Ariana Madix Supported Raquel Leviss Against 'Mean Girl' Gang-Up Before Tom Sandoval's Cheating Scandal
By Favour Adegoke on March 25, 2023 at 12:47 AM EDT
Ariana Madix defended Raquel Leviss against her "Vanderpump Rules" co-stars before discovering she had an illicit romance with her now ex Tom Sandoval.
In a recent show episode, Madix tried to mediate the feud between Lala Kent and Leviss after the former called her co-star a "mistress."
It was later discovered this month that Sandoval had been cheating on Madix with Leviss, causing Madix to break up their nine-year relationship.
Since the news made headlines, Sandoval and Leviss have publicly apologized for their actions.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Ariana Madix Defended Raquel Leviss
Wednesday's episode of "Vanderpump Rules" showed an exciting detail about the trio of Madix, Leviss, and Sandoval. The three currently share a strained relationship since it was discovered that Leviss had an illicit affair with Sandoval when Madix dated him.
However, before the scandalous romance made headlines, Madix had defended Leviss when fellow co-star Kent called her a "mistress" during a girls' trip.
The scathing remark was said when Kent and Leviss had a heated exchange because the latter learned that her co-star had slept with her ex-fiancé James Kennedy while they were still an item.
"It's very difficult for me to wrap my mind around the idea that Raquel is fighting people and being crazy," Madix said in a confessional, per People. "I would think that Katie [Maloney], Lala, and Kristina [Kelly] gave the mean girl treatment to Raquel like they've given to other people in the past."
Madix told Kent, "I'm not down with 'mistress' comment, but I do feel like there is some unresolved sh*t about the you and James stuff."
Ariana Madix Was 'Completely Blindsided'
At the start of March, news of Leviss and Sandoval's illicit affair made headlines, leading to Madix and Sandoval's nine-year-long relationship hitting the rocks.
It was alleged that Madix had discovered that her now-ex had been sharing "inappropriate" messages with Leviss that implied he was cheating on her for a while with her "Vanderpump Rules" co-star.
"This completely blindsided her; devastated doesn't even scratch the surface of how she feels," said an insider close to the situation, per People. "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."
Ariana Madix Opens Up About Tom Sandoval's Cheating
Although Madix kept quiet about the situation for a while, a few days ago, she opened up about being hurt by the affair in an emotional post and thanked her friends and family for standing by her in this difficult time.
She said, "when I have felt like I couldn't even stand, you all have given me the strength to continue and seen me through my darkest hours. To say I have been devastated and broken is an understatement."
The reality star added, "I know that I am not in this alone. So many of my closest friends are also grieving this loss right now and reeling from this betrayal on so many levels. I am so f**king lucky to have the best support system in the world, and i hope I can repay every single person for the love you have shown me."
Tom Sandoval And Raquel Leviss Apologize For Their Affair
Sandoval and Leviss have since apologized to Madix after their illicit affair was discovered.
"I want to apologize to Ariana. I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly," The Schwartz & Sandy's co-owner wrote in an Instagram post.
He also admitted that his actions might have "devastated" Madix and other outsiders rooting for their relationship, adding that his biggest regret was dishonoring his ex.
Meanwhile, Leviss noted in her apology her deep regrets for how her actions and choices have affected Madix and her fans.
"There is no excuse, I am not a victim, and I must own my actions, and I deeply regret hurting Ariana," she said. Leviss also revealed that she is currently reflecting on her choices and seeking help from a therapist to deal with her unresolved "codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved."