Navigating the Aftermath: How the Vanderpump Rules Cast Faced Season 10’s Shocking Breakups

The highly anticipated tenth season of Vanderpump Rules arrived amidst a seismic shift within its core group, as two long-standing relationships came to a dramatic end even before filming commenced. Fans were left reeling by the news that Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney, a couple central to the show’s narrative since its inception, had concluded their six-year marriage. Simultaneously, the engagement between Raquel Leviss and James Kennedy was called off, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate web of friendships. These two monumental breakups set the stage for a season unlike any other, promising unprecedented drama and emotional turbulence. HollywoodLife exclusively caught up with the cast members at BravoCon 2022, delving into the raw challenges and emotional landscapes they navigated while filming Season 10 with these significant splits looming large.

For many, the aftermath of these separations was deeply personal and profoundly challenging. Scheana Shay candidly shared her struggles, revealing, “It’s not been easy. It’s still difficult at times.” Her comments underscored the unique predicament faced by a reality television cast whose lives are so intertwined. Scheana elaborated on the social tightrope walk inherent in maintaining friendships with both halves of a separated couple, stating, “You want to invite everyone to everything.” However, the harsh reality of the fractured group dynamics meant that such inclusivity was simply not possible. This was acutely felt during her own wedding to Brock Davies, where the blossoming, and then rumored, connection between Raquel and Tom Schwartz created palpable tension. The alleged hookup between Raquel and Tom the night before Scheana’s wedding only exacerbated the existing drama, forcing Scheana to make difficult decisions about who could, and perhaps more importantly, who couldn’t be part of her special day, all while the cameras rolled.

The long-standing friendships within the group were inevitably put to the test, leading to unavoidable divisions. Lala Kent openly acknowledged the natural, albeit challenging, realignment of loyalties post-split. She confirmed that the cast found themselves divided in their support for Tom and Katie, despite the former couple’s expressed desire for their friends to remain neutral. “It was just a natural thing that we all kind of did. And it’s weird,” Lala explained. This “weirdness” stemmed from the necessity for each individual to navigate their own relationships with both Tom and Katie, often resulting in them gravitating towards one more than the other based on their personal history and existing bonds. Lala articulated this complex dynamic perfectly: “When people go their separate ways, it’s a different dynamic for everybody and everyone has to find their place. So we were all just trying to get in where we fit in. I don’t know that it works. But it made great TV.” Her pragmatic view highlights the inherent conflict that drives reality television, where personal struggles often translate into compelling on-screen narratives, regardless of the emotional cost to the cast.

Maintaining impartiality in such a deeply interconnected friend group proved to be an almost impossible feat. Ariana Madix shared with HollywoodLife that it was simply “human nature” for members of the Vanderpump Rules cast to “gravitate” towards either Tom or Katie following their separation. Despite this natural inclination, Ariana expressed a genuine desire to remain supportive of everyone involved. “But I love everybody. You know, and that sounds so lame,” she admitted, quickly adding, “But I do.” Her statement speaks volumes about the difficulty of choosing sides when you have deep affection for both individuals. Ariana, known for her empathetic nature, found herself in a challenging position, striving to extend kindness and understanding to both Tom and Katie while witnessing the painful fragmentation of their shared social circle. This desire to uphold all her friendships, even in the face of deep divisions, characterized her approach to a season fraught with emotional landmines.

The personal toll of filming a season saturated with relationship turmoil was undeniable, particularly for those at the heart of the drama. Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz’s long-time best friend and business partner, openly stated that it was “tough” navigating both the Tom-Katie divorce and the James-Raquel breakup simultaneously. His perspective offers a unique insight into the ripple effects of these splits on the broader group dynamic, as he was intimately involved in supporting his closest friend through a difficult period. When questioned about the alleged hookup with Raquel, Schwartz remained cagey but admitted that he got to know Raquel “on a much deeper level” in season 10. This admission alone hinted at a significant shift in their relationship, moving beyond casual acquaintances into something more substantial, fueling speculation and intrigue among the cast and viewers alike.

Expanding on his burgeoning connection with Raquel, Tom Schwartz painted a picture of a deepening bond. “We were friends, and now we’re tight. We text, we hang out,” the TomTom owner explained, emphasizing the genuine enjoyment he found in their new dynamic. “It’s been fun getting to know her.” This newfound camaraderie, however, came with a complex emotional landscape. Schwartz hinted at the inherent duality of the season, teasing that the upcoming episodes would be “juicy” and “good” for the viewers, but profoundly “sad” for him personally. This sentiment encapsulates the bittersweet reality of his post-divorce life: while his struggles provided compelling entertainment, the emotional weight of his marital dissolution and the new, challenging relationship dynamics took a significant toll. For Schwartz, Season 10 represented not just the end of a chapter, but a difficult journey of self-discovery and the forging of unexpected new connections, all under the relentless glare of the reality TV cameras.

Raquel Leviss also faced her own unique set of challenges throughout Season 10. Having ended her engagement to James Kennedy, she was thrust into the awkward and often painful position of being around him and his new girlfriend,Ally Lewber, on a regular basis. This scenario, common in close-knit social circles, was amplified by the constant presence of cameras and the expectations of a reality television show. Despite the inherent discomfort, Raquel expressed a surprising degree of peace with the situation. She highlighted the respectful way she and James managed their post-breakup interactions, a testament to their desire to move forward maturely, at least initially.

Reflecting on the unusual circumstances she found herself in, Raquel explained, “There’s definitely been situations I’ve been in where I normally wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for the show.” This acknowledged the artificiality and heightened drama that reality television often creates. However, she quickly added, “But it’s been better than I expected actually.” This positive outlook indicated a genuine effort on her part to navigate the new dynamics with grace. Raquel emphasized a continued sense of mutual regard between her and James: “I feel like we kind of have this mutual respect for each other and we honestly do wish each other well.” For Raquel, the split was about recognizing fundamental incompatibilities. “I just don’t think that he [James] was the right fit for me,” she concluded, demonstrating a clear understanding of her own needs and desires. Witnessing James find new happiness with Ally, Raquel stated, “he seems to have found love. So I’m happy by that. And I’m just gonna continue doing me.” This commitment to self-prioritization and personal growth underscored her journey in the wake of her high-profile breakup, showing a mature approach to moving on, at least as captured in these early season interviews.

James Kennedy, ever the outspoken and passionate personality, vividly described the profound impact of Tom and Katie’s divorce on the entire group. He declared that their split turned the friend group “upside down,” illustrating the sheer disruption it caused to the social fabric of their close-knit circle. The juxtaposition of the two major breakups, both playing out simultaneously, was not lost on him. “It couldn’t get more yin yang opposites,” James added, highlighting the contrasting yet equally impactful nature of the two relationship endings. While these dramatic shifts fueled much of the season’s narrative, James concluded with a characteristic flourish, stating, “But I will say this — I don’t keep it in the family… [But] I hope everyone is happy.” This remark, delivered with his usual blend of irreverence and underlying sentiment, encapsulates the complex loyalties and emotional investments within the group, ultimately wishing for peace and contentment for all, despite the turbulent journey of Season 10.

The collective experience of navigating these dual breakups promised a season filled with raw emotion, shifting alliances, and unexpected twists. From Scheana’s wedding guest list dilemmas to Lala’s insights on divided loyalties, and from Tom Schwartz’s new “deep level” connection with Raquel to James and Raquel’s remarkably civil post-split interactions, Season 10 presented an unprecedented look into the personal lives of the Vanderpump Rules cast. These interviews from BravoCon 2022 served as an early glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that awaited viewers, underscoring how deeply personal turmoil translates into captivating, high-stakes television. The profound impact of these relationship endings didn’t just redefine individual lives but fundamentally reshaped the entire group dynamic, paving the way for one of the show’s most talked-about and dramatic installments. Bravo has yet to reveal the official premiere date for Vanderpump Rules Season 10, but sources exclusively told HollywoodLife that new episodes were expected to debut in February 2023, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.