Tom Sandoval: Scandoval Timeline, Lawsuit & Net Worth

Reality TV has a way of turning private pain into public spectacle, but the 2023 affair that blew up Tom Sandoval’s nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix — drenched in the nickname “Scandoval” — took things to a level few Bravo fans had seen, and months of lawsuits, shifting alliances, and a bizarre America’s Got Talent appearance later, the story keeps getting stranger. Here’s what’s known, what’s still murky, and what the fallout means for everyone involved.

Full name: Thomas Anthony Sandoval · Born: July 7, 1983 (age 41) · Occupation: TV personality, restaurateur, musician · Known for: Vanderpump Rules (2013–present), “Scandoval”

The table below provides a quick reference of Tom Sandoval’s biographical details.

What happened with Tom Sandoval?

In early March 2023, news outlets reported that Sandoval had been carrying on a secret relationship with co-star Raquel Leviss while still living with long-term girlfriend Ariana Madix. The disclosure window fell around March 1–3, according to ET Online (entertainment news outlet). The affair, which reportedly began in August 2022, ended Madix’s and Sandoval’s nine-year relationship and triggered a media firestorm. Similar public fallout has been seen in other celebrity scandals, such as the Adam Levine Controversies: The Voice Exit and Scandal.

Sandoval’s public image took an immediate hit. He issued a public apology, but Madix — who learned of the affair around the same time as the public — did not accept it. Andy Cohen noted that “the timeline is indeed evolving,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter in reference to the reunion.

The ripple effects extended beyond the couple. Leviss filed a revenge‑porn lawsuit against Sandoval, and the show’s cast split into factions. Vanderpump Rules Season 11, which aired in late 2023, documented the fallout — but many cast members said the cameras changed how they interacted.

This has left Sandoval with a deeply damaged public image that may take years to repair.

What did Tom Sandoval do to Ariana Madix?

According to ET Online (entertainment news outlet), Sandoval had been seeing Leviss behind Madix’s back for several months. Madix discovered the affair around the same time it became public, and the couple split immediately. Sandoval later said in interviews that he “made a terrible mistake” and apologized publicly, but Madix did not reciprocate.

Did Tom ever apologize to Ariana?

Yes — Sandoval posted a public apology in March 2023 and gave several podcast interviews expressing regret. However, Madix has been clear that the apology felt hollow. In a March 2023 interview, she said, “I don’t think he’s truly sorry for what he did, only that he got caught.”

Did Ariana ever forgive Sandoval?

As of early 2025, Madix has not publicly stated that she has forgiven him. The ongoing legal dispute over their shared Los Angeles home — which Madix sought to force a sale of in January 2024 — suggests the tension remains. Court filings cited “discord” between the two as negatively affecting the property, per Yahoo Lifestyle (digital news platform).

The legal and emotional entanglement continues to affect both parties’ public narratives.

What is Tom Sandoval suing Ariana for?

Sandoval filed a privacy lawsuit against Madix on July 17, 2024 (People, celebrity news magazine). The suit reportedly centers on Madix’s alleged sharing of private videos or text messages related to Sandoval. However, People also reported that Sandoval dropped the suit later that same month — though the exact terms of any settlement remain unclear. Legal battles of this kind are not uncommon, as seen in the James Franco: Career, Controversies & Settlement.

Separately, Madix had earlier filed a suit seeking “partition of real property by sale” for the house they bought together in 2019. The property dispute is still live.

The outcome of these legal proceedings will shape both their financial futures.

Is Tom Sandoval still friends with anybody from Vanderpump Rules?

Sandoval remains closest to Tom Schwartz, his business partner at TomTom restaurant. Schwartz has publicly stated he wants to maintain their friendship, though he has also acknowledged the strain. Katie Maloney, Schwartz’s ex‑wife, has been openly critical of Sandoval and sided with Madix.

Other former friends, such as Lala Kent and James Kennedy, have distanced themselves. In interviews, they have said Sandoval’s actions were “unforgivable.” As of early 2025, Sandoval’s only consistent ally from the original cast is Schwartz.

This isolation may affect his future role on the show.

What did Simon Cowell say about Tom Sandoval?

In August 2024, Sandoval auditioned for America’s Got Talent with a musical performance. Simon Cowell gave a mixed review — but the audience reacted so negatively to Sandoval’s appearance that Cowell was booed when he started to speak. People (celebrity news magazine) covered the moment as one of the most awkward in the show’s history. Cowell reportedly said, “That was… something,” before being drowned out by jeers.

The incident became a viral moment, reinforcing how toxic Sandoval’s public image had become.

This public rejection highlights the challenge he faces in any comeback attempt.

Who is richer, Ariana Madix or Tom Sandoval?

Eight key facts, one pattern: Madix’s post‑Scandoval earning power has outpaced Sandoval’s.

Madix has clearly benefited financially from the scandal — her Dancing with the Stars run and new business ventures have pushed her net worth above Sandoval’s. Meanwhile, Sandoval’s restaurant income likely took a hit.

Who’s the richest Vanderpump Rules reality TV star?

Lisa Vanderpump is far and away the richest, with an estimated net worth of $90 million, per Cosmopolitan. Among the current cast, Ariana Madix leads, followed by Tom Sandoval. The bottom of the list includes younger cast members like Raquel Leviss (negative net worth due to legal debts) and James Kennedy.

This divergence in financial fortunes reflects the broader asymmetry in public perception.

Timeline of Key Events

• July 7, 1983 – Tom Sandoval born in St. Louis, Missouri.
• 2013 – Joins cast of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules.
• 2019 – Buys LA home with Ariana Madix (Yahoo Lifestyle).
• August 2022 (reportedly) – Affair with Raquel Leviss begins (ET Online).
• March 1–3, 2023 – Scandoval becomes public; reunion filmed (ET Online).
• August 2023 – Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules covers fallout.
• January 2024 – Madix files partition suit for home (Yahoo Lifestyle).
• July 17, 2024 – Sandoval files privacy suit against Madix (People).
• July 2024 – Sandoval drops the suit (People).
• August 2024 – AGT performance; Simon Cowell booed (People).
• November 3, 2025 (scheduled) – Leviss revenge‑porn trial (FOX 11 Los Angeles).

“I don’t think he’s truly sorry for what he did, only that he got caught.”

— Ariana Madix, in a March 2023 interview

“I made a terrible mistake. I am truly sorry.”

— Tom Sandoval, public apology, March 2023

“That was… something.”

— Simon Cowell, after Sandoval’s AGT performance, as reported by People

“I f‑ing hate you.”

— Victoria Robinson, to a paparazzo who asked about Sandoval, 2025 (per social media clips)

For Tom Sandoval, the choice is narrowing: either find a way to rebuild trust — with the audience and his former cast — or accept that his reputation will never recover. For Ariana Madix, the path is clear: leverage the momentum into business ventures and distance herself from the scandal. The legal fights may settle, but public opinion rarely does.

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