Tom Sandoval’s Explosive Return to Vanderpump Rules Season 11: Navigating the Aftermath of Scandoval

Every compelling reality show thrives on drama, and often, a central antagonist. For Bravo’s hit series, Vanderpump Rules, that role has undeniably fallen upon Tom Sandoval, particularly in the wake of the unprecedented cheating scandal known globally as “Scandoval.” As anticipation builds for Season 11, all eyes remain fixed on Sandoval, curious to see how he navigates the tumultuous landscape created by his actions and the profound impact on his relationships and public image.

The “Scandoval” erupted in March 2023, sending shockwaves through pop culture and revitalizing Vanderpump Rules into a must-watch phenomenon. Tom Sandoval, a 40-year-old original cast member and co-owner of the popular TomTom restaurant, found himself at the epicenter of a maelstrom. His six-month-long affair with Raquel Leviss, 29, a close friend and co-star of his then-longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, 38, ignited a furious backlash from fans and fellow cast members alike. The scandal culminated in a highly charged and emotional Season 10 reunion, a television event that dominated headlines and social media conversations throughout 2023.

The immediate aftermath of the reunion saw Bravo swiftly decide to commence filming for Season 11, a strategic move to capture the raw, unfolding consequences of the scandal. However, not every individual embroiled in the “Scandoval” was prepared to step back into the glaring spotlight of reality television.

• Tom Sandoval is an original cast member on Vanderpump Rules.
• His cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss played out during the season 10 finale and reunion.
• Tom will appear in Vanderpump Rules season 11.

Will Tom Sandoval Be In Season 11?

Yes, Tom Sandoval is a central figure in Vanderpump Rules season 11. Despite the immense public scrutiny and personal turmoil, Sandoval returned to the show, albeit with a brief initial absence to film Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 2. His return saw him rejoin key cast members including Ariana Madix, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney, James Kennedy, and Lisa Vanderpump. The confirmation of his presence for the upcoming season came as early as summer 2023, when he was frequently seen filming alongside his co-stars. One notable incident captured on camera on July 11 showed Tom engaged in a heated screaming match with Scheana Shay outside SUR, signaling that the drama was far from over and that his reintegration into the group would be anything but smooth.

The early days of Season 11 filming also saw Tom participate in the cast’s first group trip to Lake Tahoe. During this trip, he appeared to be on surprisingly friendly terms with some of his co-stars, a dynamic that notably excluded Ariana and Katie, who were not present. This seemingly amicable interaction, particularly a group photo with a fan that included Tom alongside Lala Kent and Scheana Shay, quickly ignited further public backlash. Fans questioned the sincerity of their outrage over the scandal if they were willing to socialize with Sandoval.

Both Lala and Scheana, facing a torrent of criticism online, addressed the controversy surrounding their perceived closeness with Tom. Lala, in a candid video shared on her Instagram Story at the end of July, expressed her exasperation: “It like still blows my mind that people don’t realize we’re filming a show.” Scheana echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the performative aspect of reality television: “We’re in a group. We’re all here. We hopped in a photo. You know what? I happened to be standing where I was standing. I take photos with strangers every f****** day. That’s how you take a photo. I stand like that. I smile. I tilt my head to my good side.” Their statements underscored the complex reality of filming a show where personal conflicts are amplified, and professional obligations often dictate interactions, even amongst deeply fractured friendships.

As the season progressed towards its conclusion, the entire cast journeyed to San Francisco, where a party became the scene of yet another wild altercation involving Tom. A fan video, which quickly circulated online before being deleted, captured glimpses of this intense confrontation, suggesting that despite months of filming, tensions remained incredibly high and unresolved, ensuring a volatile and dramatic Season 11 for viewers.

What Has Tom Sandoval Said About His Future With Vanderpump Rules?

Following the wrap of filming for Season 11 in early September, Tom Sandoval openly shared his strenuous experience of re-engaging with his co-stars in the aftermath of the cheating scandal. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on September 13, Sandoval revealed that he had considerable internal debate about whether to return to the show, confessing, “I did actually really go back and forth about” coming back.

He drew a stark comparison between his path to recovery and that of Raquel Leviss. “[Raquel] went away to a facility and I really wish I could have done that, but I’m really glad that I was able to stay here, face it on a day-to-day basis,” Sandoval explained. He elaborated on his unique challenge, having to immediately return to work and public life amidst the intense scrutiny. “I had to go on tour to make money, so I had to go out and actively be working on things, actively be talking to fans and reconnecting with people. Being in therapy is one thing when you’re away in a facility, but being in therapy and then going out into the real world and actually using what you learned in therapy to practice in real time, then going back to therapy and being like, ‘This worked, this didn’t work,’ I felt worked out the best for me.” This candid insight highlights the differing, yet equally challenging, paths both individuals took to process the fallout of “Scandoval,” with Tom’s journey forcing him into a public crucible.

Sandoval did not mince words when describing the filming of Season 11, unequivocally stating that it “sucked.” He further explained the profound sense of isolation and difficulty he experienced: “Oh my god, it was not fun. It was very isolating and hard. It’s going to be a very unique season. It wasn’t easy for a lot of people because there’s a lot of pressure from the public, not just on me but on other people, so it’s like if anyone is seen talking to me they get backlash. So, it’s tough.” This acknowledgment underscores the chilling effect the scandal had, not just on Tom personally, but on the entire cast’s dynamics, as interactions with him could quickly lead to public condemnation for others.

Reinforcing these sentiments in an interview with E! News, Tom reiterated that Season 11 was “very rough and isolating” for him. He conveyed the profound discomfort of feeling like an outcast: “You walk in and you feel like nobody in the room likes you. And it’s a s*** feeling, I can tell you. But, I’m glad we got through it and I feel like there was a lot of things that needed to be said and that needed to be addressed. And we got it out there. And it’s gonna be a very interesting, very unique season for people to see.” His statements paint a vivid picture of a season marked by raw emotions, difficult confrontations, and a pervasive sense of estrangement, promising a deeply compelling, albeit uncomfortable, viewing experience.

Are Tom and Ariana Filming Together?

Leading up to the commencement of Season 11, Ariana Madix made her position unequivocally clear: she would not engage with Tom Sandoval on camera. This stance was particularly challenging given that, despite their messy breakup, they still resided in the same house. In an interview with The New York Times, Ariana articulated her firm boundary regarding filming with Tom and Raquel: “I have nothing to say to either of them. Our show is very real and follows a real group of friends, and neither of them are in the group of friends, so, good luck.” Her declaration set a challenging precedent for the show’s producers, who had to navigate filming two central figures of the scandal under such strained conditions.

Throughout the season’s production, reports emerged, with TMZ claiming that Ariana was actively “refusing to share the screen” with her ex-boyfriend and that she had not engaged in “direct conversation” with Tom since the explosive Season 10 reunion. This created unique logistical challenges for the production team, who had to devise creative ways to film scenes involving the broader cast without forcing interaction between the former couple. A telling moment came on August 8, when Ariana and Tom were photographed together for the first time since their split at an outdoor water tasting event. The group photo, featuring their co-stars, strikingly depicted Ariana and Tom standing as far apart from each other as possible, a stark visual representation of the emotional and physical distance between them.

Despite their deeply acrimonious split, an unexpected twist emerged when Tom Sandoval publicly expressed his support for Ariana. On September 13, he revealed his intention to vote for his ex-girlfriend as she competed on Dancing With The Starsseason 32. Speaking to Extra, Sandoval remarked, “I think she’s going to do really well. She’s got a lot of actual ability when it comes to dancing. She’s been wanting to be on the show for a long time. I’m super stoked for her. I hope she does really well. I think she will.” This unexpected gesture of goodwill, while potentially viewed as a strategic move by some, offered a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory emotions that can linger even amidst such public and painful betrayals. It leaves viewers to ponder the true nature of their fractured relationship and the possibility, however remote, of any future reconciliation.

Is Raquel Leviss Coming Back?

In a significant development that shaped the narrative of Vanderpump Rules Season 11, Raquel Leviss made the definitive decision not to return to the show. The news of her departure was first broken by Entertainment Tonight on August 17. A source close to Leviss disclosed the reasoning behind her choice, stating, “There was a possibility up until recently she’d be returning for the new season, but ultimately decided against it.” The source further elaborated on her priorities: “Raquel, who goes by her birth name, Rachel, again, is focused on her mental health journey and knew going back to the show would open her up to trauma she’s been working on healing. Rachel is looking forward to what the future holds for her.” This decision underscored the profound personal toll the “Scandoval” took on Leviss and her commitment to prioritize her well-being over the demands of reality television.

After the revelation of her affair with Tom Sandoval, Raquel checked herself into a mental health facility in April 2023 for intensive treatment. Upon leaving the facility two months later, she broke her silence and delved into various aspects of her experience, from her relationship with Tom to her journey through mental health treatment. She candidly shared these insights on Bethenny Frankel’s podcast at the end of August, offering a rare glimpse into her perspective following months of public silence.

During the podcast, Raquel discussed her deliberate choice to step away from Vanderpump Rules, despite reported attempts by production to entice her back. She articulated the inherent risks and pressures of being a reality television personality, especially in the wake of such a public scandal. “My mistakes that I’ve made on camera live on forever,” she reflected to Bethenny. She also addressed the pervasive manipulation tactics often employed in reality TV: “And you mentioned something about the addiction of doing reality TV and the way that they always dangle that carrot in front of you, like, ‘Well, you need to tell your side of the story otherwise it’s gonna be written for you,’ ” she explained. “And that’s terrifying. So I almost went back, I know just because of that.” Her remarks shed light on the immense psychological pressure faced by reality stars to control their narratives, even if it means sacrificing personal healing for public perception. Ultimately, Rachel’s decision to prioritize her mental health over a return to the show marks a significant turning point, not only for her personal journey but also for the ongoing dynamic and storytelling of Vanderpump Rules, leaving a void that production must now contend with in Season 11.

The Lasting Impact of Scandoval on Vanderpump Rules

The “Scandoval” irrevocably altered the landscape of Vanderpump Rules, propelling it back into the cultural zeitgeist with an intensity rarely seen in reality television. Season 11 is poised to delve deep into the fallout, showcasing fractured friendships, simmering resentments, and the arduous attempts at personal accountability. Tom Sandoval’s return, marked by his self-described isolation and the intense public pressure, promises a raw and often uncomfortable viewing experience. His presence ensures that the core betrayal remains a central theme, even as other cast members navigate their own evolving relationships and loyalties.

The absence of Raquel Leviss, now Rachel, profoundly impacts the show’s narrative. Without her perspective directly on camera, the story of the affair becomes even more layered, relying on the remaining cast to recount and react. Her decision underscores the mental toll of public scrutiny and may prompt a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of reality television production. Ultimately, Vanderpump Rules Season 11 is set to be a unique chapter, a testament to how one scandal can redefine a series, forcing its stars and its storytelling into uncharted, and undoubtedly dramatic, territory. Viewers can anticipate a season filled with confrontations, emotional breakthroughs, and a continued exploration of the complex aftermath of an event that captivated millions.