Tom Schwartz Is 'Permanently' Stepping Away From Tom Sandoval Over His Affair: 'That's His Life'

Amid the fallout from the scandalous affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, "Vanderpump Rules" co-star and Sandoval's BFF, Tom Schwartz, has decided to distance himself from their once-strong friendship.

In a recent episode of "Stars on Mars," Schwartz acknowledged the gravity of the affair, stating that there is no excuse for it and that he does not justify or make excuses for Sandoval's actions. He also expressed feeling complicit in the situation. 

Keep on reading to learn more.

In the latest episode of "Stars on Mars," Tom Schwartz made a significant announcement regarding his relationship with his business partner, Tom Sandoval. Amid the fallout from the scandalous affair between Sandoval and Raquel Leviss, Schwartz revealed that he is choosing to move forward independently, distancing himself from their once-strong friendship.

"It seems each time I try to weigh in or talk about, ramble on about it, drivel on, I inevitably sound like I'm somehow justifying it or making excuses for it, and I'm not. There's just no excuse for it," the bar owner shared, per People magazine.

Schwartz acknowledged that any perspective Sandoval might share on the situation had lost its relevance due to the way he handled the affair. "Ultimately, that's his life. That is his life," he continued. "I did not have an affair. I am not him. It's just so strange that I've been absolutely mired in this. It's taken on almost a life of its own."

He added that he would be "stepping away from it permanently."

According to People, Schwartz also spoke to his co-star, Natasha Leggero, about the "torrid affair" between Sandoval and Leviss, stating, "It's horrible and I feel complicit."

Addressing the accusations made by Sandoval's ex, Ariana Madix, who claimed that Schwartz had played a role in her downfall by concealing the affair, Schwartz presented his own perspective. "I didn't cover for him, but I had his back. He came to me, confided in me that he was in love with someone else," he clarified.

"My friend had an affair that just happened to swipe the nation and it's incredibly messed up, but the thing is I've become mired in it," he added. "That's been a huge source of just angst in my life. I've been in this extended funk."

In a recent episode of the "When Reality Hits" podcast hosted by Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright on PodcastOne, Schwartz shared that he had decided to take a break from his friendship with Sandoval.

The TomTom bar co-owner expressed his frustration, saying, "He made a big mess. And then you know, he left it for us to clean up back at the businesses And it's hard for me not to be resentful of him."

Furthermore, Schwartz believed that Sandoval had taken advantage of their close bond "because, you know, I do love Tom and I took to heart everything he told me" about Madix. However, Madix vehemently denied Sandoval's version of their split, leaving Schwartz feeling exploited by his friend.

Schwartz emphasized the need for Sandoval to "lose his ego" and undergo a "change of heart." He stated that Sandoval saying "'I'm sorry' — not 'I'm sorry, but...'" was important.

Schwartz faced significant backlash following the revelation of his business partner's affair with their co-star Leviss. Schwartz himself reportedly had a short romantic encounter with Leviss in August 2022, shortly before she began her affair with Sandoval.

After it was revealed that Madix had learned about the affair and ended her relationship with Sandoval, the Schwartz & Sandy's Lounge co-founder made headlines with a plea for empathy towards his best friend.

In an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live" With Andy Cohen in April, Schwartz stirred controversy when he expressed his love and support for Madix while also vowing not to abandon Sandoval. "First of all, Ariana, love you. I know you don't love me right now, but I still love you. And also, Tom, I know the whole world hates you. But I'm not going to abandon you, old buddy. I'm not going to abandon you."

"He knows he's a monster for what he did. If you see him, maybe give him a hug. Even if he doesn't deserve it, give him a hug. He's down bad," he added.

Like Schwartz, Lisa Vanderpump also came under fire from fans for seemingly taking it easy on Sandoval and not chiding him like the rest of the show's cast members.