Raquel Leviss Speaks Out About Alleged Grooming by Tom Sandoval

Raquel Leviss Thinks She Was Groomed by Tom Sandoval During Affair

Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval. Getty Images (2)

Rachel Leviss, also known as Raquel, is reflecting on her relationship and involvement with Tom Sandoval.

In the latest episode of the "Rachel Goes Rogue" podcast on Wednesday, March 13, Leviss, 29, talked with therapist Melissa Reich about the recent episode of Vanderpump Rules. One topic of discussion was Lala Kent's comment suggesting that Sandoval, 41, was a groomer.

Leviss explained that she doesn't want to label Tom with any specific term. She admitted to calling him a narcissist before, but now she realizes that it may not have been the right thing to do. She mentioned that certain patterns and behaviors made her think that way. Psychologists use specific terms to describe these behaviors, which can help predict them. These terms are meant to be tools, not insults.

As Leviss continued talking, she agreed with Kent.

To be completely honest, I feel like I was groomed because I was in a vulnerable state of mind. I had just come out of a destructive relationship with James Kennedy, which he witnessed. Things started to change when we went to Coachella and he began to cater to me.

Leviss mentioned several interactions she had with Sandoval during their secret relationship.

Thinking back on the situation with Tom and me, I remember the moment when Lala accused Tom of grooming. It all started with our first kiss by the pool at Tom and Ariana's house. It wasn't just a casual gesture, it meant something deeper. Lala pointed out that when I mentioned feeling isolated and dependent on Tom, it raised red flags.

As we kept our relationship a secret, I couldn't confide in my friends while Tom could freely share with his. This secrecy made me feel connected to Tom, thinking we had something special between us. The feeling of isolation played a significant role in the grooming process, leading me to a breaking point during my final interview.

Leviss and Sandoval’s affair was revealed in March 2023 when news of his breakup with Ariana Madix came out. Despite initially staying together, Leviss ended the relationship after her 90-day stay in a mental health facility. She also made the choice not to be part of Vanderpump Rules season 11.

In a recent episode of the Bravo show, Kent, 33, made unexpected accusations towards Sandoval.

Raquel Leviss Thinks She Was Groomed by Tom Sandoval During Affair

Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval attend White Fox After Hours At Delilah Los Angeles on October 18, 2022. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for CLD PR / White Fox

Kent was triggered by a statement made during the season 10 reunion. She mentioned feeling isolated and groomed by Sandoval, accusing him of lying. She expressed her fear of him, saying she did not want to know him.

Sandoval responded to Kent's claims, denying them and stating that she did not know him well enough to make such accusations. Leviss also brought up the allegations on her podcast.

Leviss mentioned on her podcast that Sandoval showed signs of “boundary stretching.”

She recalled the steps that led to that point and now realizes the things that made her feel at ease enough to go along with it. She mentioned that becoming used to being touched played a role. Leviss remembered the instances of boundary stretching that occurred when all three of them were together in the same place.

Leviss believed that Sandoval was crossing Madix's boundaries by touching her and massaging her feet in front of others. She felt that Madix may have been uncomfortable with it but didn't say anything to avoid confrontation. Leviss felt that Sandoval was pushing both of their boundaries.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Editor's P/S:

Raquel Leviss