A Comprehensive Look at the Evolution of Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai's Relationship: From a Chance Encounter at Coachella to Casual Dating
Ariana Madix's love life takes a turn as she moves on from Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal with Raquel Leviss Explore the relationship timeline between Ariana and Daniel Wai, starting from a steamy Coachella hookup to their casual dates throughout 2023
Ariana Madix has revealed some insights into her passionate relationship with Daniel Wai, following her breakup with Tom Sandoval.
In March 2023, after almost ten years of being together, it was confirmed that Madix and Sandoval had split due to his involvement with their Vanderpump Rules castmate Raquel Leviss. Sandoval, who co-owns TomTom, later apologized publicly to Madix after initially only addressing the backlash against his business in Los Angeles following the fallout.
One month later, Madix went to Coachella with a group of friends, including Wai. They sparked romance rumors when they shared photos of themselves holding hands and kissing at the festival.
According to an exclusive source, Madix and the personal trainer were simply enjoying themselves during the trip. "Ariana is not ready for anything serious right now as she is still recovering from her recent breakup with Tom," the insider explained, mentioning that the Bravo star is not seeking commitment after ending things with Sandoval. "Part of her healing process involved having a good time at Coachella, and that's exactly what she did."
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Sandoval, on the other hand, expressed his sincere wishes for his ex-girlfriend's happiness in her love life. "Yes, I love that," he shared with TMZ in April 2023. "Yes, I do [want her to find love again]. I really do."
Continue reading for a complete analysis of Madix and Wai's romance:
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'Vanderpump Rules' Star Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai’s Relationship Timeline: From a Coachella Hookup to Casual Dates
Ariana Madix has offered glimpses into her steamy connection with Daniel Wai following her split from Tom Sandoval.
Madix and Sandoval ended their nearly decade-long relationship in March 2023 after he cheated with their Vanderpump Rules costar Raquel Leviss. Sandoval later apologized publicly to Madix for initially only addressing the negative impact on his Los Angeles business.
A month later, Madix attended Coachella with friends, including Wai, sparking romance speculation after posting photos of them holding hands and kissing at the festival.
An exclusive source revealed to Us at the time that Madix and the personal trainer were simply enjoying themselves during the outing. The insider explained that Madix is not ready for a serious commitment at the moment and is still recovering from her previous relationship with Tom. The source noted that the Bravo star is not actively seeking a commitment after ending things with Sandoval, and part of her healing process involved having a good time at Coachella, which is exactly what she did.
For his part, Sandoval expressed his well wishes for his ex-girlfriend's romantic life. "Yes, I love that," he told TMZ in April 2023. "Yes, I do [want her to find love again]. I really do."
Scroll down for a full breakdown of Madix and Wai's romance:
Credit: Youtube
December 2023
Wai expressed his support for Madix after she placed third on season 32 of Dancing With the Stars. "This is an appreciation post for @arianamadix I am so proud of you and you are so amazing and to me you are the champ, the people's champ. Yo @pashapashkov thank you for all that you have done and for guiding her through this journey," he wrote via Instagram alongside clips of Madix's performances.
During the same month, the fitness trainer accompanied Madix to the WWHL Clubhouse, where she confirmed that they had defined their relationship. He was also featured in multiple clips from the trailer for season 11 of Vanderpump Rules.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
April 2023
Speculation about their romance began when they were spotted together at Coachella with a bunch of friends. Madix and Wai were seen showing affection in the desert and then shared a passionate kiss at the Los Angeles airport a few days later.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
April 2023
During Madix's public appearances with Wai, a source revealed to Us that the reality star was embracing her single life. "She is free to date anyone she chooses and had a fantastic time at Coachella with Daniel," the insider revealed. "She is definitely open to exploring a potential relationship with Daniel, but at the same time, Ariana is not quite ready to commit to a serious relationship."
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
April 2023
Wai responded to a social media user's request to "take care" of the Bravo star by saying, "Will do!" He also agreed with another follower's suggestion to "treat Ariana like the queen she is" by writing "yes." The New York native was quick to acknowledge the support and show his commitment to looking out for Ariana.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
May 2023
The coauthor of Fancy AF Cocktails made a visit to Wai in New York a month after they made their romance public. The two of them were captured in photos at a baseball game and seen getting comfortable on multiple date nights.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
May 2023
Madix was by Wai's side as he celebrated his birthday with a shopping trip and a group dinner. The duo later packed on the PDA while strolling through New York City together.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
May 2023
Madix was all smiles on a lunch date with Wai in New York City.
Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Wai/Instagram
May 2023
“I’ll just say that I am very happy and very satisfied,” Madix gushed on WWHL in May 2023 after being asked about the new man in her life.
During that same month, the coauthor of Fancy AF Cocktails recounted the moment she met Wai shortly after her breakup with Sandoval. "I met him at a wedding about ten days after all of this. And in no way, shape or form did I go into that thinking anything," she shared on Today. "I have just been taking things very, very slow and really enjoying myself. And it's just really lovely to interact with someone who is just so nice and kind and lovely and caring.”
Credit: Courtesy of Ariana Madix/Instagram
August 2023
Madix shared a sneak peek of her visit to Chicago with Wai, taking a photo in front of the city's famous Bean sculpture.
She later expressed her affection for Wai on Scheana Shay's "Scheananigans" podcast, describing him as a grounding and calming presence with a positive energy. She also highlighted his helpful and happiness-inducing nature, stating that she plans to keep him in her life.
The cofounder of Something About Her also talked about their plans to make long-distance dating work. "It's difficult to predict what will happen in the next year, especially in terms of work," she explained. "I would love for him to move to L.A., but he's from New York and I understand that it would be a big adjustment. His family is there, and I wouldn't want to take him away."
