Unveiling the Rollercoaster Ride: Ariana Madix and Tom Schwartz's Journey from Lifelong Friends to Heartbreaking Estrangement

Ariana Madix and Tom Schwartz had a strong connection over the years, but their relationship took a surprising turn after the cheating scandal involving Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss.

When season 10 of Vanderpump Rules premiered in February 2023, everyone was focused on Schwartz's involvement with Leviss while going through a divorce from Katie Maloney. However, behind the scenes, news emerged about the model's affair with Sandoval.

In March 2023, it was confirmed that Sandoval and Madix had ended their relationship after almost ten years of dating due to Sandoval's infidelity. The Bravo series went on to film additional footage for the season finale, addressing the scandal.

During this time, viewers were curious about when Schwartz became aware of his friend and business partner's infidelity. Schwartz then shared details about a trip he took with Sandoval and the former beauty pageant queen while they were secretly involved. Speaking on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in April 2023, Schwartz clarified, "Just to clarify, that trip was planned for me and Tom. However, he brought Raquel along. I wasn't sure what to do in that situation because I knew they were in love. At that point, I also believed he had ended things with Ariana and was in love with Raquel."

Witness the unfolding drama on screen as Madix expresses her displeasure with Schwartz's decision to conceal Sandoval's affair. Demonstrating her dissatisfaction, Madix took the step of unfollowing Schwartz on social media in March 2023. This action solidified the fact that their relationship was strained due to Schwartz's unwavering commitment to Sandoval. Keep scrolling for a recap of the tumultuous journey of Madix and Schwartz.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

'Vanderpump Rules' Costars Ariana Madix and Tom Schwartz's Ups and Downs Through the Years: From Friendship to Fallout

Ariana Madix and Tom Schwartz maintained a bond throughout the years, but things took an unexpected turn in the aftermath of Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' cheating scandal.

When season 10 of Vanderpump Rules premiered in February 2023, all anyone could talk about was Schwartz's affair with Leviss while going through a divorce with Katie Maloney. Behind the scenes, rumors began to circulate about the model's involvement with Sandoval.

In March 2023, we received confirmation that Sandoval and Madix had ended their relationship of almost ten years due to his unfaithfulness. As a result, the Bravo series decided to include additional footage in the season finale to address the scandal.

Amidst the unfolding drama, viewers were curious about when Schwartz learned about his friend and business partner's infidelity. Schwartz then shared details about a secret romantic trip he had taken with Sandoval and the former beauty pageant queen. "Just to clarify, that trip was meant for Tom and me," he revealed on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in April 2023. "He brought along Raquel secretly. What was I supposed to do in that situation? I knew they were in love. I also believed that he had broken up with Ariana and was in love with Raquel."

As the on-screen drama continued, Madix made it clear that she was unhappy with Schwartz keeping Sandoval's affair under wraps. Madix, who unfollowed Schwartz on social media in March 2023, confirmed that they were not on good terms due to his unwavering loyalty to Sandoval.

Scroll down to relive Madix and Schwartz's ups and downs:

Credit: Tommy Garcia/Bravo (2)

2014

The reality TV costars developed a friendship after Madix started dating Sandoval following his split from Kristen Doute.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

2016

The Fancy AF Cocktails coauthor was a groomsman at Schwartz's wedding to Maloney. Madix was also present at the former couple's Las Vegas ceremony three years later.

Credit: Courtesy of Tom Schwartz/Instagram

2019

"HAPPY DAPPY BDAY TO APPLE DAPPLE DIZZLE! @ariana252525 love when your Florida shines through! ️," the Winter House star captioned a birthday tribute to Madix.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

2022

Madix spoke about Schwartz's response to his breakup with Maloney, telling Us exclusively in June 2022 that there were good and bad moments. Sometimes, Schwartz appeared to be doing well and back to his normal self. However, it was likely that he also had moments of sadness or difficulty.

The former SUR bartender acknowledged that the separation was a significant change for both Schwartz and Maloney. She expressed empathy and commented that she couldn't imagine what they were experiencing. Building a life together made it a mix of excitement for a new chapter, but also challenging in other ways.

Credit: Bravo (2)

2023

In footage from September 2022, Schwartz supported Sandoval as he discussed the issues in his relationship with Madix.

"It appears to be indicative of a larger problem," Schwartz commented in a later confessional, already aware of the affair. "One can never truly know what happens in private, but from my observations, they appear to have become more like roommates. There seems to be a lack of connection and intimacy when they spend time together, and they hardly acknowledge each other. It's concerning."

The businessman advised Sandoval to deal with his concerns promptly, before they escalate further.

Credit: Shutterstock (2)

2023

Following the revelation of Sandoval's affair, Schwartz alluded to a strained relationship with Madix. In an appearance on WWHL in April 2023, he shared, "At the moment, it seems like she couldn't care less about me. However, my love for Ariana remains unwavering. I'm here for her whenever she may require my support, and I will discretely reach out from time to time."

One month later, Maloney confirmed that Madix had not forgiven Schwartz for keeping the affair a secret. "She's definitely upset. She's completely disgusted with him," the Utah native stated during the "Not Skinny But Not Fat" podcast. "I believe that if [Schwartz] claims to have found out about the affair in January. ​Then in that case, he should have told her."

Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

2023

During the season 10 finale of Vanderpump Rules, Madix ended her friendship with Schwartz. Tearfully, she expressed, "Although I don't see you as a co-conspirator, I cannot be friends with him anymore. I was always there for him, defending him even to you. I even encouraged him to abstain from alcohol for five days so he could undergo sperm testing and we could have embryos. I wanted him to have that option if he truly wanted it in the future. It's hard to admit, but I now realize that what I miss is not genuine."

That same month, I observed the construction of a narrative behind my back, without my knowledge, by my ex-boyfriend and his accomplices, who I shall refer to as "flying monkeys." The main orchestrator of this fabrication was none other than Tom Schwartz.

Credit: Shutterstock; Charles Sykes/Bravo (3)

2023

Madix disclosed new information she had learned about Sandoval and Leviss' affair in May 2023. On an episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, she stated that Sandoval had flown Leviss to various locations and referenced an appearance on WWHL where Schwartz appeared uncomfortable. Madix asserted that Schwartz's behavior was a result of Leviss being in the hotel room with Sandoval. Additionally, she claimed that Sandoval had used other people's credit cards to cover expenses, leaving them unsure of how to react and feeling burdened.

Credit: Courtesy of Something About Her/Instagram

2023

Madix made her stance clear regarding her relationship with Schwartz following their joint filming of scenes for Something About Her. In response to a Bravo fan page, she nonchalantly commented, "I am not friends with Tom Schwartz" accompanied by a shrug emoji.