Ariana Madix Drops Bombshell: The Shocking Truth About Her Relationship with Tom Schwartz During ‘Pump Rules’ Season 11

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Ariana Madix may have to film with Tom Schwartz — but that doesn’t mean she has to be his friend.

On August 5, Saturday, a number of Vanderpump Rules cast members posted pictures of them filming at Something About Her, the sandwich shop owned by Ariana, 38, and Katie Maloney. This led fans to wonder if Ariana and Schwartz, 40, were now on good terms, as they were seen sitting near each other. One social media user commented on a post from QueensofBravo's Instagram, saying, "The whole cast is missing Sandoval. And I recall Ariana saying we can't be friends with Schwartz???"

Courtesy of Something About Her/Instagram

Ariana responded to the assumption that she had forgiven Schwartz for his role in Tom Sandoval's affair with Raquel Leviss. "I'm not friends with Tom Schwartz," she replied, accompanied by a shrug emoji. The two costars have been estranged since March when news emerged about Sandoval's infidelity, which resulted in his separation from Ariana after almost ten years together. Schwartz was accused of aiding Sandoval, 41, in concealing his relationship with Raquel, 28.

“I discovered the affair in August. It started as a one-night stand and then, in my perspective, it evolved into an emotional affair. It was still inappropriate, although I didn't perceive it as a linear progression," stated Schwartz during his appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in April. "Then, in January, he confessed to me that he was in love with Raquel.”

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Schwartz garnered attention when he used the interview as an opportunity to ask Bravo fans for forgiveness towards Sandoval. He expressed his love for Ariana despite her present feelings towards him, and assured Tom that he wouldn't abandon him. Schwartz acknowledged that Tom is aware of his wrongdoings and referred to him as a "monster." He also urged people to show compassion towards Tom by offering him a hug, even if he doesn't deserve it given the situation.

During the season 10 finale, which aired after the affair came to light, Ariana informed Schwartz on camera that she had no intention of continuing their friendship. She later shared that she became emotional while watching Schwartz and Sandoval indirectly reference the affair while being filmed.

During an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in May, she expressed her deep disgust as she watched Tom Schwartz wholeheartedly support and contribute to the situation, resulting in her crying for the first time in a long while.

Although Vanderpump Rules has started filming its eleventh season last month, Ariana and Schwartz have been shooting scenes alongside their co-stars Katie, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, and James Kennedy. However, it seems that Ariana will not be appearing on screen with Sandoval as she has made it clear that she has no intention of crossing paths with him or Raquel. Notably, the former beauty queen has not been seen filming for the eleventh season yet.

Sandoval, who currently resides in the same household as Ariana, playfully commented on the new dynamics of the former couple.

In an interview with TMZ on Thursday, August 3, he humorously stated, "We don't really make eye contact that often anymore. We don't even lock eyes during intimate moments, it's quite astonishing. But hey, just kidding around."

Returning to film season 11, Schwartz acknowledged feeling nervous after the drama. "Starting a new season always slightly terrifies me. Our group has been through so much, and we're a passionate bunch," he shared exclusively with We in June. "We've always been a passionate group of friends. To be honest, I don't think I've ever had an argument with anyone outside of this group. We have a deep history and have faced challenges, but it all stems from love."