Last year, a cheating scandal involving three stars of the reality show Vanderpump Rules took over the internet. Even people who didn’t watch the show saw the news everywhere. The drama centered around Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix, and Rachel Leviss (who was known as Raquel at the time).
On March 3, 2023, Sandoval and Madix announced they had broken up after nine years together. Rumors spread that Sandoval had cheated on Madix with their co-star, Leviss. The scandal became so big that Bravo started filming again to capture the fallout. Fans called it “Scandoval,” mixing “scandal” and “Sandoval.”
Now, Leviss has filed a lawsuit against Sandoval, Madix, and Bravo, sharing new details about the affair and how she was treated.
Here’s everything that happened, from the beginning to now.
What Is Vanderpump Rules?
Vanderpump Rules is a Bravo reality show that started in 2013. It originally followed the staff at SUR, a Los Angeles restaurant owned by Lisa Vanderpump, who was also on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Over the years, the cast became famous, and many moved on from the restaurant. The show is still running, now in its 11th season.
(Bravo is part of NBCUniversal, which also owns TODAY.)
Timeline of the Cheating Scandal
2013: Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix Start Dating
Sandoval was one of the original cast members when the show began in 2012. Madix joined in Season 2 (2013).
At the time, Sandoval was dating another cast member, Kristen Doute. But during the Season 2 reunion, he admitted he kissed Madix before breaking up with Doute.
Interestingly, Sandoval had been cheated on before. Doute had an affair with his best friend, Jax Taylor, while Sandoval was asleep in their shared apartment.
2016: Rachel Leviss Joins the Show
Leviss first appeared in Season 5 as the girlfriend of cast member James Kennedy. They got engaged in 2021 but broke up months later.
2019: Sandoval Reveals Madix Hooked Up with a Co-Star
In one episode, Sandoval told friends that Madix had a fling with co-star Lala Kent. Madix was upset he shared this without her permission.
“My sexuality is not something to sound cool to a bunch of guys,” she said.
2021: Madix Talks About Marriage
On Andy Cohen’s show, Madix said she wasn’t interested in a big wedding.
“If it was just about us, I’d be more open to it,” she said. “I don’t want a giant wedding and all that.”
Summer 2022: Leviss Gets Close to Tom Schwartz
In Season 10, Leviss started spending time with Tom Schwartz, Sandoval’s best friend. Schwartz had just split from his wife, Katie Maloney.
Leviss and Schwartz kissed at a wedding in August 2022.
But Leviss’ lawsuit says her affair with Sandoval actually began around August 10, 2022. She claims many cast members knew about it.
January 2023: Open Relationship Rumors
A trailer for Season 10 hinted that Sandoval and Madix might have an open relationship. Madix denied this on Twitter (before deleting her account).
Rumors grew when Leviss stayed at Sandoval’s house while Madix was away. Madix defended Leviss, calling her a “kind and loyal friend.”
March 2023: Madix Finds Out About the Affair
Madix discovered the affair after finding a video of Sandoval and Leviss on his phone.
Leviss’ lawsuit says Sandoval recorded these videos without her consent in February 2023. Madix then allegedly showed them to others, which Leviss claims was illegal.
March 2023: Sandoval and Madix Announce Their Split
Sandoval confirmed the breakup on Instagram, asking fans not to blame his friends.
Days later, he posted a longer apology:
“I made reckless decisions that hurt someone I love. I never meant to disappoint so many people.”
Leviss also apologized, saying she regretted her actions and was seeking counseling.
March 2023: Madix Breaks Her Silence
Madix shared a heartfelt post, thanking fans for their support.
“I have been devastated and broken,” she wrote. “But I know I’m not alone.”
March 2023: The Cast Films a Heated Reunion
The Season 10 reunion was intense. Madix wore a red “revenge dress” and confronted Sandoval and Leviss.
Leviss later admitted she was wrong but said Sandoval made her feel “seen and heard.”
April 2023: Leviss Enters a Mental Health Facility
Leviss checked into a treatment center, which she says was planned before the scandal.
May 2023: The Season 10 Finale Airs
The finale showed Madix’s explosive reaction to the affair. She told Sandoval:
“I regret ever loving you.”
Meanwhile, Sandoval and Leviss exchanged “I love yous” on camera.
August 2023: Leviss Says She Won’t Return to the Show
Leviss told Bethenny Frankel she was done with reality TV.
“I can’t endure that emotional abuse anymore,” she said.
December 2023: Sandoval Says He Fought for Leviss
Sandoval claimed he stopped drinking and smoking to support Leviss.
“I was fully in love with her,” he said.
January 2024: Madix Sues Sandoval Over Their House
Madix filed to force the sale of their shared home, saying their conflict made living together impossible.
February 2024: Leviss Files Her Lawsuit
Leviss sued Sandoval and Madix, accusing them of revenge porn and emotional distress. She also blamed Bravo for allowing her public humiliation.
What Fans Thought
Many were shocked by the scandal. Some said Sandoval had always acted like the “moral” cast member, making his cheating worse.
Others felt bad for Madix, who was widely loved by fans.
The drama brought new attention to the show, making Season 10 one of its most-watched.
Final Thoughts
The “Scandoval” drama changed Vanderpump Rules forever. With lawsuits still ongoing and Season 11 airing, the story isn’t over yet.
Whether you followed the show or not, this scandal proved that reality TV drama can take over the internet—and sometimes, real-life consequences follow.
The “Vanderpump Rules” cheating scandal became one of the biggest reality TV dramas in years. It changed friendships, careers, and even led to legal battles. Fans watched as trust was broken, relationships ended, and new conflicts emerged. The fallout continues, with lawsuits and new episodes keeping the story alive.
At its core, “Scandoval” showed how personal mistakes can play out in public, especially on reality TV. While some cast members moved forward, others faced lasting consequences. Whether you love or hate the drama, one thing is clear—this scandal will be talked about for years to come.
