Insight into Lala Kent's Understanding of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's Relationship Dynamics

Lala Kent Reveals How Ariana Madix Reacted to Her Defending Tom Sandoval

Getty Images (3)

Lala Kent shared on the Vanderpump Rules After Show that she can relate to how Tom Sandoval felt "stuck" in his nine-year relationship with ex Ariana Madix.

She explained that there were many times she wanted to leave her ex, Randall Emmett, even though nothing specific had happened to cause her unhappiness. The thought of their shared podcast and other commitments made her feel intertwined and unsure of how to walk away.

Lala shared that she stayed with Randall, 52, despite knowing it was time to leave until the situation became unavoidable. She mentioned that she could relate to Sandoval feeling trapped in a difficult situation.

Sandoval, 41, and Ariana, 38, were in a relationship for nine years before ending things in March 2023 due to Sandoval's affair with his co-star Rachel "Raquel" Leviss becoming public. Bravo resumed filming after completing Pump Rules season 10 to capture the unfolding drama, including a tense conversation where Sandoval expressed feeling pressured to stay with Ariana.

Lala expressed her views on Tuesday's After Show regarding the situation between Sandoval and Ariana. She mentioned that she can relate to feeling tied to a romantic partner but disapproved of Sandoval's actions.

According to Lala, the moment to end a relationship is when you start having feelings for someone else. In her opinion, that's the sign to move on.

Raquel, 29, decided to leave VPR and seek help at a mental health facility after being involved in a months-long affair. Meanwhile, Sandoval returned for season 11, which premiered in January. He has been seen trying to repair relationships with other cast members but has faced tense discussions. During a recent episode, Lala tried to have a conversation with Sandoval during a group trip to Lake Tahoe. However, he accused her of being dishonest about her relationship with Randall. (Lala and Randall confirmed their relationship in 2018 after his divorce from ex-wife Amber Childers, but there were rumors that they started dating before the divorce.)

Lala questioned Sandoval about his affair with Raquel, asking him how he could preach about honesty and being real while engaging in such behavior. She expressed genuine curiosity about his actions.

You used to tell me that often. Remember when you wrote that article the day you guys got caught? It was unbelievable. It was truly shocking,” she shared in a confessional. “Sandoval was quoted in the article saying that I have a douchey vibe and need to be authentic. I couldn’t help but think, ‘How ironic that this happened today? And coming from you, of all people.’”

Sandoval defended his remarks by explaining that Lala had kept her personal life private for many years. “I admit I lied about the seven-month relationship. Lala also lied about a six-year relationship for years,” he admitted on camera. “We both lied. We are both guilty of lying. Let's just call it even this time.”

Lala shared that she initially wanted to give Sandoval the chance to grow, but his actions made her realize that she had overestimated his progress. She then accused Sandoval of manipulating Raquel during their quick romance before ending the conversation.

During the final part of the season 10 reunion, Lala was triggered when Raquel mentioned that she felt like she had nobody if she didn't align with Sandoval. Lala expressed her concerns, stating, "You isolate. You groom. You lie." She made it clear that she found Sandoval's behavior to be scary and stated that she did not want to associate with him.

Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and is available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Editor's P/S:

Lala Kent's recent comments on "Vanderpump Rules" have sparked a discussion about the complexities of staying in a relationship that has run its course. Her experience of feeling stuck and intertwined with her ex, Randall Emmett, despite recognizing the need to leave, resonates with many who have faced similar dilemmas. Lala's perspective highlights the challenges of disentangling oneself from a long-term relationship, especially when shared commitments and financial ties are involved.

While Lala acknowledges that Sandoval's infidelity was unacceptable, she also expresses empathy for his feeling of entrapment. Her comment that the moment to end a relationship is when feelings for someone else emerge suggests that she believes it's natural to outgrow a partnership over time. Additionally, Lala's accusation that Sandoval manipulated Raquel during their affair raises questions about the power dynamics in their relationship and the psychological impact of such behavior. The ongoing drama surrounding the cast of "Vanderpump Rules" serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of relationships and the importance of honesty, communication, and personal growth.