Tom Sandoval Responds to Raquel Leviss' Lawsuit, Alleges Intent to Manipulate Narrative

Tom Sandoval Counters Rachel Leviss Lawsuit Claiming Suit Aimed To Further Bend the Narrative 314

Tom Sandoval, Rachel Leviss. Getty Images (2)

Tom Sandoval's attorneys are asking for Rachel “Raquel” Leviss’ revenge porn lawsuit against him to be dismissed or changed, as per court documents obtained by We.

The filed documents on Monday, April 22, argue that the lawsuit is an attempt by Leviss to gain more fame and present herself as a victim. Additionally, they claim that it degrades her former friend Ariana Madix as a 'scorned woman' and portrays Sandoval as 'predatory.'

The public drama between Leviss and Sandoval has been unfolding on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules for over a year. It all started when Sandoval’s ex, Madix, found explicit videos of Leviss on his phone while they were still together.

In February 2024, Leviss took legal action by filing a lawsuit against Sandoval, who is 40, and Madix, who is 38. Leviss accused them of eavesdropping, revenge porn, and invasion of privacy. However, legal documents from Sandoval’s lawyers aim to challenge and undermine these accusations.

Leviss is accused of portraying herself as a victim by making additional claims in the lawsuit. These claims include accusing Bravo, VPR costar Scheana Shay, and Andy Cohen of persecution. Leviss' podcast, "Rachel Goes Rogue," is also mentioned in the lawsuit, alleging that the show is used to manipulate the narrative.

Raquel Leviss Thinks She Was Groomed by Tom Sandoval During Affair

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

In the filing, Leviss claims that Sandoval allegedly recorded two lewd videos of her without her knowledge, which she believes to be false.

The documents state that the videos were created by Leviss and shared with Sandoval through a consensual exchange on Facetime. According to Leviss, Sandoval only saved private copies of the videos she shared with him.

In her lawsuit, Leviss claimed that Bravo and her castmates continued to benefit from the attention generated by the videos once they became public.

Bravo was accused of prioritizing its commercial interests over Leviss' well-being by not letting her share her side of the story and defend herself, despite her repeated requests, as mentioned in her lawsuit.

After the incident, Leviss disclosed that she spent 90 days in a mental health treatment center. She claimed that she was publicly humiliated and portrayed as a villain, leading to a significant impact on her mental health, career opportunities, and reputation.

Leviss mentioned on her podcast that she is unable to discuss the lawsuit publicly. However, she emphasized that the decision to take legal action was not made lightly.

She took her time to carefully consider whether to press charges. Leviss believed it was necessary to address the issue. Although the lawsuit is not criminal, but rather a civil case, she expressed feeling violated in a very intimate and unexpected manner. It was an embarrassing experience that she is not proud of.

Vanderpump Rules airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing legal battle between Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss has brought to light the complex dynamics of revenge porn and its