Rachel Leviss files lawsuit against 'Vanderpump Rules' co-stars Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for alleged revenge porn and other claims
Former 'Vanderpump Rules' cast member Rachel Leviss has taken legal action against two of the reality show's main stars, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, in connection to a scandal that unfolded in 2023.
Former “Vanderpump Rules” cast member Rachel Leviss has taken legal action against two of the reality show’s stars, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix. The lawsuit, filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court and obtained by CNN, involves issues related to a scandal from 2023. Leviss' complaint accuses Sandoval and Madix of revenge porn, invasion of privacy, eavesdropping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Leviss is claiming that she has been a victim of predatory and dishonest behavior by an older man. This man recorded sexually explicit videos of her without her knowledge or consent. According to the complaint, Sandoval is believed to have multiple illicitly recorded videos showing Leviss in a state of undress and engaged in sex acts. Madix is also alleged to have obtained at least two of these videos and distributed them or showed them to others without Leviss's knowledge or consent.
Leviss, according to the complaint, was put under a gag order by Bravo and Evolution media, preventing her from speaking out about Sandoval's invasion of her privacy and defending herself publicly.
The complaint, filed in response to the scandal that began in March 2023, refers to the "Scandoval" affair - a term commonly used to describe the secret relationship between Leviss and Sandoval while he was in a committed relationship with Madix.
Last March, the affair between Leviss and Sandoval was revealed when Madix found an intimate video on Sandoval's phone. The scandal was featured on Season 10 of the Bravo reality show and has continued to be a storyline on Season 11, currently airing. Leviss decided to leave "Vanderpump Rules" after Season 10.
The scandal has taken a toll on Leviss, causing "severe emotional distress, physical manifestations of emotional distress, anxiety, shock, embarrassment, loss of self-esteem, disgrace, humiliation, powerlessness, sleeplessness, and loss of enjoyment of life," as stated in the complaint.
Leviss is looking to receive compensatory and punitive damages, as well as requesting the defendants to delete the alleged videos.
CNN has contacted representatives for Leviss, Madix, and Sandoval for their comments. They have also reached out to representatives for Bravo, NBCUniversal, and Evolution Media. It's important to note that Bravo, NBCUniversal, and Evolution Media are not defendants in the lawsuit.
Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Leviss, expressed his strong disapproval of the expectation for individuals to jeopardize their mental and emotional well-being for the sake of Bravo's ratings. He emphasized the importance of speaking out and not enduring hardships alone.
Mark Geragos, also part of Leviss' legal team, highlighted that the lawsuit is centered on unlawful actions and individuals involved in promoting and facilitating such behavior. He noted that Leviss has taken responsibility for her involvement in the affair and issued an apology.
The statement emphasizes that it is illegal to record someone without their permission and share that recording.
The initial court hearing for this case is scheduled for July 7 in Los Angeles.
