The Seven Sins Of Scandoval: What Tom Sandoval Did And The Shocking Aftermath That Closed His Businesses

The question "What did Tom Sandoval do?" is one of the most explosive in modern reality television history, and the answer involves a betrayal so profound it has been dubbed "Scandoval." This massive controversy, which broke in early 2023, revealed that the long-time star of Bravo's hit series, Vanderpump Rules, had been engaged in a secret, months-long affair with his girlfriend's best friend and co-star, Raquel Leviss (now Rachel Leviss), leading to the immediate collapse of his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix and sending shockwaves across the entertainment world.

As of late 2024, the consequences of Tom Sandoval's actions continue to unfold, with the latest update being the closure of his highly-anticipated cocktail lounge, Schwartz & Sandy's, proving that the fallout from the affair extended far beyond the emotional damage to his former partner. The scandal not only made Sandoval one of the most reviled figures in reality TV but also fundamentally altered the landscape of Vanderpump Rules and the future of his professional career as a restaurateur and musician.

Tom Sandoval: A Full Biography and Professional Timeline

Thomas Anthony Sandoval, born July 7, 1983, is an American television personality, musician, and entrepreneur who rose to fame as an original cast member on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules, a spin-off of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. His career path is marked by a blend of ambition, reality TV drama, and professional ventures:

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• Early Career: Before landing on reality TV, Sandoval worked as a model and actor, seeking opportunities in the entertainment industry. He also spent years working as a bartender at Lisa Vanderpump's West Hollywood establishments, including SUR (Sexy Unique Restaurant).
• Vanderpump Rules (2013-Present): Sandoval was a central figure from the show's premiere, known for his dramatic relationships, notably with Kristen Doute, and later, his long-term partnership with Ariana Madix.
• Restaurateur: Sandoval co-owned two major businesses with his best friend and co-star, Tom Schwartz.
  • TomTom: A successful West Hollywood bar opened in partnership with Lisa Vanderpump in 2018.
  • Schwartz & Sandy's: A highly-anticipated, more personal cocktail lounge that opened in 2022.
• Musician: Sandoval is the lead singer of the cover band Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, which gained significant attention and touring opportunities in the wake of the Scandoval controversy.
• The Scandoval Breakup (March 2023): His relationship with Ariana Madix ended after she discovered his affair with Raquel Leviss, setting off the scandal that defined the show's tenth season.

The Anatomy of Scandoval: The Eight-Month Betrayal

The core of what Tom Sandoval did revolves around the affair that shattered his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix. This event became a cultural phenomenon, dominating headlines and social media, earning the portmanteau "Scandoval."

How the Affair Began and Was Exposed

The affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss allegedly began in the summer of 2022 and continued in secret for approximately eight months. During this period, Sandoval and Madix were still living together and publicly presenting themselves as a committed couple, even planning to use their shared home as a rental property.

The full extent of the betrayal was exposed on March 1, 2023, when Ariana Madix discovered a sexually explicit, non-consensual video of Raquel Leviss on Sandoval's phone while he was performing with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. This discovery immediately led to Madix ending the relationship and the news quickly spreading through the Vanderpump Rules cast and the public, creating an unprecedented media frenzy.

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The reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative toward Sandoval and Leviss. The scandal was so significant that Bravo immediately filmed additional scenes to capture the raw fallout, which were added to the end of Season 10, resulting in one of the highest-rated reality television seasons in history.

The Consequences of His Actions on His Co-Stars

Sandoval’s actions had a devastating impact not only on Ariana Madix but also on his business partner, Tom Schwartz, and his former friend, Raquel Leviss (who has since changed her name to Rachel Leviss).

• Ariana Madix: Madix became a symbol of betrayal and resilience, receiving an outpouring of public support. She capitalized on the moment by securing numerous endorsement deals, launching a sandwich shop (Something About Her), and landing a role on Dancing with the Stars.
• Tom Schwartz: Schwartz faced intense scrutiny for his perceived lack of loyalty and his involvement in the business ventures with Sandoval. Fans accused him of being complicit or at least willfully ignorant of the affair, severely damaging his public image.
• Raquel Leviss/Rachel Leviss: Leviss faced intense public backlash, leading her to seek mental health treatment. She later rebranded herself as Rachel Leviss and launched a podcast, Rachel Goes Rogue, where she discussed the affair and the fallout, claiming a number of other cast members knew about the emotional affair before it became physical.

The Ultimate Price: Business Closure and Public Persona

Beyond the personal drama, the most tangible and recent consequence of what Tom Sandoval did is the financial and professional toll it has taken. The public's intense disdain for Sandoval directly impacted his business ventures, leading to a major announcement in late 2024.

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The Closure of Schwartz & Sandy's

In a major development in late 2024, Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz announced that their highly-publicized cocktail lounge, Schwartz & Sandy's, would be closing its doors after only two years in business. The bar, which was the subject of much anticipation during its development on Vanderpump Rules, became a direct casualty of the Scandoval controversy.

The intense negative public sentiment, often referred to as a "boycott," led to a "rough" business climate that the bar could not overcome. The closure signifies the end of the business partnership between the two Toms, with Tom Schwartz publicly stating he was done being Sandoval's business partner, marking a definitive professional break between the two friends.

The Ongoing Saga of His Public Image

Despite the closure of Schwartz & Sandy's, Tom Sandoval has continued to pursue his other projects, notably touring with Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras. His public perception remains overwhelmingly negative, with many fans and critics labeling him as a "douche canoe" and a villain.

Sandoval has attempted to reframe his narrative, even apologizing for comparing the cheating scandal to other major public controversies, which only further fueled the public's ire. He has also reportedly been working on new shows, attempting to pivot his career in the wake of the scandal.

In short, what Tom Sandoval did was engage in a secret, devastating affair that caused the end of a long-term relationship, destroyed a key friendship, and ultimately led to the failure of his co-owned business. The Scandoval affair remains a powerful cautionary tale about the intersection of reality television, personal morality, and the long-lasting consequences of public betrayal.