5 Shocking Moments From Tom Sandoval's Run On The Traitors Season 3: The Feud, The Sabotage, And The Final Murder

Tom Sandoval's controversial journey from the *Vanderpump Rules* drama of "Scandoval" to the strategic intensity of *The Traitors US* Season 3 was one of the most talked-about reality TV storylines of December 2025. His casting on the Peacock hit was met with immediate scrutiny, and his performance in the Scottish castle proved to be as polarizing as his reputation.

The reality star, known for his complex personal life, entered the game as a Faithful with a stated goal of seeking "camaraderie," but quickly found himself at the center of the season's most explosive feud and several viral moments that defined his time among the celebrities and reality titans.

Tom Sandoval: Reality TV Star and Musician Profile

Thomas Anthony "Tom" Sandoval is an American television personality, restaurateur, and musician, best known for his long-running role on the Bravo reality series *Vanderpump Rules*.

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• Full Name: Thomas Anthony Sandoval
• Birth Date: July 7, 1983
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 42
• Birth Place: St. Louis, Missouri
• Primary Occupation: Television Personality, Musician (frontman of Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras), and Entrepreneur (co-owner of Schwartz & Sandy's and TomTom).
• Most Famous For: His role as a main cast member on *Vanderpump Rules* and the highly publicized 2023 cheating scandal, dubbed "Scandoval," involving his ex-partner Ariana Madix and co-star Rachel Leviss.
• The Traitors Status: Faithful on *The Traitors US* Season 3, eliminated via Murder.

The Chrishell Stause Feud: A Feud That Crossed Reality Universes

The single most dominant narrative surrounding Tom Sandoval's casting was his pre-existing, and deeply personal, tension with *Selling Sunset* star Chrishell Stause. This was not a typical castle rivalry; it was a direct spillover from the "Scandoval" fallout.

Stause, a close friend of Sandoval’s ex-partner Ariana Madix, made her disdain for the *Vanderpump Rules* star clear from the moment they met in the castle. The feud quickly escalated, with Stause publicly accusing Sandoval of attempting to "sabotage" her gameplay due to her loyalty to Madix.

During the intense Round Table discussions, Sandoval—a Faithful himself— repeatedly targeted Stause, suggesting her "strange behavior" was evidence of her being a Traitor. Stause, however, maintained that his accusations were a calculated distraction, fueled by their real-world beef. The dynamic between the two Bravolebrities created a constant, volatile undercurrent that overshadowed much of the early game for other contestants.

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Viral Moments and Controversial Comments

Sandoval’s time on *The Traitors* was marked by several moments that immediately went viral on social media, reinforcing his image as a polarizing figure in reality television. These moments often distracted from the core gameplay, turning the focus back to his personal life.

The "Cheaters" Slip-Up

Perhaps the most talked-about gaffe occurred during a challenge where Sandoval, in a moment of poor phrasing, referred to the Traitors as "cheaters." Given his history with the "Scandoval" cheating scandal, the comment was instantly seized upon by viewers and co-stars alike. It was a self-inflicted wound that highlighted the difficulty he faced in separating his real-life persona from his strategic game persona. In his post-show interviews, he had to address the moment, explaining it was an unintentional slip, but the damage to his reputation was already done.

The Pit Stain Problem

Another moment that captured the internet's attention was the visible presence of pit stains on his clothing during a particularly intense Round Table. While a minor detail, the image became a meme, with fans dissecting the moment as a physical manifestation of his stress and anxiety while playing the game. This added to the narrative that Sandoval was struggling under the pressure of the castle environment and the constant scrutiny.

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Tom Sandoval’s Traitors Gameplay and Final Fate

Despite the drama, Sandoval did manage to play a significant role in the Faithful's efforts, though his actions were often perceived as erratic or self-serving. He entered the game wanting to work with a "bigger group" and avoid the isolation of being a Traitor, a choice that ultimately saved him from the immediate pressure of the dark side.

Targeting Fellow Faithfuls

Sandoval's strategy often involved loud accusations at the Round Table. He famously clocked the strategy of legendary player Boston Rob and orchestrated a major banishment. However, his strong suspicion of *Real Housewives of New Jersey* star Dolores Catania proved to be a major misstep. He relentlessly pursued the idea that Catania was a Traitor, even after others began to doubt his theory. Ironically, Catania was a Faithful who went on to become one of the season's ultimate winners, securing the prize pot alongside fellow Faithfuls Dylan, Ivar, and Gabby.

The Final Murder

Sandoval’s run came to an end in a dramatic fashion just before the season finale. As a prominent and outspoken Faithful, he became a strategic target for the remaining Traitors. He was "murdered" by the Traitors, making him the last Faithful to be eliminated this way. His exit interview confirmed the intense atmosphere of the show, noting that the experience was "so intense" and that he had initially suspected Chrishell of being a Traitor.

His elimination, while disappointing for him, was a relief for many of his co-stars, who viewed his personal baggage and aggressive accusations as a distraction. Ultimately, Tom Sandoval's time on *The Traitors US* Season 3 will be remembered less for his strategic mastery and more for the explosive, pre-existing drama he brought with him from the world of *Vanderpump Rules*. His presence proved that even in a game of deception, personal history can be the most powerful weapon.