Reality TV and 'VPR' Expert Shares Why "Scandoval" Is Different From Other Cheating Scandals (EXCLUSIVE)
'Vanderpump Rules' was once one big game of musical partners among the cast, and a reality TV expert shared why Scandoval is different.
Updated Feb. 13 2024, 12:06 p.m. ET
Fans of reality television can’t seem to get enough of the Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal involving Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss. Tom had been involved with his co-star, Ariana Madix, for almost 10 years, and the two shared a home together. Afterward, Ariana was open about her feelings regarding her ex-boyfriend, who she first began dating in 2013.
But in the early days of VPR, cheating was commonplace. And Distractify spoke exclusively with VPR subreddit mod and reality TV expert Sarah to figure out why Tom's affair with Raquel was different on the show and among fans.
Plus, did Tom cheat with anyone else on Vanderpump Rules? Keep reading to find out!
Did Tom Sandoval cheat with anyone else on 'Vanderpump Rules'?
In the VPR Season 10 finale, Tom and Ariana came face-to-face to discuss his affair. During the heated exchange, Tom attempted to apologize for his role in the salacious act, but later admitted that he developed a “connection” with Raquel. Tom’s declaration saddened Ariana more as she tearfully condemned her ex for being disloyal. “You’re worth nothing. And I want you to feel that deep in your soul,” she said.
However, most longtime fans might remember the "Miami girl" allegations from earlier in the series when Tom's ex Kristen Doute accused him of cheating on Ariana with someone on a trip to Florida. And former castmate Jax Taylor had his own share of cheating scandals. However, VPR's reddit expert Sarah shared with us some key differences between those instances and Scandoval.
"I don't think cheating is like something that's excusable, no matter what age you are, but there is the element of the difference of them being in their early 30's and being in their early 40's," she shared with Distractify.
She added that there "was more seriousness" to Tom and Ariana's relationship. They had purchased a house together and Tom was pushing Ariana to start a family with him.
Plus, Sarah pointed out, Tom was always quick to "call out the other dudes and condemn them for their bad behavior" in the early days of VPR.
Scandoval shocked most viewers of Vanderpump Rules, but OG fans of the Bravo series may be familiar with another one of Tom’s alleged affairs.
Tom and Ariana’s relationship faced cheating allegations long before Raquel joined Vanderpump Rules. In the Season 10 finale, Tom sat down with Scheana Shay to discuss the fallout from his affair with Raquel.
During the conversation, Tom confirmed rumors that he hooked up with a “Miami girl” in 2014. He said that Ariana was aware of that mishap and that "Ariana has always known the truth about that."
However, Scheana continued to press him, and asked if there were any other skeletons in his closet. Tom then revealed that he was unfaithful to Ariana “one other time,” prompting Scheana to respond, “You’re sick.”
Tom cheated on his ex-girlfriend with Ariana Madix.
Ironically, Tom’s relationship with Ariana ended how it started — with an alleged affair. Former Vanderpump Rules star Kristen Doute dated Tom from 2007 to 2013, and their relationship ended after he cheated with Ariana. According to Us Weekly, Tom admitted to kissing Ariana while he was still dating Kristen, but he has since claimed that the two didn't have sex until after his relationship with Kristen was over.
Watch Vanderpump Rules on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.