Ariana Madix Anticipates Possible Backlash from 'Vanderpump Rules' Fans in Season 11
Ariana Madix anticipates a potential shift in support from 'Vanderpump Rules' fans during season 11, as she speculates they may start favoring her ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval Stay tuned to witness the intriguing dynamics unfold!
Ariana Madix, from Vanderpump Rules, received a lot of support when her ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval had an affair with their costar Raquel Leviss. However, she understands that public opinion can shift at any moment. In reply to a recent prediction by an Instagram user that viewers of Pump Rules will start disliking her and sympathizing with Tom during season 11, Ariana, who is 38 years old, responded, "I wouldn't be surprised if the audience starts leaning in that direction."
In the teaser for season 11, released earlier this month, fans were given a preliminary look at how Ariana and Sandoval's relationship has evolved. Their dynamic seems to have shifted significantly, as demonstrated by Ariana's intense outburst towards Sandoval, 41, in the trailer. "You've destroyed my life, my home, and even made an attempt on my beloved dog's life. My lawyer will be handling this matter," she yelled. The highly anticipated new season is set to premiere in January 2024.
After the clip debuted at BravoCon, Ariana revealed to We that the accusation of Sandoval trying to harm her dog stemmed from his persistent "irresponsible and thoughtless actions."
In another part of the clip, the former couple, who ended their nine-year relationship in March following the scandal, made an effort to enjoy a beach outing with their fellow cast members. James Kennedy physically marked a line in the sand, cautioning the group, "This is Ariana's side, and Sandoval's side is over here. Stay on your respective sides."
The Pump Rules cast recently gathered to film new episodes, but not everyone in the group has a friendly relationship with Sandoval. Lala Kent clarified her stance with the restaurateur after she defended him from a booing crowd at the Vanderpump Rules BravoCon panel. On her Amazon Live show, Lala, 33, explained, "I want Ariana to understand that, despite my support for Sandoval, it doesn't mean I will invite him to Christmas dinner."
Ariana Madix. Mindy Small/Getty Images
She continued, "'I'm not checking in on him, you know? You're my friend, and I'll always be honest and supportive to you.'"
Lala mentioned that viewers will have to watch to find out how the cast dealt with the consequences of the affair. "This season will have a different appearance. I believe everyone is feeling emotionally vulnerable and puzzled," she expressed.
Although Sandoval will confront the consequences in season 11, the 29-year-old Raquel has made the decision to not continue on the Bravo reality series. She discussed her reasoning during an August episode of Bethenny Frankel's "ReWives" podcast.
"I am aware that the focus is on other members of the cast and their importance surpasses my own. Consequently, I doubt that I would receive an opportunity for personal redemption," Raquel acknowledged. "Additionally, I am well aware that I would not have the chance to fully share my story. Any account I provide is condensed into a maximum of five minutes."
Raquel alleged that she had requested equal pay to Tom and Ariana, along with reimbursement for her time in a mental health treatment center following the scandal. She insisted that she was denied equal compensation. Frankel, 53, added that Raquel earned less money compared to her interns.
However, Lisa Vanderpump countered these allegations by revealing to TMZ that Raquel earned a total of $361,000 during season 10 of Pump Rules.
Lisa, 63, shared in August that when Raquel was at the facility, her team regularly communicated with them through text and email. Their primary concern was ensuring Raquel's well-being before arranging a personal meeting. Raquel expressed her potential interest in returning and her team even reached out, but ultimately, it seems she chose not to pursue it.
