The Faithful Fugitive: 5 Shocking Takeaways From Tom Sandoval's Controversial Run On The Traitors Season 3

Tom Sandoval's appearance on the latest season of the hit Peacock reality competition, The Traitors US Season 3, has become one of the most talked-about and polarizing reality TV moments of December 12, 2025. The Vanderpump Rules star, who is no stranger to deception and drama, entered the Scottish castle as a Faithful, a role that many viewers found ironically amusing given the baggage of the infamous "Scandoval" affair he brought with him. His presence—and his determined strategy—created a constant, simmering tension at the Round Table, making his journey a must-watch spectacle for fans and critics alike.

The core curiosity surrounding Sandoval was whether his real-life reputation as a man who concealed a months-long affair would make him the ultimate target or the ultimate weapon in a game built on lies. His time on the show was marked by unexpected alliances, controversial behavior, and a consistent struggle to shed the shadow of his past scandal, all of which led to a dramatic and much-debated exit.

Thomas Anthony "Tom" Sandoval: Biography and Reality TV Profile

Thomas Anthony "Tom" Sandoval is an American reality television personality, musician, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence as an original cast member on Bravo's Vanderpump Rules. Before his controversial turn on The Traitors, he was primarily known for his decade-long relationship with Ariana Madix and his business ventures in the hospitality industry.

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• Full Name: Thomas Anthony "Tom" Sandoval
• Age: 40 (as of his casting announcement)
• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Occupation: Reality TV Star, Musician (Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras), Entrepreneur (Co-owner of Schwartz & Sandy's and formerly TomTom)
• Known For: Vanderpump Rules (Original Cast Member, 2013–Present)
• Infamy: The "Scandoval" affair (a seven-month-long affair with castmate Rachel "Raquel" Leviss, which ended his relationship with Ariana Madix and became a national media sensation in 2023)
• The Traitors Role: Faithful (Season 3)

The Irony of the Faithful: Why Sandoval Refused to Be a Traitor

One of the most shocking revelations about Sandoval's casting was his insistence on being a Faithful, a fact he reportedly communicated to production before filming. For a figure whose celebrity status is built on a monumental act of deception, the choice to align himself with the truth-tellers was a profound twist of irony.

"I Had No Desire": The Faithful Strategy

Sandoval revealed in exit interviews that he was certain he would be "murdered" first by the Traitors, due to his high-profile reputation as a deceiver. This fear, coupled with a desire for a different experience, cemented his decision to push for the Faithful role.

• Seeking Camaraderie: Sandoval explicitly stated that his goal was to "make friends" and "have camaraderie," which he felt was impossible as a Traitor. He saw the Traitor role as "isolating."
• The Anti-Scandoval Play: By choosing to be a Faithful, Sandoval was attempting a narrative reset. He wanted to be seen working with a group, building trust, and operating with honesty—a stark contrast to the public perception of him following the Scandoval affair.
• A Strategic Handicap: His pre-existing reputation became a significant strategic handicap. Even as a Faithful, every move he made was viewed through the lens of a man known for lying. This made it incredibly difficult for him to build genuine trust with his fellow contestants, including reality stars like Chrishell Stause, who was a close friend.

This self-imposed limitation meant Sandoval was playing a game of redemption, not just a game of deception. His performance, therefore, was less about finding the Traitors and more about managing his own public image, which ultimately proved to be an overwhelming distraction for the group.

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The Controversial Performance: From Genius to Nuisance

Sandoval’s time in the castle was anything but quiet. He quickly became the focal point of both intense scrutiny and unexpected entertainment. His former Vanderpump Rules co-star, Tom Schwartz, even weighed in, calling Sandoval's performance "fun to watch."

The "Reality TV Gold" Factor

Despite the baggage, many commentators and fans found Sandoval’s unreserved ego, dramatic flair, and perceived lack of accountability to be "reality TV gold." His presence elevated the drama, forcing other high-profile contestants to constantly react to the "Scandoval" elephant in the room.

• Ego and Deception: His attempts to strategize and lead discussions were often perceived as over-the-top or self-serving, leading some to immediately suspect him of being a Traitor, regardless of his actual role.
• The Chrishell Stause Theory: A major fan theory—fueled by their shared reality TV connection and the proximity of their accommodations—suggested a secret alliance between Sandoval and Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause. Sandoval later slammed this theory, stating he was leaning on the idea that "A Housewife is a Traitor," not aligning with Chrishell.
• The Distraction Factor: Critics argued that the "Scandoval" narrative became an "annoying distraction," overshadowing the core game of finding the Traitors. His inability to separate his past from his present game made him a constant nuisance at the Round Table.

His dramatic exit, which came through a "murder" rather than banishment, solidified his role as a high-value target. The Traitors, seeing the chaos and suspicion he was creating, opted to eliminate the Faithful who was causing the most internal strife, proving that his reputation was ultimately his downfall in the game.

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Post-Castle Fallout: Fan Reaction and The Quest for Redemption

The reaction to Sandoval's time on The Traitors has been a microcosm of his public life: fiercely divided. While some viewers appreciated the raw, unpredictable drama he brought, others questioned why a platform was given to a star whose fame was built on moral abuse.

The Redemption Narrative vs. Reality

For Sandoval, the show was clearly an opportunity to showcase a different side—a loyal, trustworthy teammate. However, the game of The Traitors is designed to exploit pre-existing vulnerabilities, and Sandoval's past was his biggest weakness. His attempt to build trust was constantly undermined by the public's perception of his character.

The ultimate takeaway from his run is that a reputation for deception is impossible to shake in a game where trust is the only currency. While he may have been a Faithful, his actions and history made him the perfect target for both the Traitors and his fellow Faithfuls, ensuring his time in the castle was both short-lived and explosively dramatic. His journey serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the lasting consequences of reality TV scandal.