Tom Schwartz Is 'Terrified' To Film New 'Vanderpump Rules' Season

Tom Schwartz has revealed that he is cautiously optimistic about filming the upcoming 11th season of "Vanderpump Rules" despite reservations following the scandalous affair between his friend Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss. Schwartz acknowledged the volatility of their friend group but believed the drama is always "earned."

Due to Schwartz's loyalty to Sandoval, the Sandoval affair strained his friendship with Ariana Madix, who declared they were no longer speaking.

Keep on reading to learn more.

Tom Schwartz is embracing the return of reality TV with renewed optimism, despite his reservations about filming the upcoming 11th season of "Vanderpump Rules" following the revelation of Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' "Scandoval" affair.

In an interview with Us Weekly on June 23, the 40-year-old reality star, while promoting his new Fox series, "Stars on Mars," admitted to feeling "terrified" when the new season starts.

"We've been through so much with this group, and we're a volatile crew," Schwartz confessed. "We've always been a volatile group of friends. I don't think I've ever argued outside of this group, to be honest. We have a lot of history together, and there's been trials and tribulations, but it comes from a place of love."

Schwartz acknowledged his fear as the new season commences but emphasized that the drama within the Pump Rules crew is always "earned." However, he expressed gratitude for being a part of a show that has captivated audiences for over a decade.

Schwartz found himself at the center of controversy when news broke in March about the months-long affair between his close friend Sandoval and fellow "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Leviss. The scandal caused a wave of backlash towards Schwartz, especially after it was revealed that he was aware of the cheating but chose not to disclose it to Sandoval's then-girlfriend, Ariana Madix, whom he was friends with.

This revelation strained Schwartz's relationship with Madix, as she confirmed during the season 10 finale of "Pump Rules" that they were no longer on speaking terms due to his ongoing loyalty to Sandoval.

"I don't think you are a [co-conspirator], but I will not have mutual friends with him. So I am not your friend anymore," she stated, per Us Weekly.

Madix further explained the extent of her support for Sandoval, adding, "I was his ride or die and defended him — to you even. Trying to get him to go five days without drinking so he could get his sperm tested so we could have embryos because if he wanted that down the road, I wanted him to have that. I wish I didn't miss him, but I feel like what I miss isn't real."

In the aftermath of the explosive season 10 reunion, Schwartz revealed that he has decided to step back from the ongoing feuds and controversies plaguing his circle of friends.

During an episode of "Stars on Mars" in June, the "Schwartz and Sandy" bar owner opened up about the toll the situation has taken on him, sharing, "My friend had an affair that just happened to sweep the nation, and it's incredibly messed up, but the thing is, I've become mired in it. It's become a huge source of just angst in my life. I've been in this extended funk."

He continued, "He made a big mess. And then, you know, he left it for us to clean up at the businesses. And it's hard for me not to be resentful of him."

However, he was determined to approach the group's drama differently this time. Schwartz described his action plan: "I feel like I'll be a little more stoic moving forward; maybe I waffled a little bit at the beginning of [Scandoval]. I retreated within."

As the 11th season of "Vanderpump Rules" looms, Schwartz and the rest of the cast prepare for their return. However, executive producer Alex Baskin revealed to Variety last month that contract renegotiations for the model were temporarily on hold.

"I think everyone's wrapping their heads around what that might mean," Baskin acknowledged. "No one's saying no, I'll say that — but I think it's hard for anybody to say yes right now because they feel like they haven't reprieve."

However, the main concern revolves around finding a way for the cast to film together without allowing tensions to escalate beyond control. To address this, Baskin expressed his commitment to allowing everyone "a minute down."

However, the question of Leviss' return remains unknown as the ex-beauty queen has currently stepped away from the public eye.