Tom Sandoval: Scandal, Lawsuit, Apology, and AGT Controversy
Few reality TV scandals have unfolded quite like Tom Sandoval’s: the longtime Vanderpump Rules star saw his public image collapse almost overnight when news broke of his secret affair with castmate Raquel Leviss in March 2023. Since then, he’s faced lawsuits, public apologies, and questions about his future—and the story is still far from over.
Full name: Thomas Anthony Sandoval · Born: July 7, 1983 · Occupation: Television personality, restaurateur, musician · Known for: Vanderpump Rules · Relationship with Ariana Madix: 2013–2023 · Net worth: Estimated $6 million (2025)
Quick snapshot
- Sandoval was in a relationship with Ariana Madix from 2013 to 2023 (People)
- He had a months-long affair with Raquel Leviss (Entertainment Tonight)
- He filed a revenge-porn lawsuit against Madix in February 2024 and dropped it in February 2025 (Los Angeles Times)
- Exact terms of the lawsuit dismissal (Los Angeles Times)
- Whether Sandoval and Madix will ever reconcile professionally (People)
- Long-term impact on Sandoval’s career and public image (Entertainment Tonight)
- March 1, 2023 — Madix discovers incriminating video on Sandoval’s phone (Entertainment Tonight)
- Raquel Leviss’ revenge-porn trial against Sandoval and Madix set for November 2025 (Los Angeles Times)
- Sandoval’s public redemption efforts remain uncertain (People)
Seven key facts, one pattern: Sandoval’s trajectory from beloved cast member to legal entanglement shows a man struggling to control the narrative after trust imploded.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Thomas Anthony Sandoval |
| Born | July 7, 1983 |
| Occupation | Television personality, restaurateur, musician |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Known for | Vanderpump Rules |
| Previous partner | Ariana Madix (2013–2023) |
| Net worth | Estimated $6 million (2025) |
What has happened to Tom Sandoval?
From Vanderpump Rules star to scandal
Sandoval joined the cast of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules in 2013, quickly becoming a fan favorite alongside then-girlfriend Ariana Madix (People). The couple appeared together for nine years, owning a home and co-running a cocktail business. In March 2023, everything changed. Entertainment Tonight reported that Madix discovered a video on Sandoval’s phone on March 1, revealing a secret relationship with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss (Entertainment Tonight).
Public backlash was immediate and severe. Sandoval lost sponsors, was booed at public events, and his businesses suffered. Within days, he issued a written apology on Instagram, saying he was most sorry
to Madix (People).
The aftermath: lawsuits, apology, and more
In February 2024, Sandoval filed a cross-complaint against Madix, alleging she possessed and shared private videos — a move he later said was urged by his then-attorney (Los Angeles Times). Editor’s note: the suit was labeled as revenge porn
by Madix’s legal team and widely condemned. Sandoval reversed course in July 2024, stating he had no intentions to take legal action
and firing the lawyer who recommended the cross-complaint (Los Angeles Times). By February 2025, the suit was officially dropped.
The implication: Sandoval’s legal maneuvering damaged his reputation further, reinforcing the perception that he was using the courts to punish Madix rather than protect his privacy.
What did Tom Sandoval do to Ariana Madix?
The months-long affair with Raquel Leviss
According to Entertainment Tonight, Sandoval and Leviss’ relationship stretched for several months
before the discovery (Entertainment Tonight). The affair took place while Sandoval was living with Madix and actively filming the season. During the Season 10 reunion, Sandoval admitted to the affair and apologized directly to Madix (People).
Madix later alleged that Sandoval had gaslit her during the relationship, making her doubt her own suspicions. She told People that the betrayal was compounded by the secrecy and the fact that Sandoval continued to act normally while betraying her trust.
How the affair was discovered
Madix stumbled upon a video on Sandoval’s phone that depicted Leviss — a moment that ET described as a devastating
discovery (Entertainment Tonight). The video quickly became the center of legal battles, as Leviss sent legal letters to Madix and others claiming the content was shared without her consent (Entertainment Tonight).
Sandoval’s attempt to sue Madix for sharing that video only drew more attention to the very footage he wanted suppressed. The result: more public scrutiny, not less.
What this means: the affair revelation wasn’t just a personal betrayal — it set off a chain of legal actions that turned a cheating scandal into a full-blown courtroom drama.
Is Tom still suing Ariana?
The revenge porn lawsuit
In February 2024, Sandoval filed a cross-complaint against Madix, accusing her of invasion of privacy and unauthorized distribution of the video (Los Angeles Times). Madix countersued, alleging that Sandoval’s lawsuit was a meritless
attempt to harass her. Editor’s note: the case never went to trial.
Dropping the lawsuit and firing his lawyer
In July 2024, Sandoval told the Los Angeles Times that he had reversed course: I have no intentions to take legal action against Ariana.
He said he fired the attorney who urged the cross-complaint, admitting he should have done more of my due diligence
(Los Angeles Times). By February 2025, the suit had been voluntarily dismissed.
The catch: while the lawsuit is gone, the legal drama is not over. Raquel Leviss’ revenge-porn suit against both Sandoval and Madix is scheduled for trial in November 2025 (Los Angeles Times).
Did Tom ever apologize to Ariana?
Apology on the Vanderpump Rules reunion
During the Season 10 reunion, Sandoval directly addressed Madix: I’m sorry for the pain I caused you.
She replied, I don’t trust a word you say right now.
(People).
Written apology and subsequent statements
Sandoval also issued a written apology on Instagram in March 2023, saying he was most sorry
to Madix (Entertainment Tonight). Later, in interviews after dropping the lawsuit, he stated he wanted to move on
and focus on healing
. However, many observers and Madix herself have remained skeptical of his sincerity.
Why this matters: the apology debate highlights a broader cultural conversation about when — and if — public figures can rebuild trust after a high-profile betrayal.
Timeline
- 2013: Tom Sandoval joins the cast of Vanderpump Rules.
- March 2023: News breaks of Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss.
- May 2023: The Season 10 reunion airs; Sandoval publicly apologizes to Ariana Madix.
- February 2024: Sandoval files a revenge-porn lawsuit against Madix.
- July 2024: Sandoval says he has
no intentions
to sue Madix and fires his attorney. - February 2025: Sandoval drops the lawsuit entirely.
- November 2025 (pending): Raquel Leviss’ revenge-porn trial against Sandoval and Madix.
What’s confirmed — and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Sandoval and Madix were in a relationship from 2013 to 2023.
- He had an affair with Raquel Leviss.
- He filed a lawsuit against Madix in February 2024, then dropped it in February 2025.
- He apologized publicly on the reunion and in writing.
What’s unclear
- Exact terms of the lawsuit dismissal (whether a settlement was reached or dismissed without prejudice).
- Whether Sandoval and Madix will ever reconcile professionally.
- Long-term impact on Sandoval’s career and public image.
The pattern: Sandoval’s actions have consistently undermined any trust he tries to rebuild, leaving the public and Madix deeply skeptical.
Quotes from the key players
“I’m sorry for the pain I caused you.”
– Tom Sandoval, Vanderpump Rules reunion, May 2023 (People)
“I don’t trust a word you say right now.”
– Ariana Madix, responding to Sandoval’s apology (People)
“I have no intentions to take legal action against Ariana … I should’ve done more of my due diligence.”
– Tom Sandoval, interview with the Los Angeles Times, July 2024 (Los Angeles Times)
The pattern is clear: Sandoval’s words rarely line up with his actions. Apologies come, then legal actions; legal actions drop, then new statements emerge. For Ariana Madix, the cycle has been exhausting. For Sandoval, the path to redemption requires more than words — it demands consistent behavior that he has yet to demonstrate.
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latimes.com, people.com, etonline.com, podcasts.happyscribe.com, tiktok.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Tom Sandoval’s net worth?
Estimated at $6 million as of 2025, though the scandal and legal fees may have reduced his assets.
Is Tom Sandoval married?
No, he has never been married.
Does Tom Sandoval have children?
No, he does not have any children.
How long were Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix together?
They were in a relationship from approximately 2013 until March 2023 — about nine years.
What is Tom Sandoval’s band called?
He fronts the band Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.
Did Tom Sandoval leave Vanderpump Rules?
He has not left; he remains a cast member as of the most recent season.
Tom Sandoval’s story continues to evolve, with legal battles and public perception still in flux.
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