Tom Sandoval, a cast member of Vanderpump Rules, faced backlash from fans when he cheated on his girlfriend with her close friend. The scandal, dubbed "Scandoval," was exposed during the finale of season 10, leaving his girlfriend Ariana Madix shocked and betrayed by both Tom and her friend Rachel "Raquel" Leviss.
Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules is currently airing on Bravo, focusing heavily on the aftermath of Tom's affair with Rachel. Fans of the show have quickly taken sides, with many supporting Ariana. Tom's Instagram comments section has turned into a battleground, with harsh remarks from his ex's loyal supporters.
Tom Slings Hydroxycut
An Awkward Sponsored Ad
vanderpump rules tom sandoval reclining on the hood of a car with hydroxycut products - An Awkward Sponsored Ad - Tom Slings Hydroxycut
In August 2023, Tom shared a photo on Instagram showing him lounging on a car hood surrounded by boxes and bottles of Hydroxycut, a diet supplement he has been endorsing since early 2023. The post received a lot of negative comments from Instagram users. One user expressed feeling embarrassed for Tom, while another questioned his honesty. Some even criticized the diet supplement itself. The status of Tom's partnership with Hydroxycut remains uncertain.
"Could you be anymore despicable?"
Special Forces
Playing Games
vanderpump rules tom sandoval in tactical gear while working on the show special forces - Playing Games - Special Forces
In July 2023, Tom shared a photo on Instagram of himself in survivalist military and tactical gear while filming Special Forces season 2. Even though the picture was posted before the scandal, fans expressed their disapproval by commenting on his older posts. This led Tom to temporarily disable comments, only to later enable them again.
One Instagram user with the handle @chelsthemermaid commented, "the fact that this won’t even be your most embarrassing endeavor is shocking." Another user, @samanthastevens138, questioned, "Could you be anymore despicable?" There was also a comment that humorously pointed out, "This guy is 40 tryna be 23 lmaoo."
The Most Extras
Always Putting On A Show
Vanderpump rules tom sandoval and the most extras band performing for a big crowd - Always Putting On A Show - The Most Extras
Tom faced criticism for his musical talents too. In May 2023, he shared a picture on Instagram of a packed concert with his band, Tom Sandoval And The Most Extras. A user named @kimmi_kelly questioned Tom's singing abilities, while @keirafleuryy made a jab at his age. Shockingly, another comment hinted at Tom being involved in the death of a former bandmate.
"Kristen got the last laugh"
At The Washington Monument
Visiting Our Nation's Capital
Vanderpump rules tom sandoval at the washington monument, reflected in the water - Visiting Our Nation's Capital - At The Washington Monument
Interview With An Emotional Vampire
It seems like our national politics couldn't get any worse, but then Tom decided to post a picture on Instagram standing next to the Washington Monument. The comment section was flooded with Instagram users, including @bforbonc who mentioned, "Kristen got the last laugh," referring to Tom cheating on former Vanderpump Rules star Kristen Doute with Ariana. Another user, @rachel_daisy91, expressed disappointment by saying, "So sad I can’t watch VPR anymore. Just wish they took @tomsandoval1 off the show for the new season." Keeping with the political theme, @stayoverther asked, "Democrats….. why do they always look like this?"
Crying Over A Broken Penis Flute
Instagram article posted by tomsandoval1
Tom & Tom Get Dragged
In February 2024, Tom shared a clip from his podcast called Everybody Loves Tom. In the clip, he jokingly discusses a phallic-shaped flute that was showcased in his and Ariana's home. The flute was broken by one of Ariana's friends during season 10 of Vanderpump Rules after Tom's affair was exposed. Comments on Instagram from users @nicole.ashley.p, @biancawalberg, and @shannonmassa criticized Tom, with one user even calling him "delusional" and "ridiculous."
Both Toms Are Catching Heat
Vanderpump Rules Tom Sandoval montage - Both Toms Are Catching Heat - Tom & Tom Get Dragged
Tom Schwartz, Sandoval's close friend and business partner, also faced criticism in the comments section. In January 2024, Tom shared a new episode from his podcast, Everybody Loves Tom, featuring himself and Sandoval. Some comments were short and not so sweet, like @sukibird's "Barf" and @blowmymindheyvicky's "BOOOOOOO." @emilybashamhoelscher even joined in, calling them "Pitiful and pitifuller."
One commenter didn't hold back, saying, "Who’s your stylist? You need to fire them immediately."
The Tom's At Caesars Palace
More Of Tom Tom
Vanderpump Rules Tom Sandoval & Tom Schwartz posing in front of Julius caesar statue at Caesar's palace - More Of Tom Tom - The Tom's At Caesars Palace
Tom and Schwartz found themselves under scrutiny after posting a photo on Instagram in January 2023. The picture was taken in a Las Vegas casino, with the two friends standing under a statue of Julius Caesar. However, instead of receiving positive comments, Instagram users criticized their appearance. For instance, @andykyn_ questioned Tom's stylist and suggested firing them, while @sarah.w.xoxo commented on their looks with terms like "greasy" and "used car salesman vibes."
"I know my opinion doesn't mean much bc I'm a total stranger but you don't deserve the abuse and the ganging up on that you've endured."
The Passing Of Tom's Best Childhood Friend, Ali
A Tragic Passing
Vanderpump Rules Tom Sandoval & ali rafiq in side by side photos, 1 is of ali on Tom's shoulders, and 1 is of them in a photo booth in suits - A Tragic Passing - The Passing Of Tom's Best Childhood Friend, Ali
In February 2024, Tom shared a heartfelt Instagram post dedicated to his late friend Ali Rafiq, who passed away at the age of 41. Some Instagram users accused Tom of seeking sympathy, while others referenced a negative article about him in the New York Times. Surprisingly, amidst the criticism, one person stood up for Tom and expressed support.
Vanderpump Rules can be watched on Bravo on Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST.
Tom Sandoval has shared multiple updates on his Instagram account. The New York Times has also featured some of his content.
Editor's P/S:
The article meticulously documents the torrent of criticism Tom Sandoval has faced in the wake of his affair. The comments section of his Instagram posts have become a battleground,