Ariana Madix on the Scandoval Scandal and Moving Forward
Three years after the scandal that rocked Vanderpump Rules—commonly referred to as “Scandoval”—Ariana Madix has once again spoken out about its impact, addressing claims that the affair somehow improved her life. In doing so, she has reaffirmed where she stands today, highlighting both the personal and professional consequences of betrayal, and what it truly means to “move on.”
Where Ariana Madix and Vanderpump Rules Stand Now
The scandal broke in March 2023 when it was revealed that Madix’s longtime boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, had been having an affair with co-star Rachel Leviss (then known as Raquel). The relationship ended a nearly decade-long romance between Madix and Sandoval and led to widespread media attention.
When the relationship collapsed, cameras were still rolling, making the fallout part of the public record for Vanderpump Rules viewers. In the aftermath, Madix faced the challenge of returning to the show she had built her identity around. She admitted she was “definitely not in a position where I could say no to work,” explaining that financial and professional pressures forced her return to Vanderpump Rules. She added, “I think it’s important to show where I was at. If somebody relates to that… then I feel like that’s worth it.”
Madix’s public response to “Scandoval” has evolved over time. As of late 2025, she has directly addressed claims that the scandal ultimately “saved” her or opened new doors for her career. In an Instagram comment under a promotional post by a major entertainment outlet, responding to a claim that “Tom cheating on her turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her,” she simply replied: “No.”
Madix has emphasized that the narrative of a “glamorous comeback” overlooks the painful reality she endured.
What the Scandal Triggered — and What’s Changed
Since 2023, Ariana Madix’s life has seen significant changes. Her professional reinvention has included moves beyond the typical Vanderpump Rules framework: a leading role in Broadway in Chicago, hosting gigs including Love Island USA, and a series of brand partnerships and business ventures.
However, the personal toll has been substantial. In 2023, Madix described the breakup and scandal as “terrible,” stating that “the reality was much, much darker than the headlines.” She has resisted simplistic interpretations of her post-scandal success, arguing that financial necessity and the need to preserve her career made continued visibility unavoidable.
In 2025, Madix confirmed she no longer dwells on the public drama, telling People that when asked if she thinks about the breakup today, she answered simply: “I don’t.” She clarified that she dislikes the label attached to the scandal—a cynical shorthand that glosses over real trauma. Referring to the popular term used to describe the affair’s fallout, she said, “I hate that name too.”
The Fallout for the Vanderpump Rules Cast and Dynamics
The scandal changed the tone of Vanderpump Rules in more ways than one. The network’s response, the reshuffling of cast members, and the public reckoning influenced how future seasons were shaped. After “Scandoval,” the show’s remaining members had to confront ruptured friendships, shifting loyalties, and press expectations.
For Madix, who stayed with the show despite the pain, the decision underscored both professionalism and vulnerability. As she explained, sometimes showing the scar is what makes recovery real. Her willingness to reappear—even briefly—also offered viewers a candid look at the aftermath of betrayal, beyond the initial shock.
Scenes, interviews, and candid conversations captured her emotional reality. This transparency, she believed, might resonate with anyone who’s been blindsided by heartbreak.
Where Things Stand in Late 2025
As of November 2025, Tom Sandoval told media he believed both he and Ariana had “closed that chapter and just moved on.” The split remains official. Madix moved on with fitness coach Daniel Wai, while Sandoval is romantically linked to model Victoria Lee Robinson.
Madix has also focused on her mental health and public image outside of the reality-TV scandal, embracing roles on Broadway and hosting, business ventures, and a stable personal life. Still, she does not condone the narrative that the scandal was a boon. Her terse “No.” under the social-media post summarizes the hype, putting a definitive exclamation point on the record—a statement that for her, the storm never looked like a blessing.
In her own words, Madix returned to Vanderpump Rules because she had to. She described the reality as “much, much darker than the headlines,” acknowledging trauma, grief, and loss, not reinvention.
