Exclusive: Tom Sandoval Drops Exciting Update on 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 11 – You Won't Believe What's Coming!

Tom Sandoval has confirmed his involvement in Vanderpump Rules season 11, however, he remained coy about whether he has been in contact with Raquel Leviss since production began. Speaking to Backgrid cameras in West Hollywood on Thursday, July 6, the 41-year-old reality star stated, "I'm currently filming." When pressed about his connection with 28-year-old Raquel, Sandoval simply responded, "I'm unable to comment on that."

He assured fans that the upcoming episodes would be highly entertaining. "No matter what, it's guaranteed to be intriguing," he stated confidently.

Addressing the rumored tension between him and his best friend Tom Schwartz, Sandoval asserted that they were on good terms. "We're cool," he confirmed, mentioning that he had just seen Schwartz that day. (Observers spotted them having what seemed like a strained discussion at TomTom on Thursday.)

Schwartz, 40, recently alluded to a strain in his friendship with Sandoval following the revelation of Sandoval's affair with Raquel while he was still in a relationship with Ariana Madix. During an episode of Jax and Brittany's podcast, Schwartz expressed frustration with Sandoval's actions and stated that he needed a break from their friendship. He also mentioned feeling "used" and "exploited" by Sandoval in the aftermath of the affair controversy.

"I have a deep affection for Tom and I genuinely internalized all the information he shared with me regarding Ariana," Schwartz reminisced. "However, having now heard Ariana's perspective on the matter, she vehemently opposes all of these allegations."

In a widely-discussed conversation with Howie Mandel, Sandoval asserted that he had made multiple attempts to end his relationship with the 38-year-old Ariana before news of their affair became public. However, Ariana contradicted these assertions during the Pump Rules reunion and in an interview on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.

Ariana criticized Schwartz for his role in the situation, accusing him of actively taking part in her downfall. On the other hand, Schwartz later confessed to feeling guilty for not disclosing what he knew about Sandoval and Raquel, admitting that it has caused great turmoil in his life. He revealed during a June episode of Stars on Mars that he feels complicit because he didn't cover for Sandoval, although he supported him when he confided his feelings for someone else.

He stated that he was permanently stepping away from the ongoing drama. Schwartz added that any account of Sandoval's side of the story has become irrelevant due to his handling of the situation. Schwartz emphasized that he did not have an affair and he is not Sandoval. He expressed his bewilderment at being deeply involved in this matter.

Other cast members of Vanderpump Rules include Lala Kent, James Kennedy, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, and Lisa Vanderpump. Last month, an insider told We exclusively that no decisions have been made regarding Raquel's potential return to the show. The source explained that everything is still uncertain and both parties hope to find a resolution where Raquel receives the necessary support and can still be part of the series.