Vanderpump Rules: Is Ariana Madix the New Villain in Town?

Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules is known for being extremely controversial and has the potential to be the show’s biggest villainess. The 38-year-old Melbourne native made her debut on the Bravo series in 2013 as a guest star, eventually becoming a recurring cast member. From season 3 onwards, Ariana transitioned to the main cast and became a central figure on the show. Her last appearance was in Vanderpump season 11, which premiered on Bravo on January 30, 2024. Ariana is most recognized for her relationship with Tom Sandoval, which she confirmed during a reunion after meeting him nine years ago.

Ariana and Tom appeared to be an unbreakable couple, sharing similar interests and showcasing their seemingly perfect lives on reality TV. However, their relationship took a turn in Vanderpump Rules season 10 when Ariana discovered that Tom had cheated on her with co-star Raquel Leviss. She learned that he had been unfaithful for seven months while pretending that everything was fine. In season 10, Ariana revealed that she found a FaceTime recording of Tom and Raquel, leading her to confront them. Despite the heartbreak, Ariana has since moved on and recovered from the betrayal.

Tom Sandoval Is Starting To Get Pity From Viewers

Tom’s Loyal Fans Still Support Him

Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz with a "Banned" sign over Schwartz & Sandy's - Tom’s Loyal Fans Still Support Him - Tom Sandoval Is Starting To Get Pity From Viewers

Ariana's popularity among fans has never been high, and there are indications that she is slowly transforming into the new antagonist on Vanderpump Rules. This shift may be attributed to Tom's public persona, as he not only cheated on Ariana but also ended their 9-year relationship. Surprisingly, viewers have started to sympathize with Tom and feel sorry for him. In recent months, Tom has been candid with his fans about his emotions and has shown his true self. He appears to be happier and more liberated now than he was with Ariana. Many believe that there must have been a significant reason that led Tom to betray Ariana after being faithful for so long.

Lala Kent’s “God” Reference

Ariana Probably Thinks She’s Untouchable

Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent pointing her finger at Tom Sandoval - Ariana Probably Thinks She’s Untouchable - Lala Kent’s “God” Reference

Lala Kent from Vanderpump Rules recently shared her thoughts on Ariana in the latest season's trailer. According to Lala, Ariana seems to have transformed into a different person following her breakup with Tom, exhibiting what Lala describes as a God complex. Lala hinted that there may have been a specific incident that triggered this change in Ariana's behavior. In an interview with ET, Lala teased that viewers will soon understand the context behind her statement, suggesting that the upcoming season will bring about conflicting perspectives and chaos among fans.

Ariana Didn’t Let Tom Have The Party He Wanted At Their House

Ariana Is Trying To Establish Dominance

Montage of Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules - Ariana Is Trying To Establish Dominance - Ariana Didn’t Let Tom Have The Party He Wanted At Their House

Ariana and Tom have ended their nine-year relationship, but Ariana is not letting it break her. Instead, she is using the breakup as an opportunity to assert her strength and power over her former partner. In a recent episode, Ariana refused to let Tom host his birthday party at their home, despite his offer to book a nice hotel. She made it clear that she would involve the authorities if he attempted to bring guests to their house. While Ariana is understandably hurt by the infidelity, she is allowing her emotions to cloud her judgment and is seeking to stir up more drama.

Ariana Refuses To Give Tom The House

Ariana Wants To Make Tom Suffer

Montage of Vanderpump Rules' Tom Schwartz and Ariana Madix - Ariana Wants To Make Tom Suffer - Ariana Refuses To Give Tom The House

Ariana's descent into negativity was marked by a series of troubling actions. In February 2024, it was revealed that she had turned down her ex-partner Tom's offer to buy her share of their house. This decision only served to further complicate their already strained breakup. In a conversation with Lala, Ariana admitted that she felt Tom's offer was insufficient. When Lala suggested that she was intentionally making things difficult for him by refusing to sell, Ariana confirmed her motivations.

Ariana Said She Believes Viewers Will “Turn On Her” This Season

Ariana Knows Her Actions Will Have Negative Consequences

Instagram article posted by bravosnarkside

Ariana had already anticipated the viewers turning against her after season 11 due to her actions. Recently, fans reacted to the Vanderpump Rules season 11 teaser, with some foreseeing a negative outcome for Ariana. One social media user even boldly stated, "mark my words, everyone’s gonna hate Ariana this season." In response, Ariana acknowledged the possibility, admitting, "certainly wouldn’t be surprised if the audience swings that way." She understands that she may not receive sympathy from fans this season, as she hasn't done anything to redeem herself.

She Moved On Too Quickly With her New Boyfriend

Ariana Is In A Relationship With Daniel Wai

Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval looking angry. - Ariana Is In A Relationship With Daniel Wai - She Moved On Too Quickly With her New Boyfriend

Rebounds are never ideal, but jumping into a new relationship shortly after a decade-long one ends seems particularly harsh. Ariana's newfound romance with Daniel Wai is a positive development, but the speed at which she moved on from Tom suggests a possible element of spite. It appears that Ariana may have intentionally rushed into a new relationship to show Tom that he was easily replaceable in her life. Without any provocation from Tom, Ariana's actions are likely to attract more criticism and disdain from others.

Ariana’s Had Diva Moments

Ariana Never Respected Tom

Montage of Vanderpump Rules’ Ariana Madix smiling on Love Island USA - Ariana Never Respected Tom - Ariana’s Had Diva Moments

Ariana’s behavior on reality TV may be entertaining, but her diva antics post-breakup could tarnish her image. Throughout her time on Vanderpump Rules, she has been seen belittling Tom and acting superior to others. In a recent episode, Tom revealed that Ariana's behavior reached a low point when she started attacking and demeaning him. He bluntly stated, “first of all, you’re not my queen.” While Ariana may have valid reasons to be upset with Tom for cheating, her attitude could end up reflecting poorly on her character.

Ariana Won’t Be Friends With Anyone Associated With Tom

Ariana Is Willing To Ruin Her Long-Term Friendships

Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix in front of a Love Island backdrop - Ariana Is Willing To Ruin Her Long-Term Friendships - Ariana Won’t Be Friends With Anyone Associated With Tom

Ariana's reputation may be at risk as she sets strict rules that could paint her as a villain. She previously declared that she would not associate with anyone connected to Tom. Specifically, she stated, "I'm not friends with Tom Schwartz," indicating that she had ended a friendship with someone she believed had a hand in her former partner, Tom, cheating on her. Ariana is adamant about not sharing mutual friends with her ex, blurring the lines between personal matters and professional and social relationships, displaying a lack of maturity.

Vanderpump Rules airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.

Source: ET,bravosnarkside/Instagram, People

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a complex and nuanced portrait of Ariana Madix, a polarizing figure on the reality TV show Vanderpump Rules. While she has long been regarded as controversial, the recent events surrounding her breakup with Tom Sandoval seem to have solidified her status as the show's potential antagonist. The article highlights her emotional turmoil, her questionable decisions, and her strained relationships with those around her. It raises important questions about her motivations, her character flaws, and the consequences of her actions.

The article also explores the shift in public perception towards Tom Sandoval, who has garnered sympathy from viewers despite his infidelity. It delves into the reasons behind this change, including his candidness and vulnerability in the wake of the scandal. The juxtaposition of Ariana's growing unpopularity with Tom's newfound support raises intriguing questions about the dynamics of reality TV, the nature of public opinion, and the complexities of human relationships. Overall, the article provides a thought-provoking analysis of a controversial figure and the evolving landscape of reality television.