Katie Maloney Pokes Fun at Tom Schwartz's Outfit: Behind-the-Scenes Revelations from BravoCon
Katie Maloney slams ex-husband Tom Schwartz at 2023 BravoCon panel for 'Vanderpump Rules' post-divorce Find out the latest on cast dynamics, Ariana and Sandoval's living arrangements, Katie's dating life, Sandoval's sobriety, and the upcoming tumultuous Season 11
Katie Maloney, Tom Schwartz. Getty Images (2)
Tom Schwartz endured a barrage of fiery remarks from his ex-wife Katie Maloney at BravoCon’s Vanderpump Rules panel. However, it was Tom Sandoval who bore the brunt of her criticisms. Standing on the Golden Stage at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas on Friday, November 3, Schwartz, 41, greeted Katie, 36, with a compliment, saying, "Hi Katie, you look fabulous." Without missing a beat, Katie responded with a sharp retort, remarking, "You resemble a couch."
Despite Schwartz's eye-catching floral jacket, Katie didn't show him any affection. Instead, it was his best friend Sandoval, aged 40, who faced most of the scrutiny during the panel. The ongoing controversy surrounding his affair with Raquel Leviss continued to infuriate both the cast and the audience.
During the season 10 reunion special in May, the cast members had already expressed their grievances about Sandoval cheating on Ariana Madix. However, it is evident that there is still tension between Sandoval and the majority of his friends.
"I personally feel...Sandoval, I am aware of what we filmed together...However, I have spent numerous years being in the same room with him against my will, so this situation felt normal to me," Lala Kent sarcastically remarked, alluding to the discomfort of season 11. "There was no difference for me."
Bravo will bring back Pump Rules in January. Check out the major revelations from the Vanderpump Rules panel at BravoCon below.
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Boos All Around for Sandoval
When Sandoval stepped onto the stage on Friday, he was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd. Despite the negative reception, Sandoval expressed his excitement about being in Vegas for BravoCon. However, emcee Karamo Brown attempted to hush the audience as they continued to jeer. The boos resurfaced for a second time when a fan accused Sandoval of not providing enough details about his affair with Raquel when asked about what he would do differently. The audience's dissatisfaction reached a peak when another fan questioned Sandoval's presence and explicitly told him to leave.
Sandoval remained resolute, asserting, "I prefer to stay right here and confront it. I'm uncertain about your actions."
Lala, aged 33, interjected, elaborating, "In a peculiar, peculiar manner, I couldn't care less if you curse me out. ... Despite the intense animosity towards Tom, he continued to go out and put on performances. ... Life carried on. ... If I were in his shoes, I would tell all of you to go to hell."
James Is Now the ‘No. 1 Man’ In the Cast
James Kennedy expressed his excitement about his recent portrayal as the purported protagonist within the group during the Sandoval and Schwartz drama. He enthusiastically exclaimed, "It is an extraordinary feeling. I am simply embracing the experience." Kennedy acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with this role in the present day, stating, "At times, I find myself guiding these two gentlemen on how to embody true masculinity."
Lisa Vanderpump expressed concern saying, "If James Kennedy is the one making sense on Vanderpump Rules, there may be an issue." On a more serious note, James, who is 31 years old, admitted that this past year of filming was extremely challenging for him, despite the attention being mainly focused on Sandoval. James reflected on his efforts to mature and grow up, while also navigating the influence of those close to him. He revealed that there were moments when he wanted to lash out and say things he would later regret, but he managed to restrain himself. James found it fascinating to observe the events unfold and believes that this upcoming season will be one of the most chaotic yet.
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Where Do Schwartz and Sandoval Stand Now?
Schwartz faced significant criticism when news surfaced that he was aware of Sandoval and Raquel's affair long before the rest of the cast. Despite the others turning against Sandoval, Schwartz remained supportive, particularly because they are business partners.
Sandoval admitted on Friday, "We faced difficult times due to my actions. He dealt with the aftermath and negativity." Sandoval expressed gratitude to Schwartz, saying, "I truly appreciate you standing by my side," to which Schwartz playfully responded, "For better or for worse."
Are Ariana and Sandoval Still Living Together?
With regards to her current living arrangement, Ariana mentioned that she is currently staying somewhere during her time on Dancing With the Stars due to the hectic schedule. She expressed her intention to actively pursue a change in ownership for the house, in an effort to move forward after her separation from Sandoval. It is worth noting that Ariana and Sandoval purchased a house together in Los Angeles in 2019, and since their split in spring 2023, they have not yet sold the property.
Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Is Katie Dating After Divorcing Schwartz?
Sandoval Is 6 Months Sober
Katie disclosed her current romantic status after officially ending her marriage with Schwartz in October 2022, following their public separation in March of the same year. However, in a light-hearted manner, she emphasized that she is no longer interested in pursuing romantic relationships with individuals named Tom and mentioned that she is exclusively dating individuals who are not part of their mutual friend circle.
After a fan inquired about the impressive physiques of Sandoval and James, it was revealed by the TomTom cofounder that he has abstained from alcohol for the past six months. Sandoval mentioned that instead of engaging in chain smoking and drinking, he has chosen to prioritize his workout regime. Despite his well-defined muscles, Sandoval was defeated by James in a push-up challenge held for the attendees.
Jenny Kim/Bravo
Season 11 Is ‘Tumultuous’
The cast of Pump Rules had a roller-coaster of emotions when they watched the season 11 trailer during the panel. Lala and Ally Lewber found the upcoming season to be sad, James was surprised, Katie was bewildered by it all, Ariana described it as emo, and Sandoval summed it up as a roller-coaster of events captured on camera.
Lisa chose the word "tumultuous" to portray the intensity of the drama, while Schwartz opted for "Shakespearean." Scheana Shay openly acknowledged that season 11 proved to be exceptionally challenging, describing it as "f-king hard," while her husband, Brock Davies, succinctly characterized it as "tough."
