Legal Expert Analyzes Ariana Madix's Defense Strategy in Response to Raquel Leviss's Revenge Porn Lawsuit

Ariana Madix might defend herself against Rachel “Raquel” Leviss' lawsuit by questioning the damages claimed.

In an interview with We, attorney Neama Rahmani, not connected to the case, suggested that Leviss' allegations of intentional infliction of emotional distress could be disputed in court.

Rahmani speculated that Rachel experienced emotional distress and had to go to a rehab facility. He believes the lawyers will argue that Rachel's actions, such as her affair and substance abuse issues, were the cause of her suffering, not anything Tom or Ariana did. Therefore, the defense may focus on the idea that Rachel's own choices led to any harm she experienced.

Rahmani also mentioned that Leviss' affair with Tom Sandoval might be used against her in the case.

"It all comes down to what caused Rachel's suffering. There's no doubt that she went through a lot. The real question is, was it because of what she did, or was it because of what Tom, Ariana, or Bravo did? Who should take the blame?"

Ariana Madix Potential Defense Against Raquel Leviss

In March 2023, it was reported that Sandoval, 41, and Madix, 38, broke up after Sandoval's infidelity ended their almost ten-year relationship. Following this, Leviss, 29, sought help at a mental health facility and later left Vanderpump Rules. Just about a year after the scandal involving Sandoval, Leviss filed a lawsuit against Madix and Sandoval on February 29, seeking unspecified damages.

In documents we obtained, Leviss accused Madix and Sandoval of revenge porn, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She claimed that Sandoval filmed a private video call between them without her permission, which Madix then acquired and supposedly shared with others.

Leviss did not name Bravo in the lawsuit, but the paperwork did mention that production prevented her from speaking out.

Ariana Madix Potential Defense Against Raquel Leviss

Tom Sandoval Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

She suffered in silence while Bravo and Evolution saw their viewership explode, and the rest of the cast gained newfound fame and career opportunities. Leviss, on the other hand, was publicly humiliated and portrayed as a villain, leaving her confidence shattered and her reputation tarnished.

After completing her 90-day treatment, Leviss has been sharing her perspective through her podcast, "Rachel Goes Rogue." Rahmani noted that Leviss' new podcasting venture could be brought up during the court proceedings.

It could be argued that despite any harm Rachel may have experienced, it is now in the past. In fact, she may have even benefitted from the situation. This could be seen as a defense, suggesting that it has elevated her reputation. "I'm not sure what Rachel's plans are post Vanderpump Rules, but she has definitely gained a lot of recognition as a result. Therefore, one could argue that she has not been harmed at all, and in fact, has come out ahead," he told Us.

Rahmani added, "It may be challenging to argue this, considering she had to seek help at a facility and undergo treatment for a period of time. However, this could be another defense, with the first being that any harm she experienced was not our fault, and the second being that she was not actually harmed in the first place."

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming legal battle between Ariana Madix and Rachel "Raquel" Leviss promises to be a complex and potentially contentious affair. Leviss's allegations of intentional