Raquel Leviss Finally Reveals Where She Stands With Tom Sandoval Following Affair Scandal And Backlash

Raquel Leviss has finally opened up about her relationship with "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Tom Sandoval. Leviss and Sandoval's months-long affair was recently discovered and made public by his ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix.

Madix found a recording of an intimate video and multiple "inappropriate" messages, which devastated her. Leviss' lawyers have since sent a legal notice to Madix and Sandoval, asking them to stop spreading the video.

Leviss apologized to Madix during a recent interview and said she's not proud of hurting her with her actions. The reality star spoke about reflecting on her life decisions and said she's now talking with a counselor. 

Read on to find out more.

Raquel Leviss revealed where her relationship with Tom Sandoval stands following news of their cheating scandal making headlines. Leviss issued a statement on Instagram about their affair, which was exposed about a week ago.

In the Instagram post, Leviss wrote, "Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship. Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones."

The reality star also stated that she needs to handle her health, "work on self growth and take time to be ok with being alone." Leviss added, "I care for Tom and I don't want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal."

Sandoval's girlfriend of about nine years, Ariana Madix, learned of his affair with Leviss last week. She reportedly found multiple "inappropriate" texts between the two, along with a recording of an intimate video call. Madix made the discovery on Sandoval's phone while he performed with his band, Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras.

According to an insider's statements to People, the video Madix discovered was a "FaceTime call between Tom and Raquel." The source shared that when Madix found the video, she "recorded it and sent [it] to herself." Leviss' legal team has now sent a legal notice to Madix, Sandoval and their other co-stars to stop sharing the intimate recording.

The lawyers addressed a letter to Sandoval, where they stated that he'd recorded the video "illegally" and "without the permission" of Leviss. They have now ordered that anyone with the video delete it immediately, whether on their phones or "any other manner or method in which the recording may exist."

The lawyers also demanded in the legal notice that Sandoval and Madix inform them of "all people to whom you have forwarded this recording or who you may have allowed to view this recording."

Leviss' lawyers also sent a letter to Madix, in which they noted that they understand "the distress that this may have caused" her. However, it's still "illegal to re-record the footage of Leviss. and could expose her to "criminal and civil penalties."

When Madix discovered the video, a source told People that the reality star was "completely blindsided." They said, "This is someone she thought she knew; someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with. You can't even put into words that betrayal."

Shortly after, another source confirmed that Sandoval and Madix had ended their relationship, which had lasted for about nine years. The source said, "Ariana had been there for Raquel when she went through her split with James [Kennedy]. She thought they were friends. This isn't something you do to a friend."

On Wednesday, Leviss issued a public apology to Madix during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. The reality star spoke about not being proud of her actions and regretting the pain she'd caused Madix. She said, "There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana."

Leviss shared that she's been reflecting on her choices in life and is now speaking with a counselor. She added, "I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved."

Leviss continued, "I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships."