Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's Controversial Friendship with Raquel Leviss: Unfiltered Inside Scoop

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix were in agreement about their friendship with Raquel Leviss prior to Sandoval's recent controversy. In a scene from Vanderpump Rules Secrets Revealed, the couple was seen enjoying a date at a roller rink where Sandoval complimented Ariana on her appearance, calling her both hot and cute.

Ariana expressed her excitement about spending more time with her bartender boyfriend whom she has been dating since 2013. She believes that their friendship bond will help them rebuild their fun romantic moments now that they have more time together. Even though the sacrifices required are difficult, she thinks they are worth it. Ariana wants her boyfriend to succeed in opening the bar, but she also misses their time together.

During their skating session, the conversation shifted towards Raquel, 28, and both Sandoval and Ariana took the opportunity to express their admiration for the model, despite her past conflicts with other cast members on Vanderpump Rules.

"I told Katie that it would take a lot for me not to love Raquel," Ariana shared in the scene, which was filmed in August 2022. "We've spent so much time together on trips and have created this beautiful friendship family. It's disappointing to hear people say negative things about her, like not trusting her around their significant others, especially since we've all stayed in houses together. It's clear that they don't have the same bond that we've developed over the past few years."

Sandoval defended his relationship with Ariana by highlighting the transparency in their love for each other and their friends. This conversation, which was not previously revealed, occurred soon after Sandoval engaged in a romantic encounter with Raquel behind the scenes. In March, it was confirmed that Sandoval's affair with the former beauty pageant queen had resulted in the end of his almost decade-long relationship with Ariana.

During the explosive reunion, the cast collectively addressed the scandal and its aftermath following separate public apologies from Sandoval and Raquel to Ariana. Reflecting on the incident later on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in May, Ariana revealed her shock at the couple’s deception. She clarified that while she did not lose him, it was in fact he who had lost her. Her trust in him had been so strong that she had relied on his perspective.

Ariana revealed that despite any doubts or bumps in the road, she believed that she and Sandoval would always have incredible moments together. She acknowledged that it was difficult to acknowledge any potential issues in their relationship since she had never been in a long-term relationship before. Looking back, she admitted that she may have overlooked some red flags between Sandoval and Raquel, but she felt that she was giving her all as a partner and wouldn't change a thing. She knew that all she could do was try her best, and whether it was enough for anyone else was out of her control.

The coauthor of Fancy AF Cocktails has taken a firm stance on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and former friend. Ariana stated plainly to The New York Times in May that she has no interest in filming with Sandoval and Raquel for season 11, which has yet to begin production. She emphasized that the show is centered around a genuine group of friends, and since neither of them are a part of that group, she wishes them the best of luck.