Vanderpump Rules’ Rachel ‘Raquel’ Leviss Addresses the Controversy Surrounding Scandoval

Rachel ‘Raquel’ Leviss Taylor Hill/WireImage

Rachel Leviss, 29, is ready to share her unfiltered perspective on the past year. In the teaser for the "Rachel Goes Rogue" podcast released on Monday, December 18, she expressed her excitement about finally having the opportunity to tell her story in her own words, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Leviss had cheated on her Vanderpump Rules costar Tom Sandoval. In March, it was confirmed that Ariana Madix ended her nine-year relationship with 40-year-old Sandoval after discovering his infidelity.

Following a 90-day treatment at a trauma therapy center in response to the scandal, Leviss revealed that she had blocked Sandoval’s number. Despite this, he publicly wished her a happy birthday via Instagram comment in September. In a podcast teaser, she expressed her thoughts on his actions, questioning whether they were motivated by spite or by a genuine desire for her well-being.

Leviss admitted that it was difficult for her to completely remove Sandoval from her life because she had created a narrative about their relationship that made it feel significant and genuine. However, acknowledging his concerning behavior ultimately enabled her to move forward. She stated, "Once I faced the truth and recognized his manipulative nature, I knew I couldn't risk putting myself in a vulnerable position that could lead me back to those old patterns I'm trying to escape."

Regarding Leviss's current status with the Bravo show, she stated that she has distanced herself entirely from "the filming environment that is Vanderpump Rules." This decision was made after confirmation in August that Leviss would not be appearing in season 11 of the reality series.

Reflecting on her experience, Leviss acknowledged that returning for season 10 was a mistake, as she should have taken the necessary time to heal and seek therapy after ending her relationship with costar and former fiancé James Kennedy. She expressed that looking back at that season, she was in a very low state.

Leviss expressed her concern about causing pain to Madix by working in the same environment after interacting with Kennedy. She described being involved with someone's boyfriend who is still in a relationship as a huge betrayal and painful. Continuing to interact with these people and hearing about what they're doing would be catastrophic. She didn't want to put Ariana in that position.

Leviss admitted to excessive drinking during filming, but made it clear that it was not an excuse. She acknowledged that she was in a bad mental space and is taking responsibility for her actions. After a seven-month engagement, Leviss and Kennedy ended their relationship in December 2021. She also mentioned that she has chosen to have no contact with Kennedy while filming, as he is currently dating Ally Lewber.

Taking a pause has given her a chance to gain a new perspective and understand the situation better.

Looking back at season 10 is really tough for me. I find myself cringing at so many of the moments and things that were caught on camera. It's really embarrassing. I see a girl who was struggling and didn't have the tools to handle it. She coped by seeking adoration and attention from someone, and didn't prioritize her friendships when she got involved with Tom. I regret that a lot.

Leviss stated that she has not been in touch with any of her former costars since the scandal, and emphasized that physical violence is a boundary she refuses to tolerate. In March, Leviss revealed that her costar Scheana Shay pushed her against a brick wall and punched her in the left eye after learning about the scandal. Leviss then obtained a restraining order against Shay, who denied the accusation. In a statement to Us, Leviss later confirmed that the restraining order had been lifted. Last month, Leviss announced her intention to share her story in her upcoming podcast.

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"Rachel Goes Rogue" debuts on January 8, 2024, on the iHeartRadio app and all podcast platforms.