The Scandoval Fallout: 5 Shocking Things Tom Sandoval Did And Where He Is Now In Late 2025

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The question of "what did Tom Sandoval do" became a cultural phenomenon in 2023, but the answer is no longer a simple one-line summary of a cheating scandal. As of late December 2025, the reality star is navigating a complex aftermath that involves lawsuits, a struggling business, a new high-profile relationship, and a surprising pivot to other reality television ventures that have kept him in the public eye. The initial betrayal of his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix was just the beginning of a saga that continues to unfold two years later. The infamous affair, dubbed "Scandoval," broke in March 2023, exposing a months-long secret relationship between Tom Sandoval and his *Vanderpump Rules* (VPR) co-star and Ariana’s close friend, Rachel "Raquel" Leviss. This act of infidelity and deception shattered his personal life, tanked his public image, and fundamentally changed the landscape of the Bravo reality series. The most recent developments in late 2025 show a man struggling to redefine his brand and manage the severe consequences of his actions, including a reported firing from VPR and ongoing legal battles.

Thomas Anthony Sandoval: Biography and Profile

Thomas Anthony Sandoval is an American reality television personality, actor, musician, and entrepreneur, best known as an original cast member on Bravo’s *Vanderpump Rules*.

  • Full Name: Thomas Anthony Sandoval
  • Date of Birth: July 7, 1983
  • Age (as of late 2025): 42
  • Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Early Career: Before VPR, Sandoval worked as a model, actor, and musician. He was famously seen working as a bartender at Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR.
  • Music Career: He is the frontman for the cover band, The Most Extra.
  • Businesses: Co-owner of two West Hollywood bars: TomTom (with Tom Schwartz and Lisa Vanderpump) and the now-struggling Schwartz & Sandy's (with Tom Schwartz).
  • Key Relationships: Kristen Doute (ex-girlfriend), Ariana Madix (ex-girlfriend, 2014-2023), Rachel Leviss (affair partner), Victoria Lee Robinson (current girlfriend).

The Five Core Actions That Defined the "Scandoval"

The controversy is far deeper than a simple cheating scandal. It was the nature, duration, and subsequent handling of the affair that created the unprecedented public fallout and cemented the term "Scandoval" in pop culture.

1. He Had a Months-Long, Secret Affair with a Close Friend

The core of what Tom Sandoval did was engage in a secret, months-long affair with Rachel Leviss, a fellow cast member and a close friend of his long-term girlfriend, Ariana Madix. The deception was extensive, involving coordinated lies to his entire friend group, co-stars, and the production team of *Vanderpump Rules*. This wasn't a one-time mistake; it was a sustained betrayal of a nine-year relationship that played out while he and Ariana were actively filming the show and discussing their future.

2. Ariana Madix Discovered a Sexual Video on His Phone

The affair was finally exposed in March 2023, not by a confession, but by a shocking discovery. Ariana Madix found a sexually explicit video of Rachel Leviss on Tom Sandoval’s phone while he was performing with his band, The Most Extra. This method of discovery added a layer of profound violation and public humiliation to the betrayal. The intense media frenzy that followed immediately became known as the "Scandoval."

3. He Publicly Blamed Ariana and Showed No Remorse

In the immediate aftermath and throughout the Season 10 reunion, Sandoval was widely criticized for his perceived lack of genuine remorse and his attempts to shift blame onto Ariana Madix. He infamously suggested that Ariana was somehow at fault for not paying enough attention to him. He even later claimed that Ariana should have simply "followed" him if she wanted to know what he was doing. His defensive and self-pitying public statements only further enraged the public and his co-stars, solidifying his status as a reality TV villain.

4. He Drove His Business Partner to Quit

The scandal had immediate, devastating financial consequences, particularly for his business ventures with Tom Schwartz. The newly opened bar, Schwartz & Sandy's, became a casualty of the public backlash, facing boycotts and negative reviews that severely impacted its viability. By late 2025, reports indicated that the bar had either folded or was on the brink of shutting down, and Tom Schwartz publicly stated he would "never" go into business with Sandoval again. The affair didn't just ruin a relationship; it destroyed a co-star's livelihood and a shared entrepreneurial dream.

5. He Continues to Live with Ariana Madix in a Co-Owned House

Perhaps the most bizarre ongoing consequence is the former couple’s living situation. Despite their toxic split, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix still co-own and reside in their shared Valley Village home as of late 2025. This awkward arrangement, which was briefly captured on Season 11 of VPR, has forced them to navigate an uncomfortable, high-stakes property dispute while maintaining separate lives under the same roof. The resolution of this shared asset remains one of the final, defining chapters of the Scandoval fallout.

Tom Sandoval’s Current Status: Fired, Lawsuits, and New Shows in 2025

The two years following the Scandoval have seen Tom Sandoval attempt a major career pivot, moving away from his primary role on *Vanderpump Rules* and dealing with the complex legal and personal fallout.

The Reality TV Pivot: From VPR to Villains

While reports suggested Sandoval was fired from *Vanderpump Rules* after Season 11, he has successfully leveraged his villain status into new reality television opportunities. Sandoval has appeared on Season 3 of Peacock’s Emmy-nominated series, The Traitors US, and also competed on Season 3 of E!’s House of Villains. This strategic move allows him to capitalize on his notoriety without the intense scrutiny of his former friend group. Furthermore, he has been vocal about "working on new shows," suggesting his reality TV career is far from over.

The Ongoing Legal and Personal Battles

Sandoval remains entangled in a lawsuit filed by Rachel Leviss, which has seen him part ways with one lawyer and reportedly hire another to navigate the complex proceedings. Court documents and Reddit threads in 2025 indicate ongoing legal maneuvering, with a trial ordered and a hearing possibly scheduled for June 2025, demonstrating that the legal fallout is far from resolved.

On a personal front, he has moved on from Rachel Leviss and is now in a relationship with model Victoria Lee Robinson, with reports suggesting he has even moved in with her a year and a half after the initial scandal broke. However, his public image continues to be volatile; in December 2025, he drew fresh criticism when co-star Katie Maloney reacted negatively to his "weird 'murder' comments," proving that he still has a knack for generating controversy.

Ariana Madix’s Thriving New Life

In stark contrast, Ariana Madix has turned the betrayal into a massive career success. She has become a co-host of Love Island USA, secured major brand deals, and released a best-selling book, effectively proving that she has moved on and is "thriving" in her post-Scandoval life. Her success story serves as a constant, public reminder of the consequences of Tom Sandoval's actions.

what did tom sandoval do
what did tom sandoval do

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