Ann Maddox Ditches Tom Sandoval to Join Team Ariana on 'Vanderpump Rules'

There are a lot of things about Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval's breakup that left fans scratching their heads. One of them is the fact that the exes remained under the same roof following Tom's cheating scandal, known by everyone now as "Scandoval." Another thing that sets their breakup apart from most is that they tend to communicate through Tom's assistant, Ann Maddox.

And in the March 26 episode of Vanderpump Rules, we see another potential line being crossed when Ann straight up asks to be considered for the role of Ariana's assistant.

To be fair, Ariana says that she doesn't want Tom to feel like she "poached" his assistant, but she also doesn't say no to the possibility of Ann jumping the Sandoval ship and being Team Ariana. That said, viewers want to know if Ann is now Ariana's assistant after all.

During the first few minutes of the Vanderpump Rules episode, Ariana calls Ann to discuss a few things with her. One thing she wants to talk about is, of course, Tom. But another thing is the hope that Ann has some recommendations for assistants since Ariana finds herself in need of one. Immediately, Ann asks if she can "be in the running."

Ariana laughs and says that she can. However, Ariana also wants to tread lightly so Tom doesn't see Ariana "stealing" Ann as an attack on him. Ariana tells producers that she thinks someone needs to "save Ann" and even jokes about a hashtag for saving Ann from working for Tom, who seems to assign his assistant with a wide range of tasks, from talking to his ex for him to cleaning up the morning after a party.

On April 26, Ann provided an update on her career path, unveiling a major shift! She told The Daily Dish, "I am very excited about my new job at Something About Her. Ariana and Katie are the best bosses a girl can ask for! [I] can’t wait to 'break bread' with all the lovely fans of VPR at the sandwich shop. See you soon!"

The official opening date of the sandwich shop is still a mystery, but Katie Maloney said on the Vanderpump Rules After Show that Ann's involvement is a "must" once doors open.

As for Ariana, she shared her perspective on Ann joining the team during the VPR After Show. She explained, "Something [Ann] had said she wanted in a job before was to be someone who contributed creatively and somebody who had upward mobility — things like that — and that's definitely something that we have. She also said she really wanted to work with women."

Katie then joined in on the fun, praising all of Ann's many accomplishments: "I already think she's a great addition," she said. "Just her presence and enthusiasm and everything."

If Ann were to make the shift and work for Ariana instead of Tom, it would likely be a move that Ann carefully considers. She had worked for him for years before Scandoval happened. According to Ann's LinkedIn, she began working as Tom's assistant in 2020.

Before that, she worked for another unnamed celebrity. So for her to leave the position, she likely wouldn't do it if she hadn't considered it from every angle.

Watch Vanderpump Rules on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.