Vanderpump Rules has been renewed for its eleventh season, promising an eventful and dramatic return for viewers. The aftermath of Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal will be a major focal point in the upcoming episodes. As season 10 began in February 2023, the revelation of Tom Schwartz's affair with Raquel during his divorce from Katie Maloney dominated conversations. However, the situation escalated both on and off screen when doubts were raised about Raquel's involvement with Sandoval.
In March 2023, it was confirmed that Sandoval and Ariana Madix had ended their relationship of nearly a decade due to Sandoval's infidelity. This development led to the filming of additional footage for the season finale, which delved into the details of the drama.
Meanwhile, other cast members shared their thoughts on how the show had to adapt the content they had already filmed regarding Sandoval and Raquel. Lala Kent addressed the situation on her podcast, "Give Them Lala," in May 2023, stating, "I previously mentioned that we hadn't included any edits in the episode until the Sandoval incident. I spoke prematurely. It's important to remember that what I see beforehand doesn't always make it onto the television screen."
Raquel's story line has undergone a transformation as more information about her dating life has come to light, according to the beauty mogul. Lala expressed her opinion that Raquel would have emerged as the season's champion, emphasizing her emotional outpourings and desire to compensate for lost time following her breakup with James Kennedy. Lala also speculated whether Raquel's intense crying was a result of guilt, suggesting that the emotional affair had begun long before their sexual encounter.
Raquel voluntarily entered a mental health facility following her cheating scandal. Her decision to seek counseling was made before the relationship was exposed. In a statement from her representative, it was clarified that Raquel's time in rehab was not related to substance abuse issues. She had planned to admit herself prior to the VPR reunion, but chose to fulfill her filming commitment first. Bravo and the production team were aware of and supported her journey towards improved mental health.
During season 10, the former beauty pageant contestant faced a lack of support from her fellow costars, with the exception of Sandoval and Schwartz. Katie, on her part, criticized Raquel for mistreating her friends.
In the comments section of a Bravo Instagram page, the Utah native expressed her disapproval, stating, "It is morally bankrupt to cause such chaos without being prepared to handle the consequences. If you are not equipped to deal with it, then seek the help you need. However, you cannot expect sympathy in the process. Mental health awareness should not be limited to those who seek to harm and destroy."
Amidst the unfolding drama, Sandoval provided an update on Raquel's well-being following their confirmation of being no longer in a relationship. In an interview with TMZ in April, the co-owner of TomTom revealed that Raquel was currently receiving care in a mental facility. He further shared that she was making significant progress and had opted for treatment. Sandoval also mentioned that it was up to Raquel to decide whether she would disclose the location of the facility at a later time. He emphasized that currently, no visitors, friends, family, phone, or any form of communication were permitted.
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Everything to Know About 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 11 Following Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's Affair
Vanderpump Rules has been given the green light for season 11, promising viewers an intense and tumultuous ride as the aftermath of Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval's cheating scandal unfolds. The upcoming season is set to showcase the most dramatic and captivating moments of the cast's lives.
When Bravo's season 10 premiered in February 2023, the focus of everyone's attention was the scandalous affair between Tom Schwartz and Raquel, which occurred during his divorce from Katie Maloney. However, the situation took an unexpected twist both on and off screen when doubts were raised about Raquel's relationship with Sandoval.
In March 2023, it was confirmed that Sandoval and Ariana Madix had ended their nearly decade-long relationship due to his unfaithfulness. This revelation led to additional filming for the season finale, which promised to reveal all the juicy details surrounding the drama.
Lala Kent, a cast member, discussed the show's adjustments to the content featuring Sandoval and Raquel. She mentioned that initially, there was no editing included in the episode until the events involving Sandoval occurred. However, she admitted that what she sees before the final cut may not always be what viewers see on the television screen. Additionally, Lala Kent shared her thoughts on how Raquel's story line has evolved after revealing more information about her dating life.
Lala acknowledged that if it weren't for her unfortunate breakup with James Kennedy, the model would have undoubtedly emerged as the season's victor and claimed the top spot. Reflecting on the emotional confessions made by the model, Lala speculated whether her intense sobbing was a result of guilt. According to Lala, the relationship had already taken a turn for the worse long before they engaged in any physical intimacy, with an emotional affair already in motion.
Despite frequently criticizing her, Lala also recognized the underlying brokenness within the model. Contrary to popular belief, Lala believed that the model possessed a heart and soul, dispelling the notion that she was heartless and devoid of any emotions.
During the aftermath of her cheating scandal, Raquel made the decision to seek help by entering a mental health facility. In April, a statement from her representative clarified that Raquel's admission into rehab was voluntary and not related to substance abuse issues. It was revealed that Raquel had planned to enter the facility before the taping of the VPR reunion on March 23 but chose to fulfill her filming commitment first. Bravo and production were aware of her decision and fully supportive of her journey towards improving her mental health.
Despite this, Raquel did not receive support from most of her costars, except for Sandoval and Schwartz. Katie, in particular, criticized Raquel for mistreating their friends throughout season 10.
"Causing such chaos, especially to the extent of being morally bankrupt, requires one to be prepared to face the consequences," commented a Utah native on a Bravo Instagram page. "And if you are not prepared, then it is crucial to seek the necessary help. However, it is unfair to expect sympathy during the process. Mental health awareness in May is not limited to those who intentionally cause harm."
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Sandoval provided an update on Raquel's well-being, confirming that they were no longer in a relationship. "Raquel is currently receiving treatment at a mental health facility," the co-owner of TomTom shared with TMZ in April. He added that Raquel was making significant progress and had chosen to seek help. "Whether or not she decides to disclose the location after the fact, that is where Raquel is currently. No visitors, no friends, no family, no phone, just complete isolation."
Scroll down for everything to know about season 11 of Vanderpump Rules:
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Which Cast Members Will Return for Season 11 of 'Vanderpump Rules'?
The cast for season 11 of Bravo's show has not been announced yet. However, it is expected that Ariana, Sandoval, Raquel, Katie, Schwartz, Lala, Scheana Shay, James, and Lisa Vanderpump will make a return. Additionally, Ally Lewber and Brock Davies may also appear in new episodes, considering Ally's relationship with James and Brock's marriage to Scheana.
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Cameras typically begin filming during the summer and wrap up by the end of September. However, it is uncertain whether Bravo will commence taping earlier due to the aftermath of the cheating scandal. Nonetheless, season 10 will continue to air until June 2023.
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Will Sandoval and Raquel Be Able to Film With Their Costars?
During an interview with Us in May 2023, Scheana shared her ideas about how filming could work while Raquel and Sandoval are on the outs with their friend group.
"I can imagine us filming together because I've had to imagine it. That's how it works. But I can't visualize what kind of event that would be at. It would have to be something hosted by Lisa Vanderpump," she explained. "Because they definitely won't be invited to any birthday parties."
Credit: Tommy Garcia/Bravo
Who Is on the Fence About Coming Back?
Charli Burnett expressed uncertainty about her potential return to the popular Bravo series in June 2023, citing her reluctance to film alongside Raquel amidst the ongoing scandal. She explained her discomfort by stating her close friendship with Ariana and her deep disappointment in the current situation. The prospect of filming the upcoming season under these circumstances would, therefore, be incredibly awkward and emotionally taxing for her.
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock
Are Any ‘Pump Rules’ Vets Returning?
Although Scandoval filmed a portion of season 11, it remains uncertain if Kristen Doute or any other alums will join the main cast. However, executive producer Alex Baskin expressed in a May 2023 interview with Variety that the possibility is not completely ruled out.
“This is not a production that can simply insert an unfamiliar face,” he playfully shared with the publication. “Therefore, we certainly engage in those discussions. And in reality, they remain genuine friends.”
Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo
Will the ‘Pump Rules’ Cast Get a Pay Raise?
The reality stars of season 10 did not receive a bonus, despite the increase in viewership. Baskin, the producer, clarified in an interview with Variety in May 2023 that there is a pay scale based on tenure. She emphasized that the ratings do not necessarily equate to financial wealth and that there is a practical understanding of the business.
Credit: Shutterstock (3)
What Is Ariana's Plan for Filming Season 11?
Ariana expressed her disinterest in interacting with Sandoval and Raquel for season 11 of the show, stating to The New York Times in May 2023 that she had nothing to say to either of them. Emphasizing the authenticity of the show, she highlighted that the group of friends portrayed on the show did not include Sandoval and Raquel, wishing them good luck in their endeavors.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Will Raquel Return for Season 11?
"I'm uncertain at the moment, but I do have the desire to," shared the model during an exclusive interview with Andy Cohen for the season 10 reunion, which was broadcasted in May 2023. In a previous interaction, Raquel had acknowledged her parents' increased involvement in her life and the decisions she has been making, in light of the scandal's aftermath.