everyone right now are on the back burner, and he’s focusing on his music. He’s about to turn 40 and trying his best to move away from all of this, but he’s struggling at times. Like anyone trying to better themselves, it’s one day at a time.”

Getting the FBI Involved

Amid the ongoing drama, Raquel’s family made contact with the FBI due to death threats the VPR star has faced. Confirming the news to Us Weekly, a representative for Raquel said that she and her family “have been on the receiving end of violent and graphic death threats both online and over the phone.”

One critic allegedly wrote to the reality TV star that they wanted to “un-alive” her and “dump the body.”

The FBI didn’t wish to comment on the matter, a spokesperson told TMZ. 

The Big Secret

Ahead of the season 10 reunion, specifically part three, a big secret was teased that could potentially throw the entire Vanderpump Rules world on its head. According to multiple reports, it has to do with when Raquel and Tom’s affair actually began. In one teaser clip, Raquel is asked by a producer if she is “ready to tell the truth,” leading many to believe that she will address when her dalliance with Tom really started.

Lala Kent On Reunion Aftermath

While speaking with TMZ following part 3 of the VPR reunion episode on June 8, Lala seemingly expressed remorse for attacking Raquel on the air.

“In the moment, during the reunion, after I left, I felt dirty,” she told the outlet. “After watching last night when she had finally had the breakdown, just as a human — because for me, it’s a reality TV show — I feel like we’re all, kind of, playing the same game. But when I watched that, I was like, ‘Oh, we’re maybe dealing with someone who maybe shouldn’t be on this type of platform.'”

Lala added that when it comes to mental health, reality TV “can be rough,” noting, “and you have to know when you’re on a show like this and you make bad decisions, these are the kind of things that happen especially when you’re throwing daggers at people while you’re doing something like that.”

“You’re gonna get the smoke,” she concluded. “I don’t know how other people feel about the last five minutes, but I did sit there and go, ‘Oh s—t, she needs some real help and I’m hoping she got it.'”

Stassi Weighs In

Stassi Schroeder broke her silence on the “mind f–k” ​of Scandoval during a June 14 appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. Although she admitted to not believing the news at first, the Off With Her Head author said she’ll never forget the day Tom and Raquel’s affair went public.

“[My reaction] was the same as everyone’s reaction, like ‘holy f–k,’” she said. “Then I was like – I feel like I’m thrown right back into something that I’ve been away from for so long, but it’s like, ‘Is it my place to be a part of it or is it not my place?’ I don’t know.”

Tom’s Lyric Switch for Raquel

In a resurfaced Instagram video from a performance, Sandoval switched the lyrics to the hit song “Stacy’s Mom” to be “Schwartzy’s Mom.”

“Schwartz’s mom has got it going on,” he sang, per Us Weekly. “She’s all I want, and I waited for so long / Schwartzy can’t you see that Raquel is hot for me.”

Raquel ‘In Negotiations’ For ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Return

An insider exclusively told In Touch on July 13 ​​that “Raquel thinks she should be paid a lot more than what she was getting.”

“After all, she made Vanderpump Rules a hot topic, and ratings went up because of Scandoval,” the source revealed.

Raquel Speaks Out

As the Vanderpump cast returned to film season 11 in June, Raquel was spotted back home in Tuscon, Arizona.

The following month, she ended her hiatus during an August 16 appearance on Bethenny Frankel’s “Just B With Bethenny” podcast.

Raquel slammed claims that she and Ariana were “best friends,” claiming they “were acquaintances who became friends through the show.”

“She’s always been somebody who’s been very sweet to me. She would stand up for me and encourage me to pursue whatever I was, I don’t know … pursuing,” she explained. “And that was all great. But we never had, like, a deep conversation that I would have with a best friend.”

Raquel also addressed the NSFW video of her that was found on Tom’s phone, claiming she did not give him permission to record the moment.

“I decided to be adventurous and look at the adult section on the TV, and Tom and I FaceTimed a lot, so it turned into something more of an intimate FaceTime. I expected to have privacy in that moment, so that happened,” she continued. “I get a text from Ariana sending me two screen-recorded videos and a text that said, ‘You’re dead to me,’ and that’s how I knew that she knew. And then also that’s how I found out I had been recorded without my consent, so of course all of these emotions came flooding over me.”

Raquel Stops Following Sandoval

As of August 23, Raquel quit following Tom Sandoval on Instagram. She also changed her bio to read, “Becoming a better person… one day at a time,” while changing her name to read “Rachel Leviss.”

Raquel Admits There Are ‘No Excuses’ for Her Actions

Raquel responded to a Bravo fan who broke down her interview with Bethenny, claiming she should have “respected” not only Tom and Ariana’s relationship but herself as well. She admitted to reverting to “magical thinking” before slamming Tom in her August 28 Instagram comment.

“He had a million and one reasons why they hadn’t broken up yet and it was easier to stay in that fantasy then to face the fact that the social anxiety and isolation was not worth it,” Raquel wrote. “So yes, absolutely you’re 100% right. It was MY responsibility to remove myself from that situation … now I know better.”