Explosive Revelations: Unmasking the Scandalous Affair Between Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval on 'Vanderpump Rules'

The Vanderpump Rules cast was taken aback when they learned about the affair between Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval. However, they have now analyzed the signs that may have been present all along. In March 2023, it was confirmed that Sandoval had ended his relationship with his long-time girlfriend Ariana Madix. Madix decided to end things with the co-founder of TomTom due to his infidelity with Leviss.

According to a source, Ariana discovered the affair when she looked at Tom's phone while he was performing on stage. It was unclear whether Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval's business partner who had previously hooked up with Leviss, was aware of the affair or if he was caught off guard. This shocking revelation occurred as viewers of Vanderpump Rules witnessed the relationship between Leviss and Schwartz develop onscreen, culminating in their hookup at a wedding five months after Schwartz's breakup with Katie Maloney.

During the tense situation, Peter Madrigal became suspicious of the amount of time the beauty pageant contestant spent with Sandoval. Without providing specific details, the OG cast member, who had a brief relationship with Leviss in the summer of 2022, expressed his curiosity during an interview on the "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend" podcast in March 2023. He mentioned that they were frequently seen together without Ariana present, and although he couldn't fully comprehend the situation, he speculated that Sandoval might have been mentoring her in some way.

"I have firsthand knowledge of this. While I won't disclose any identities, I am certain that a few individuals were aware of this situation and informed Scheana about it. That's how I believe the events unfolded. I am aware that there were people who knew about it for quite some time."

As rumors circulated that Shay and Leviss had a physical altercation upon the singer discovering the affair, Leviss took legal action by obtaining a temporary restraining order against Shay. It is worth noting that Shay's lawyer vehemently denied the accusations against his client in a statement provided to Us.

According to Shay's friends Jamie Lynne and Kael Ramsey Ackerson, Leviss informed them about the romantic development between her and Sandoval. Ramsey-Ackerson shared on Lynne's "Jamie All Over" podcast in March 2023 that Leviss revealed it happened seven months ago, specifically after the boys' night episode in Las Vegas. She mentioned that Leviss mentioned that they got closer after that night.

After reviewing the video from August 2022, Lynne observed that the conversation between Raquel and Sandoval outside of Saddle Ranch seemed far from platonic.

"I had a moment of hesitation. I decided against posting it because it felt too personal, and I didn't want Ariana to feel uncomfortable or misunderstood," she explained. "I wasn't concerned that anything inappropriate was happening, just that she might misinterpret it and I didn't want to create any awkward situations."

She added, "If you watch the video without the voiceover, it may appear very close and intimate. However, the truth is that none of us were aware of this beforehand."

Scroll down for every moment between Sandoval and Leviss that the Vanderpump Rules cast has questioned since news of their affair:

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'Vanderpump Rules' Cast Breaks Down Hints of Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's Affair: All of the Scandoval 'Easter Eggs'

The Vanderpump Rules cast was left in disbelief when they discovered that Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval were involved in an affair. However, upon reflection, they have begun to recognize the subtle hints that may have been present all along.

In March 2023, it was confirmed that Sandoval had ended his long-term relationship with girlfriend Ariana Madix. Madix decided to call it quits with the TomTom cofounder after learning about his infidelity with Leviss.

According to a source, Ariana discovered the affair when she looked at Tom's phone while he was performing his new song on stage. The source also mentioned that it was unclear whether Tom Schwartz, Sandoval's business partner, was aware of the affair or if he was caught off guard. This revelation shocked Vanderpump Rules viewers as they had witnessed the buildup to Leviss and Schwartz's hookup on the show. The incident took place at Scheana Shay and Brock Davies' wedding in August 2022, five months after the restaurant owner's breakup with Katie Maloney.

Amidst the unfolding drama, Peter Madrigal became increasingly suspicious of the amount of time the beauty pageant contestant spent with Sandoval.

"I found it rather intriguing, although I can't delve into the specifics due to certain limitations. But, to put it simply, they were frequently seen together without Ariana present," revealed the original cast member, who had a brief romance with Leviss in the summer of 2022. Madrigal shared these thoughts during an episode of the "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend" podcast in March 2023. "In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think, 'This is peculiar, but perhaps Tom is just mentoring her or something of that nature.' Interesting mentoring indeed!"

He persisted, stating, "I am certain of this. Although I won't disclose any identities, I am aware that a few individuals were aware of this situation and informed Scheana. That is how I believe the events unfolded. I am aware that some people were aware of it for quite some time."

In response to the rumors of physical altercation arising from the affair, Shay was issued a temporary restraining order by Leviss. Shay's lawyer, in a statement to Us, refuted the accusations made against his client.

According to Shay's friends Jamie Lynne and Kael Ramsey Ackerson, Leviss revealed to them that things became romantic between her and Sandoval seven months ago, after the Las Vegas trip. Ramsey-Ackerson shared this information during an episode of Lynne's "Jamie All Over" podcast in March 2023, specifically referring to the boys' night episode of the popular Bravo series. She mentioned that Leviss said, "[After the boys' night] is when [Sandoval and I] got closer."

After reviewing the video from August 2022, Lynne observed that the interaction between Raquel and Sandoval did not seem to be a platonic conversation.

"I initially hesitated to share this thought because it felt too personal, and I wanted to avoid making Ariana uncomfortable," she explained. "My intention was never to disrespect her or insinuate anything inappropriate. I simply didn't want her to misinterpret it and put anyone in an awkward position."

She added, "Upon reviewing the footage without the accompanying voiceover, it may appear extremely close and intimate. However, it's important to note that none of us were aware of this beforehand."

Scroll down for every moment between Sandoval and Leviss that the Vanderpump Rules cast has questioned since news of their affair:

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Charli's Questions About Raquel's Friendships

"During a June 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Charli pondered why Raquel accompanied her to a watch party for Vanderpump Rules earlier that year. Reflecting on the events that followed, she began to suspect that there was a deliberate intention to gradually distance themselves. In hindsight, even that particular night appeared to be a carefully orchestrated move," remarked the SUR waitress, alluding to Raquel's noticeable detachment from Ariana and Scheana just before the scandal broke out publicly."

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"Raquel had originally planned to share a room with our mutual friend, Jenny Ting, at the wedding. However, she informed Jenny that she wouldn't be able to stay in her room anymore due to production restrictions," Shay, who got married to Brock Davies in August 2022, revealed during an episode of the "Reality Hits" podcast in May 2023. "Since they couldn't have their rendezvous in Tom and Ariana's room, they needed to find a private room."

The singer known as "Good as Gold" added that Jenny offered to leave the room, clean up her belongings, and keep them in the closet so it would appear that the singer was staying alone. However, Raquel denied the request, stating that production had instructed her not to allow it. The singer suspects that Sandoval had coached Raquel to blame the decision on production when explaining it to Jenny.

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Charli Puts Raquel's Behavior on Blast

"And while we were shooting season 10, I remember having a conversation with Raquel about her birthday plans. I told her that I might be running late and asked if she would wait for me as a friend. However, she insisted on going with Tom Sandoval in his car," the SUR waitress shared during her appearance on "The Viall Files" podcast in May 2023. "She made it clear that she couldn't wait for me and needed to join them."

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Lala's Subtle Connection

"Raquel's choice of a Coors Light while they were enjoying their time at the picnic table in the recent episode of her "Give Them Lala" podcast is another hint pointing towards their affair," the beauty mogul revealed. "It's like an Easter egg! I mean, when was the last time you saw her with a Coors Light? Probably when she started getting involved with Sandoval. It's just like her sudden interest in those peculiar galaxy lights. I've never witnessed her holding a Coors Light before. But let me tell you, when a woman starts adopting new things, it raises a red flag in my eyes," she further added.

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Lala's 1st Account of the Labor Day Party

During a May 2023 episode of Vanderpump Rules, Kent disclosed that on the day Ariana's grandmother passed away, Tom Sandoval attended a barbecue in Newport. Despite Ariana's furious calls, Sandoval only decided to leave after two hours, as he spent the entire day with Raquel. Later on, Madix confronted Sandoval onscreen, expressing her disappointment for not being informed of the truth. She expressed concerns about how this situation made her look, with people assuming she was naive enough to believe Sandoval just wanted to extend his time at the gathering. Sandoval defended himself, explaining that he believed Madix wanted some time alone.

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Kristen's Opinion as an Outsider

In May 2023, Doute recalled her initial thoughts on Sandoval and Leviss' relationship before their cheating scandal.

"What I believed was Schwartz and Jo, the girl he was with, were spending time together and they seemed to be each other's only friends," the individual from Michigan, who was in a relationship with Sandoval from 2007 to 2014, expressed on WWHL. "However, it did strike me as a bit strange, almost like it could be considered a double date."

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Lala Compares and Contrasts

In April 2023, Kent observed the striking resemblances in Sandoval's interactions with Kristen Doute and Madix. During an episode of Vanderpump Rules, the beauty mogul expressed her thoughts on Sandoval's affection towards Raquel. She noted, "I believe Sandoval has developed a strong connection with Raquel. The last time he spoke about a woman with such admiration was when he was involved with Kristin, his previous girlfriend."

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Ken's Cause for Concern

"I can't believe that Tom Sandoval had Raquel over when Ariana is away. And she stayed all night," Vanderpump's husband said in an April 2023 episode as Maloney reacted in shock.

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Katie's Onscreen Shade

During an episode of Vanderpump Rules in April 2023, Maloney discussed the rumors surrounding Sandoval and Leviss with him. "You seem to really enjoy spending time with Raquel too," the Utah native joked. "I've heard you two go to The Abbey together late at night, around one o'clock."

In response, Sandoval dismissed the speculation, expressing his confusion, "What exactly are you trying to say? Leave me alone, man."

Earlier in the episode, James Kennedy's girlfriend, Ally Lewber, recounted a private encounter involving Sandoval and Leviss. "Last night at Lala's apartment, as I was preparing to leave, we were chatting. It was during this conversation that I mentioned seeing Sandoval and Raquel dancing together at The Abbey after the See You Next Tuesday event at SUR," the Bravo newcomer shared in a confessional. "Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with my boyfriend being out at 1 a.m. with other girls. But everyone has their own boundaries. I found it strange that it was 1 a.m. and we were wondering, 'Where is Ariana, Sandoval's girlfriend at that time?'"

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Katie's Online Sleuthing

During an interview on the "Off The Vine With Kaitlyn Bristowe" podcast in April 2023, Maloney shared her suspicions about the friendship between Tom Sandoval and Raquel. She mentioned that there was something about their dynamic that seemed suspicious to her. Maloney had come across some online forums where it was mentioned that Raquel had attended one of Sandoval's shows in Sonoma but didn't publicly acknowledge her presence, which struck her as odd since Raquel was known for being an enthusiastic supporter in the front row.

Furthermore, Maloney recounted an incident at BravoCon where Raquel wore a TomTom hoodie, which drew attention and raised eyebrows. Raquel also attended the Tom and Tom panel at the event, sitting in the front row. Maloney confided in her husband, Schwartz, expressing her belief that Raquel was following him around like a puppy. She assumed that Raquel's interest was directed towards Schwartz himself, but he reassured her that it wasn't the case.

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Peter's Smoking Gun Text Message

"I received an intriguing text from a certain Tom Sandoval after a gap of six months," reminisced the SUR manager during an episode of the "Sex, Love, and What Else Matters" podcast in April 2023, referring to a message received in January 2023. "Out of the blue, he messaged me and I quote, 'Dude, exclamation point. Just watched the first episode LOL, exclamation point. Did you spend the night with Raquel after being at SUR, exclamation point, question mark, crying laughing face.'"

Madrigal added that when she reviewed her text messages with Tom Sandoval, she noticed a distinct absence of emojis. This realization didn't occur to her at the time due to her feeling disconnected. Instead, her primary concern was how she was being portrayed on the show. In response, she decided to call Tom and inquire about the situation. Tom's response was casual, stating, "Oh, no, I was just wondering if you banged Raquel that night."

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Scheana's Resurfaced Wedding Photo

During an Amazon Live in March 2023, the bride, a California native who got married to Brock Davies in August 2022, shared a surprising anecdote about her wedding day. One of her girlfriends revealed that she had been at the pool on the morning of the wedding and stumbled upon a photo of Tom and Raquel casually hanging out together in a cabana. The friend couldn't help but wonder if they should be getting ready for the wedding since they were actually part of the wedding party. It's worth noting that Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz were groomsmen, while Ariana Madix and Scheana Shay were bridesmaids.

She remarked, "They were aware that Ariana and I had a close bond as friends and bridesmaid, so they chose to spend that time together. It's utterly repulsive, to the point where I am often left speechless."

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Scheana's 'Red Flag' Moment

During a March 2023 episode of her podcast "Scheananigans," Shay disclosed that she had previously questioned Leviss' decision not to post any concert footage after attending a show for Sandoval's band in November 2022. Kent, on the other hand, mentioned that Leviss had abruptly ceased sharing her location with the group during that same period.

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Brittany Sees a Situation Differently

Brittany Cartwright reflected on the past "Easter eggs" that caught her attention regarding Leviss and Sandoval in March 2023.

"There were instances when they both appeared at certain events together, and I couldn't help but find it a bit peculiar," the former Bravo star shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, referring to Leviss attending events without Madix. "However, I assumed that Tom Sandoval easily befriends various individuals, so I thought maybe they were just close friends at that time."

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Lala Connects the Galaxy Light Dots

In a recent episode of her podcast "Give Them Lala," Lala Kent revealed that she had overlooked a clear sign of the growing bond between the California native and Sandoval. During a girls' trip in August 2022, the beauty mogul noticed that Leviss's display of galaxy lights reminded her of Sandoval, who also had a similar space-themed decor.

“The only time I start adopting a man’s behavior is if I start f–king them,” Kent said.

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Jax's Labor Day Questions

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in March 2023, Jax Taylor shed some light on a previous encounter with Sandoval and Leviss. Taylor explained that the last time he saw them, they were together at a friend's house in Orange County for Labor Day. Initially, Taylor didn't understand the situation, but now it all makes sense. According to Taylor, Ariana called Sandoval and informed him of her grandmother's illness or passing. Surprisingly, Sandoval chose not to go home, using the excuse that he couldn't find an Uber. Throughout the day, numerous people were in and out of the house, while Sandoval remained by Leviss' side.

A source close to Sandoval, however, told Us that Taylor’s claims were untrue and they didn't seen each other in over a year.

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Scheana's Wedding Timeline

During her "Scheananigans" podcast in March 2023, Shay reflected on her wedding to Davies in August 2022 and addressed rumors about Sandoval and Leviss hooking up during that time. She admitted that she had completely forgotten about these claims and explained that she was preoccupied with preparing for her wedding on that particular day.

Lynne, a friend of Shay, observed that Leviss was noticeably absent during certain bridesmaid duties. It was later revealed that Leviss was captured on film engaging in a romantic encounter with Schwartz at the wedding.

According to Lynne, Leviss arrived late and only joined the group once they had relocated to the bridal suite. She claimed that Leviss had mentioned needing some personal time or relaxation by the pool, but it was suspected that her actual activities during that period were different. Lynne also mentioned that everyone had specific schedules to follow, and if Sandoval and Leviss were looking for a moment of privacy, that would have been the opportune time since everyone else was scheduled to be in their own rooms.

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Peter's Suspicions

The SUR manager recalled how he "dismissed" Leviss and Sandoval's bond ahead of the scandal.

"He said on the 'Behind the Velvet Rope with David Yontef' podcast that he believed Sandoval's loyalty to Ariana would prevent him from engaging in such behavior. Madrigal mentioned witnessing certain things between the two in the past but chose not to elaborate further out of respect for his friendship with Sandoval."

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Lala Says Raquel and Sandoval Were Caught Under the Sheets

The Give Them Lala Beauty founder revealed she and some of her fellow Pump Rules costars caught Sandoval and Leviss acting shady while at a party off camera.

“I noticed some things that didn't make sense,” she admitted to Jeff Lewis during an appearance on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM’s "Radio Andy" show in March 2023. “Later on, after the affair was confirmed, I found out that many people had witnessed things that could be considered red flags, like seeing Raquel and Sandoval together under the covers when they opened the door. Some dismissed it as them just being best friends. I mean, seriously?”

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Katie Says Sandoval and Raquel 'Reeked' of Affair

During the April 2023 episode of the "Viall Files" podcast, Maloney expressed her intuition about the situation involving Sandoval and Leviss. She noticed that even when Ariana was not present, they would still spend time together. Whether it was a party or an event, if Ariana opted not to attend, Tom and Raquel would go together. This behavior raised suspicions for Maloney, suggesting the possibility of an affair.

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“I attended a White Fox party where I had the chance to meet Scheana. She asked me if I could give Raquel a ride, and to my surprise, Tom Sandoval joined us in the car!” Cartwright shared during an episode of Peacock's Watch With feature in April 2023, referring to an event that took place in October 2022. "I actually have a photo of just me, Tom, and Raquel on the red carpet. When I look back at it now, I can't help but think how surreal it all was. At the time, I found it a bit strange, but Tom always had these long-lasting friendships with people."

Brittany Breaks Down the White Fox Party

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Raquel Turned Off Her Location

In June 2023, Shay took to Twitter to express her growing concerns about Leviss' strange actions, which began to catch her attention at the end of January. One particular red flag was Leviss disabling her location, a feature that Shay had been accustomed to for over a year. This sudden change in behavior raised significant doubts for Shay, especially in light of Leviss' affair with Sandoval.