Insights from Jo Wenberg on 'Pump Rules' Stars: Tom Schwartz's Fling Opens Up
Get an exclusive glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama of 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 11 as Jo Wenberg spills the tea on her friendship with Tom Schwartz Discover the juicy details and intense moments that unfolded when cameras rolled!
Courtesy of Jo Wenberg/Instagram
After making her social media public, Jo Wenberg addressed her first season on Vanderpump Rules as Tom Schwartz‘s friend following Scandoval.
"I will be unveiling my Instagram account tonight, and I sincerely hope for your kindness. Throughout my time on various platforms, I have unfortunately received unkind messages. However, my intention is to present my true self to you all, without any filters or makeup. This is who I am," shared Jo, a 35-year-old individual, in a Monday Instagram video on November 6th.
Reflecting on their participation in season 11 of the popular Bravo series Vanderpump Rules, the hairstylist expressed, "Being a part of this season was a significant and enlightening experience for me. As someone accustomed to working behind the camera, stepping in front of it proved challenging. Nevertheless, I would like to acknowledge the producers for their tremendous support."
During season 10, Jo became a prominent topic of conversation after Schwartz divorced Katie Maloney. The former couple announced their split in March 2022, well before the series was filmed. Onscreen, viewers saw Schwartz, 41, venture into the dating world, including a hookup with Raquel Leviss at Scheana Shay and Brock Davies' wedding in August 2022.
Schwartz's close bond with Jo was mentioned in several unaired scenes from season 10. As new episodes aired, it was revealed in March that Raquel, 29, was involved in an affair with Tom Sandoval. Fans and cast members began questioning whether Schwartz's brief fling with Raquel was a cover-up for the infidelity.
During the later filmed reunion in March, Schwartz came to Raquel's defense regarding their brief connection. He also provided much-needed context for his relationship with Jo.
Courtesy of Jo Wenberg/Instagram
"No, Jo wasn't my girlfriend, especially not at that point. It eventually turned into a casual relationship or a friends with benefits situation with clear boundaries," Schwartz stated in the May special. "We both had recently ended long-term relationships, and for a brief period, we provided comfort for each other."
On the other hand, Katie, aged 36, opted to criticize Jo on social media prior to the reunion. "Jo is extremely unsettling. None of us could bear to be around her. Her energy resembles that of a drug addict," she commented on Instagram in February. "But when Tom and I announced our divorce almost a year ago, the last message she sent me was, 'I love you, and I fully support your thoughts and aspirations / live in the present moment, you're a unique individual and I've always admired you. I love you. Xo Jo.' She is mentally unstable and I have no problem confronting her."
During the filming of season 11, Jo was frequently seen on camera with Schwartz and Sandoval, aged 41. Katie shared her thoughts on the matter after responding to a July Instagram post featuring Jo, Schwartz, Sandoval, James Kennedy, and Ally Lewber. In the comments section of a Bravo fan account, Katie expressed her unease, stating, "I can sense the tension from here. Quite unsettling."
Jo, however, praised the Vanderpump Rules stars who welcomed her to the cast.
Courtesy of Jo Wenberg/Instagram
Jo expressed her gratitude towards Lala, noting that she was kind and showed her kindness during filming. Despite not knowing each other well and not having any contact information, Jo wanted to acknowledge Lala's sweetness. Jo also praised Schwartz, calling him "awesome," and shared her thoughts on Sandoval's recent drama.
"That statement I just made doesn't make sense. It's probably why people think I'm a drug addict. I'm just terrible at expressing myself. Let's be clear, I am not a drug addict. I've never done drugs in my entire life," Jo clarified, addressing Katie's criticisms. "There are moments in life when you come across certain individuals and you genuinely start to care about them. Raquel is one of those people for me. And I also have the right to care about Sandoval. I am extremely proud of both of them individually, and that's all I'll say."
Jo, who was not present at BravoCon, expressed her eagerness to discuss her experiences further.
"I have a deep fear of taking the decisive step and making my private matters public. I am pursuing this course of action because I believe it will not have a detrimental effect on me. Currently, you all will witness the season where my actions were done without any clear understanding. There are a few individuals whom I genuinely cherish. Billie Lee is one of them, and I hold a deep affection for her," Jo expressed, followed by a significant pause. "I strongly urge all of you to attend her stand-up show. She possesses true talent."
Vanderpump Rules Season 11 is set to make its return on Bravo in January 2024.
