Former Vanderpump Rules star Stassi Schroeder declared that Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss is a “new level of evil.” Stassi was fired from the Bravo series in 2020 but has remained in the same social circles as her former co-stars. After the shocking revelation that Tom cheated on longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix with Raquel, cast members from all 10 seasons of Vanderpump Rules have spoken out.
Controversial Vanderpump Rules alum Stassi discussed the “Scandoval” on her podcast Straight Up With Stassi. “It goes without saying that I’m Team Ariana,” she declared. “It’s not up for debate.” She slammed comparisons to Jax Taylor and Kristen Doute’s infidelity in Vanderpump Rules season 2, calling Tom’s actions “four million times worse.”
Tom and Ariana were together for nearly a decade and appeared to be Vanderpump Rules‘ most stable couple. Recalling how difficult Jax and Kristen’s betrayal of her was, Stassi expressed sympathy for Ariana’s pain. On Straight Up With Stassi, she called Tom “a new level of evil to do this to someone who has been nothing but a wonderful partner to you.”
Stassi Claims ‘Narcissistic’ Tom Was ‘Protected’ On VPR
Stassi referenced her years-long feud with disgraced Vanderpump Rules cast member Tom Sandoval, including a public screaming match after he rage-texted her over a book signing. “We all knew that Sandoval was an incredibly selfish, narcissistic and egotistical person who spent 10 years trying to convince everyone he was the good guy,” she said. The bestselling author also recalled being frustrated when Tom’s behavior would get a pass, claiming he was “protected” by Andy Cohen. Despite her low opinion, Stassi was still shocked by his seven-month-long affair with Raquel. She also wondered how Andy feels about Tom now.
Infidelity-related drama has always been part of Vanderpump Rules, but the “Scandoval” is different. Mere moments before the other shoe dropped, Tom gushed about his long relationship with Ariana. Jax and Kristen hooking up behind Stassi and Tom’s backs was a shocking twist. But that was a decade ago, and Tom is now more than old enough to know better. Also, in contrast to his seemingly stable partnership with Ariana, Tom and Kristen’s relationship was in shambles. Likewise, two drunken hookups are certainly different from a full-blown, months-long affair.
Because of Vanderpump Rules‘ rich history, previous cast members like Kristen and Jax have been rumored to return. Stassi hasn’t been rumored to reappear but remains a lingering presence. Shortly before the actual affair was uncovered, she joined in with longtime BFF Katie Maloney to slam Raquel’s “desperado” actions with Tom Schwartz. The long history and very real friendships of the Vanderpump Rules cast is one reason the drama leads to such great TV. But it also makes the real-life betrayals so much worse and extra painful.
Vanderpump Rules airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Sources: Straight Up With Stassi/Apple Podcasts, Straight Up With Stassi/Instagram