Tom Schwartz Reflects on Thanksgiving Photo Controversy with Jax Taylor and Tom Sandoval
Vanderpump Rules' Tom Schwartz reflects on the criticism he faced for sharing a photo with Jax Taylor and Tom Sandoval, admitting he was humbled by the backlash Find out more about how he handled the situation
Tom Schwartz's Thanksgiving reunion with Tom Sandoval and their former Vanderpump Rules costar Jax Taylor did not impress fans.
"Got the band back together," Schwartz, 41, posted on his Instagram Story on Thursday, November 23, alongside a photo of himself, Sandoval, 41, and Taylor, 44. The three were celebrating the holiday at Schwartz & Sandy's Lounge, a venue co-owned by Schwartz and Sandoval.
Schwartz later suggested that he received negative responses to his Thanksgiving photo.
"I briefly checked my direct messages, perhaps it's best if we don't reunite the band," he wrote in a subsequent Instagram Story.
Tom Sandoval, Jax Taylor and Tom Schwartz. Courtesy of Jax Taylor/Instagram
Multiple fans of Pump Rules shared their thoughts on the reunion, with a Bravo fan account playfully suggesting that Schwartz quickly felt "humbled by his DMs" after posting the photo. Another social media user expressed uncertainty about their feelings towards the photo in a comment on @bravominions' post. The account holder also admitted to having "mixed feelings" about the picture.
Shortly after the latest episode of Bravo's Winter House, Schwartz announced that he was taking a break from his friendship with Sandoval. During the episode, he declared, "I need a break from Tom, and I think he should shave his mustache."
Winter House season 3 commenced filming in March, shortly after confirming that Sandoval had been unfaithful to his girlfriend of nine years, Ariana Madix, with fellow Pump Rules star Raquel Leviss.
Although both Schwartz and Sandoval had plans to travel to Colorado for a brief appearance on Winter House, only Schwartz ultimately appeared on the show following Sandoval's cheating controversy.
Initially, Schwartz stood up for his longtime friend, asking fans to show some compassion for Sandoval. "First of all, Ariana, love you. I know you don’t love me right now, but I still love you. And also, Tom, I know the whole world hates you. But I’m not going to abandon you, old buddy. I’m not going to abandon you," Schwartz expressed on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in April. Despite acknowledging Sandoval's wrongdoing, Schwartz urged others to offer him support. "He knows he’s a monster for what he did. If you see him, maybe give him a hug. Even if he doesn’t deserve it, give him a hug. He’s down bad."
Schwartz's attitude seemed to shift when the Pump Rules season 10 reunion was televised the next month. He openly admitted to Sandoval that he had "messed up" and jeopardized their businesses. (In addition to Schwartz & Sandy’s, the pair also co-own the bar TomTom.)
Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram
"I poured my heart and soul into Schwartz & Sandy's, giving it everything I had," Schwartz confessed at the reunion. "It's devastating to think that Tom's affair could bring the whole place down."
However, Schwartz's rift with Sandoval didn't last long, as the two spent time together at BravoCon earlier this month. Reflecting on their friendship during the three-day convention, Schwartz told We in an exclusive interview that he felt "guilty by association" to Sandoval.
"He described it as incredibly strange. At times, he could acknowledge the ridiculousness of the situation, but there were also moments when it was deeply upsetting and quite frightening."
As for Taylor, he played a crucial role in the Pump Rules cast since its debut in 2013 until he left the show in 2020.
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After news of his affair broke, he wasted no time in criticizing Sandoval and exclusively told Us that his former costar has "some issues."
"I believe he's going through a tough time," Taylor told Us in July. "I don't want to say it's a midlife crisis, but he's definitely going through something. On the show, he's had a bit of a diva attitude, acting like he's untouchable, and I think he's overestimated his abilities."
