Raquel Leviss Speaks Out on Legal Battle, Condemns Lisa Vanderpump for 'Victim Shaming' Incident

Raquel Leviss Accuses Lisa Vanderpump of Victim Shaming

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Rachel Leviss, also known as Raquel, is not pleased with Lisa Vanderpump's response to her revenge porn lawsuit against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix.

During the latest episode of her podcast "Rachel Goes Rogue" on Monday, March 11, the 29-year-old mentioned that she has filed a lawsuit, but due to its ongoing nature, she is unable to discuss it in detail. However, Leviss expressed interest in having her attorneys as a topic of conversation. Lisa did offer a comment regarding the lawsuit.

Leviss defended her decision after witnessing Vanderpump's reaction to the news.

"I took my time to carefully consider whether or not to press charges. I believed it was necessary to address this issue," Leviss explained. She clarified that it was not a criminal case, but rather a civil matter. Despite this, she emphasized that her privacy had been breached in a very personal and unexpected manner. She admitted feeling embarrassed and ashamed of the situation.

On March 1, it was confirmed that Leviss filed a lawsuit against Sandoval, 41, and Madix, 38. She accused Sandoval of secretly recording a private video call without her permission. Leviss also claimed that Madix obtained the explicit footage and may have shared it with others. (Madix denied these allegations in a podcast interview with Scheana Shay in August 2023.)

After Leviss’ lawsuit gained attention, Vanderpump dismissed the legal action as "ridiculous." In an interview with TMZ, she remarked, "If you don’t want someone to share your intimate video, then don’t send it to your best friend’s partner, right?"

When the reporter informed Vanderpump that Leviss was unaware of being recorded, she responded, "Oh, I see. Well, I must go." She also commented on the allegation that Madix had circulated the video, stating, "She didn’t share it with me. Why was I left out? I don’t understand. ... It’s all inappropriate."

Leviss was disappointed by her former boss's reaction. She expressed her feelings by saying, "I know Lisa and I weren't as close as she is with Tom, but it still hurts to hear someone talk about the lawsuit and the sensitive situation in a way that isn't true." Leviss felt let down by the way her former boss portrayed the story and hoped that people wouldn't comment until they fully understood the lawsuit and her reasons for seeking accountability.

During the podcast, Leviss expressed her feelings about Vanderpump's comments as "heartbreaking." She mentioned that she had worked for Vanderpump at SUR and Vanderpump Dogs. Leviss said that it was sad to see someone she looked up to and admired as a boss turn against her. She emphasized the importance of standing up for herself and calling out the spread of false information to manipulate public opinion.

Leviss expressed her frustration, stating that she found the situation to be unfair and felt like it was victim shaming. She emphasized the importance of advocating for mental health without twisting the narrative to support a male cast member at the expense of a woman. Leviss described the situation as disappointing and hurtful.

Since news of her affair with Sandoval surfaced in March 2023, Leviss has been distanced from her Vanderpump Rules costars. The revelation led to Sandoval and Leviss being excluded by their castmates, with Sandoval eventually addressing the drama in season 11. In contrast, Leviss chose to leave the show.

Vanderpump has been advocating for the opportunity to share her perspective since Leviss left. However, Leviss has shared on her podcast that she did not feel comfortable filming.

We have contacted Vanderpump for a statement.

Editor's P/S:

Rachel Leviss's lawsuit against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for revenge porn has sparked controversy and differing opinions.