Why Lala Kent Chose to Support Tom Sandoval at BravoCon Panel: An Inside Look
Lala Kent reveals her motive behind defending Tom Sandoval at BravoCon panel, explaining why she took a stand when fans began booing 'Vanderpump Rules' star Exclusive interview with Us Weekly
Lala Kent, 33, defended her decision to support Tom Sandoval, 41, at BravoCon despite not being on his side. In an exclusive interview with We on Saturday, November 4, she explained her reasons for calling out fans who booed Sandoval at their Vanderpump Rules panel.
"I simply reached a point where I felt it was enough. I can't say it was specifically directed at Sandoval, it was more of a realization that it was time to move on. While speaking to Us on the BravoCon red carpet, she explained, 'We can't keep doing this. We've got to move on at some point. And I felt that the punishment no longer matched the crime.'"
"The affair between Sandoval and Raquel Leviss during season 10, which ultimately led to the end of his relationship with Ariana Madix, was still the hot topic at the Las Vegas event. Bravo fans were given a glimpse into how the aftermath of the scandal will unfold in a first look clip shown at the panel on Friday, November 3."
Before giving us a glimpse of what's to come, the cast made their entrance on stage, triggering a variety of responses. While Ariana, 38, was showered with an overwhelming amount of support, Sandoval was promptly greeted with boos from the audience.
Sandoval faced more boos when questioned about what he would have done differently regarding his affair. His response failed to satisfy, and attendees expressed further disapproval by questioning his presence at the event.
“I choose to bravely confront the matter here instead. I am uncertain about your actions,” Sandoval expressed before Lala interjected with her own perspective on the situation, remarking, “In a peculiar, peculiar manner, I am indifferent if you curse at me. ... Despite the overwhelming animosity towards Tom, he still persevered and continued to perform. ... Life moved forward. ... If I were in his shoes, I would confidently instruct all of you to leave me alone.”
In addition to hosting "Give Them Lala" podcast, Lala Kent also shared her perspective on filming season 11 after the drama. She casually mentioned that although she was aware of what she filmed with Sandoval, their time together on the show felt normal to her since she had spent many years in the same room with him, even when she didn't want to. For Lala, nothing had changed.
Lala later expressed her belief that the focus should not solely be on Sandoval. "We should all move forward in some way, especially after the incredible season 11 we had. Although it will be different, it will still be incredible," she told Us on Saturday. "The question directed towards him was incredibly disrespectful, and the subsequent booing. Frankly, if I were in his position, I would raise my middle fingers and tell you to go away."
Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, and Tom Schwartz. Nicole Weingart/Bravo
During the summer, while the cameras were still rolling, Lala hinted at surprising and unpredictable developments on the popular series. In a podcast episode of "Give Them Lala," she discussed season 11 and mentioned that there would come a day when everything settles down and people move on. She also described this season as the most unusual one they have ever filmed. Unlike previous seasons, where she eagerly anticipated the airing of the episodes, this time she emphasized her focus on personal healing before retreating from the public eye. Lala's fellow cast member, Scheana Shay, also shared her thoughts on the highs and lows of filming.
Scheana, 37, mentioned during an Amazon Live session that she experienced a day that surpassed all the emotionally draining days she had encountered in her 11 seasons on Vanderpump Rules. She exclaimed that she cried so much on that day that her eyelashes hurt, her contacts became dry, and she felt congested. She expressed feeling weak in every possible way, emphasizing that out of all the seasons she had been through, that day had affected her the most.
Source: Reporting by Christina Garibaldi
