Rachel Leviss Shares Tom Sandoval's View On His Relationship With Ariana Madix
By Taylor Hodgkins on August 18, 2023 at 12:30 PM EDT
Bravo devotees may think they know everything about "Vanderpump Rules" 'Scandolval,' but Rachel 'Raquel' Leviss is sitting down to prove fans don't know the half of it.
The 28-year-old Leviss sat down with "Real Housewives of New York" alumna Bethenny Frankel in a two-part interview, with the intention to give reality TV viewers her side of the "Scandoval" story.
View this post on Instagram
One needn't be familiar with reality TV earlier this spring when the "Scandolval" story broke out featuring three members of Bravo's "Vanderpump Rules" at its center.
Two of these reality stars had been in a relationship for nearly a decade. News broke in early March of Leviss' affair with Tom Sandoval, 40, which reportedly lasted for seven months. Sandoval had been dating Ariana Madix, 38, in 2014.
Leviss, who recently completed a two month stint in a treatment facility, told Frankel in the first part of their two episode interview, her affair with Sandoval became known to Madix last summer; Sandoval had been performing on stage when his phone allegedly fell from his pocket, when a friend of Madix's handed her the phone.
Madix found an intimate video of Leviss on Sandoval's camera roll, which allegedly exposed the whole affair to her for the first time.
"Vanderpump Rules" viewers undoubtedly have their own feelings and thoughts on Leviss and her fellow Bravo colleagues after seeing them on television for many years. In part one of her interview on "Just B with Bethenny Frankel," Leviss does her part to help viewers and listeners understand how much of reality TV is a creation in order to depict a certain narrative, and that things aren't necessarily how they appear.
Madix Appears On Frankel's 'Just B with Bethenny Frankel' Podcast
View this post on Instagram
Leviss sat down with Frankel post-treatment, and after much reflection of her last five months. Since "Scandoval" broke, the "Vanderpump Rules" cast is arguably more popular than ever.
Frankel, who is a reality TV veteran of nearly 20 years, was frank with Leviss when revealing "Scandoval" was the factor which brought the series to her attention. The behind-the-scenes environment could arguably serve as material for a reality TV season storyline in itself.
Leviss is frank and does not hold back in sharing her thoughts concerning her perspective on "Scandoval."
Leviss Reveals Her Thoughts On The Authenticity Of Sandoval And Madix's Relationship
Viewers familiar with Madix's reception toward her former friend during the tenth season reunion, may not feel surprised to know Leviss doesn't expect forgiveness from her.
Although Leviss tells Frankel she feels "remorseful" for her actions, she reveals she wouldn't have engaged in the affair if she believed the health of her former friend's relationship had been a healthy one. She stresses she wouldn't have been "involved" if the relationship had been one with "real longevity."
Leviss also claims that the health of Madix and Sandoval's relationship was also obvious to their insider circle; the relationship they were seeing didn't mirror the one being depicted on camera, Leviss alleges.
The reality star also claims Scandoval and Madix's relationship was strictly business for a time. She alleges Sandoval reportedly describes his relationship with Madix as a "brand." The pair also reportedly "worked together to make brand deals" in the wake of their split. Leviss does not find it surprising that the pair live together after splitting up. The reality star also insinuates her belief that the duo did not have what other "authentic, romantic couples" have in their relationships.
Leviss Has Tried To Find Peace With Madix's Post-'Scandoval' Image
Frankel was keen on hearing her guest's thoughts about Madix's public reputation after "Scandoval." The pair mention Madix's brand deals and interviews she has partaken in since March.
Leviss reveals she has a outlook where she could say "good for you" to Madix for her post-"Scandoval" lifestyle involving many professional opportunities. However, she also reveals how "hurtful" she feels about being cast as the "ultimate reality TV villain" as opposed to Madix's celebrated renaissance. The public perception surrounding Leviss "just blows [her] mind," according to the reality star. Leviss also shared her belief that Madix's reception toward her at the reunion was "uncalled for." Frankel added her belief that it had gone "too far."
Ultimately Leviss does not expect Madix to ever forgive her, but listeners can conclude Leviss is ready to live her life and move forward with the lessons she has learned from the 'scandal' and the elements she has decided to take from her time in treatment. She stresses the importance of her parents' support and her childhood friends since "Scandoval" broke.
Listeners can stream the first part of Leviss' interview now!