Tom Sandoval’s Shocking Confessions: Unveiling Multiple Affairs and the True Cost of Scandoval in the Vanderpump Rules Finale
The highly anticipated Season 10 finale of Vanderpump Rules delivered an emotional earthquake, forever altering the landscape of relationships within the SURverse. Airing on May 17, this pivotal episode didn’t just conclude a season; it brought to a head months of speculation, heartbreak, and a scandal that gripped pop culture. The “Scandoval,” as it became known, centered around the shocking affair between long-time cast member Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, behind the back of Sandoval’s nine-year girlfriend, Ariana Madix. But as the dust settled, the finale peeled back even more layers of deception, revealing a history of infidelity far more extensive than previously imagined, leaving viewers and fellow cast members stunned.
The episode plunged directly into the raw aftermath of the affair’s discovery. Viewers were privy to an intimate, yet brutally honest, one-on-one conversation between Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix at their shared home. This confrontation came shortly after Ariana uncovered his months-long infidelity with Raquel Leviss. Ariana, understandably furious and heartbroken, expressed her profound pain, telling Tom she wished for his demise. Tom, however, attempted to rationalize his actions, claiming he “really didn’t want to hurt” her. He then shifted the blame, stating that Raquel treated him “with respect,” a sentiment he hadn’t received from Ariana “in a long time,” effectively minimizing his betrayal and placing culpability on his long-term partner.
In a desperate attempt to justify his deceit, Tom delved into the state of his relationship with Ariana. He insisted they had “no sex life” and were essentially leading separate lives despite cohabiting. He further accused Ariana of “putting pressure” on him to remain in the relationship, alleging he tried to break up with her just two weeks before she discovered the affair with Raquel. Ariana swiftly debunked this narrative, pointing out the hypocrisy of his claims; if he truly intended to end their relationship, he should have left then, instead of engaging in sexual intimacy with her shortly after. Moreover, she highlighted the undeniable truth: his affair with Raquel was already well underway for several months by that point, making his attempts to paint himself as a victim of a failing relationship ring hollow and disingenuous. The timeline he presented failed to align with the depth of his secret betrayal, intensifying Ariana’s feelings of hurt and anger.
#PumpRules Finale Preview: Sandoval cries to Lisa Vanderpump pic.twitter.com/m5b6YnuLZ8
— Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) May 17, 2023
The conversation escalated as Tom “apologized” to Ariana for the manner in which she discovered his affair – through a sexually explicit video he filmed with Raquel and neglected to delete. This casual admission of such a profound violation only amplified Ariana’s fury. Her response was chillingly clear: she “regrets” every moment she spent loving, defending, and supporting him. “You’re worth nothing. And I want you to feel that deep in your soul,” she declared, her words cutting through his feigned remorse as a single tear traced a path down his cheek. “I regret ever loving you,” she reiterated, solidifying the irreparable damage to their once-unbreakable bond and the depth of her personal devastation. Her raw emotion became a powerful moment, embodying the anguish felt by countless viewers.
Following the emotionally charged confrontation with Ariana, Sandoval embarked on what appeared to be an “apology tour,” though many perceived it as an attempt at damage control and self-preservation. His next stop was at Tom Schwartz’s residence. The pressure on Schwartz was immense; his close friendship with Sandoval and the suspicion that he might have known about the affair earlier had led to both their shared businesses suffering and Schwartz facing intense online backlash and “cancellation.” Sandoval, visibly distraught, cried in Schwartz’s arms, offering an apology. Schwartz, caught between loyalty and financial ruin, promised not to abandon Sandoval during his crisis, yet his frustration was palpable. Their new restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s, was severely impacted by the aggressive fan backlash. Schwartz was desperate to clarify on camera that he was not “complicit” in the affair and insisted Sandoval needed to explicitly tell Ariana as much, attempting to mitigate his own reputational damage.
Sandoval, however, continued to peddle his familiar narrative. He reiterated his desire to break up with Ariana, emphasizing how they had supposedly grown apart over the years. He spoke of an unexpected, deep connection forming with Raquel, making it seem like an unforeseen bond rather than a calculated betrayal. He claimed his relationship with Ariana had been fraught for “four to five years,” a truth they allegedly concealed from the world. According to his self-serving account, their intimacy had dwindled to “zero,” with his only sexual relief coming from “watching porn in the f***ing bathroom.” He mentioned seeking therapy but expressed confusion about how to proceed. Despite his claims of loving Ariana, he firmly maintained that their relationship was fundamentally flawed and unhealthy, attempting to lay the groundwork for his affair as an escape rather than a selfish act.
Schwartz, in a moment that offered some semblance of clarity, acknowledged Sandoval’s feelings as “relatable” in terms of relationship struggles. However, he sharply criticized Sandoval for squandering “so many opportunities” to openly communicate his unhappiness with Ariana. Schwartz insisted that honest conversation was the proper course of action, a stark contrast to Sandoval’s secretive infidelity. Sandoval weakly claimed he had “tried.” He then bizarrely revealed that after his initial hookup with Raquel following “guys’ night” in August, they didn’t reconnect until late September, during the Life Is Beautiful festival. He incredibly suggested Ariana should have “known better” and caught on by then, even stating he told Ariana he was going to Schwartz’s, implying “all she would have had to do [was] follow me and see that I’m not.” Schwartz, recognizing the absurdity and cruelty of this statement, firmly pushed back, telling Sandoval he shouldn’t “put that responsibility on her.” Frustrated by his own “cancellation” due to association, Schwartz complained further, only for Sandoval to offer the unhelpful advice to “stay off social media,” showcasing his continued lack of genuine accountability.
throwing up #pumprules pic.twitter.com/U5bOzPliBs
— Vanderpump Rules (@sur_rules) May 16, 2023
A pivotal scene unfolded during a girls’ night out, featuring Ariana, Katie Maloney, and Scheana Shay, a snippet of which had been released earlier in the week, escalating anticipation for the finale. Ariana revealed the excruciating detail that Sandoval and Raquel first had sex in August, immediately following a “guys’ night,” and tragically, just days after Ariana’s beloved dog passed away. This profound act of disrespect, occurring during her most vulnerable period, compounded the betrayal. To add insult to injury, Sandoval and Raquel had sex in Raquel’s car, and upon returning home, Sandoval, without his house key, had to ring the doorbell and have Ariana let him in, completely unaware of his infidelity. Scheana, recounting her own furious reaction to the affair’s public revelation after her March 1 WWHL appearance with Raquel, expressed the “rage” that consumed her. She admitted to “shoving” Raquel “so f***ing hard” before retreating to her hotel room in NYC. This incident was critical as Raquel later filed a restraining order against Scheana, alleging a punch. However, Scheana adamantly maintained her innocence, arguing that her long nails made it physically impossible to form a proper fist, suggesting she likely “scratched her” in the heat of the moment. Katie Maloney also offered a compelling piece of evidence suggesting Schwartz’s early knowledge, recalling a moment at BravoCon in October 2022. When Katie made a sarcastic comment about Raquel being a “groupie” for wearing a TomTom hoodie, Schwartz’s cryptic response – “She’s not there for me — trust me” – took on a sinister new meaning in light of the affair, solidifying suspicions about his complicity.
The fallout wasn’t confined to Ariana. James Kennedy, Raquel’s former fiancé, called Raquel in a scene where he verbally “dragged her to filth.” Yet, in a revealing confessional, James clarified that his deepest anger was reserved not for Raquel, but for Sandoval. He had considered Sandoval a close friend and a mentor, a relationship he deeply valued. The revelation that Sandoval had not only betrayed Ariana but also hooked up with his ex-fiancée behind his back felt like a profound stab in the back. James made it clear he had no interest in continuing any friendship with Sandoval, a sentiment that resonated broadly among the rest of the cast, highlighting the extensive damage Sandoval’s actions had wrought upon his social circle and reputation.
James Kennedy crying over his lost friendship with Sandoval got to me. He really valued that friendship 🥺 #pumprules pic.twitter.com/7zCDkNQg7F
— Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) May 18, 2023
In a moment of profound awkwardness and public scrutiny, Sandoval visited Raquel’s apartment. Their interaction was a bizarre attempt to find solace in each other amidst the public “s***storm” they had created. They both lamented how “rough” the situation had been, took a shot together, and then began to discuss their illicit relationship. The scene quickly became a masterclass in cringeworthy television. Sandoval accidentally called Raquel “Ariana,” a slip that highlighted his mental entanglement between the two women. Moments later, when he told Raquel that his family loved her, she misheard him, believing he had uttered “I love you,” and instinctively responded, “I love you too.” The ensuing correction and her visible embarrassment were palpable, though Sandoval quickly salvaged the moment by confessing his love for her, followed by a hug. They also openly admitted to desiring to kiss but abstaining due to the omnipresent cameras, a stark reminder of the fabricated reality they were now forced to inhabit. “It’s so weird,” Raquel commented, underscoring the unnatural and strained nature of their newly public, controversial romance.
During a private conversation with a producer, Raquel attempted to explain her motivations for hooking up with Tom. She expressed a long-held desire for physical intimacy with someone she loved. Intriguingly, she claimed to have already loved Sandoval “like a friend” when their affair began, suggesting the transition felt “natural” to her. While acknowledging she “should have removed herself from the situation,” she confessed to an undeniable pull, admitting she “couldn’t resist” being in Sandoval’s presence, offering a glimpse into the emotional manipulation and self-deception at play.
Back in her private discussion with Sandoval, Raquel voiced her fears about him potentially cheating on her in the future, a testament to the fragile foundation of their relationship built on betrayal. Sandoval offered no concrete assurances, stating only that he was happy with her “currently” and couldn’t predict the future. He then veered into a personal revelation, claiming his life felt over when he turned 40, but that his connection with Raquel had made him feel “alive again,” as if his “best days” were still ahead. Both expressed regret over the destructive path they took to be together, wistfully wishing they could “do things over” if given the chance, a desire they acknowledged as an impossible fantasy. This mutual admission of regret, however, did little to mitigate the pain and anger of those they had wronged, highlighting their continued self-focus amidst the chaos.
In a dramatic turn following this uncomfortable encounter, Raquel symbolically disappeared from public view, turning off her phone and remaining unseen or unheard from for several weeks, leaving her future on the show and within the group uncertain.
The finale also marked the much-anticipated return ofKristen Doute, a significant moment for long-time fans given her tumultuous history with both Ariana and Tom. Her scene with Ariana was brief but impactful, offering a full-circle moment where both women apologized for past hurts and animosity. They symbolically burned items in the backyard and engaged with crystals, a therapeutic ritual to release negativity and embrace healing. Meanwhile, Katie Maloney continued her persistent quest for truth, meeting with Schwartz to press him once more about when he truly became aware of the affair. Schwartz, however, maintained his previous stance, insisting he knew little until just before the public revelation, further muddying the waters around his involvement and perceived complicity.
As the episode neared its climax, both Ariana and Sandoval had individual scenes with the matriarch of the Vanderpump Rules universe, Lisa Vanderpump, at her iconic Villa Rosa. Ariana, still deeply wounded, tearfully confessed how much she “misses” the Tom she thought she knew, highlighting the profound grief associated with losing a partner to betrayal. LVP, ever the sage mentor, offered comforting words, assuring Ariana that a better future awaited her beyond this heartbreak. When Sandoval arrived at Villa Rosa, he was in a state of hyperventilation, overwhelmed by the realization that his actions might mean he would “never speak to Ariana ever again.” Lisa, though sympathetic, urged him to compose himself and focus on healing. In a moment of tough love mixed with compassion, she delivered a crucial message: “You’re not a bad person — you just did a bad thing. Make sure you know that,” an attempt to guide him towards genuine introspection rather than self-pity, yet a sentiment many viewers found controversially lenient given the extent of his deception.
Later, during a girls’ night out, Tom Schwartz made an appearance, hoping to deliver a sincere apology to Ariana. While Ariana was receptive to hearing him out, she delivered a firm and definitive boundary: she could no longer maintain a friendship with him. Her reason was clear and resolute: she refused to have any mutual friends with Sandoval, drawing a stark line in the sand and underscoring the severe social repercussions of Sandoval’s actions on those associated with him, even peripherally.
The final, explosive scene of the finale brought Sandoval to Scheana’s, making it his last stop on this ill-fated apology tour. It was revealed that he had been disrespectful to her when she initially confronted him about the affair (off-camera) after her WWHL appearance, and he sought to make amends. Scheana, however, was in no mood for reconciliation. She unequivocally stated that she could not remain friends with him due to the devastating impact his actions had on Ariana, going so far as to declare he didn’t “deserve to have any friends.” Before she delivered her final judgment, she pressed him for more details about his affair, to which he once again recycled his long-standing narrative of a troubled relationship with Ariana for “years.” He made a shocking claim, alleging that Ariana had “threatened to kill herself” when he had attempted to break up with her in the past. Scheana vehemently dismissed this as an excuse for his egregious infidelity with Ariana’s close friend. Scheana reminded Tom of her unwavering loyalty in the past, particularly when she defended him against the persistent “Miami Girl” rumors of 2014. She confessed that despite her defense, she “always thought [that rumor] was true.” Before she could elaborate further, Sandoval interjected with a stunning confirmation, admitting the “Miami Girl” hookup was, in fact, true. “Ariana has always known the truth about that,” he told a visibly stunned Scheana, adding another layer of betrayal and pre-existing deception to his character.
Reeling from this revelation, Scheana pressed further, “Other than Miami Girl, [Raquel] was the first time you’ve ever cheated on Ariana?” Sandoval’s response sent shockwaves through the fandom: “There was one other time.” Scheana was utterly floored by this additional confession, reflecting the audience’s collective gasp. She inquired if this mystery person was a random hookup. Initially, Sandoval claimed yes, but quickly corrected himself, stating it was “not anyone random.” However, he adamantly refused to disclose the individual’s identity. “It’s not fair. I’m not going into it,” he insisted, to which a disgusted Scheana retorted, “You’re sick.” This bombshell revelation immediately ignited fervent speculation among fans. Could this “other person” Sandoval cheated on Ariana with be former co-star, Billie Lee? Rumors of a past hookup between Sandoval and Billie Lee have circulated for years, fueled by their close friendship and, more recently, photos of them hanging out shirtless. The final confession solidified Sandoval’s reputation as a serial cheater, painting a much darker picture of his relationship with Ariana than previously understood. As ten seasons of Vanderpump Rules have consistently shown, secrets, no matter how deeply buried, always have a way of coming into the light, promising further drama and revelations in the saga of Scandoval.
Want more unfiltered drama and answers? The Vanderpump Rules three-part reunion, where the entire cast will confront the fallout of these shocking revelations, kicks off next Wednesday, May 24, at 9pm on Bravo. Expect fireworks, tears, and perhaps, even more confessions as the cast grapples with the aftermath of Tom Sandoval’s extensive history of deception.