Ariana Madix's Full Dating History: From A 9-Year Betrayal To Her Current 'Post-Scandoval' Bliss

The journey of Ariana Madix’s dating life has been one of the most dramatic and publicly scrutinized stories in reality television history, culminating in a spectacular fallout that redefined her career. As of today, December 12, 2025, the Vanderpump Rules star has completely moved past the infamous 'Scandoval' and is thriving in a new, stable relationship, transforming a moment of betrayal into a powerful personal and professional renaissance.

Her dating history is not just a list of names; it’s a narrative arc that moves from a private, decade-long partnership to a devastating public end, and finally, to a surprising and empowering new chapter. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the key entities involved, and the current status of her relationship with Daniel Wai.

Ariana Madix: Complete Biography and Rise to Fame

Ariana Madix is an American television personality, actress, author, and businesswoman best known for her role on the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules. Her career has seen a significant upswing following the public drama of 2023, positioning her as one of the most talked-about figures in entertainment.

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• Full Name: Ariana Madix
• Date of Birth: June 24, 1985
• Age (as of 2025): 40
• Hometown: Melbourne, Florida, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Flagler College with degrees in Theatre and Broadcast Communications.
• Early Career: Before reality TV, Madix had a competitive equestrian career, winning two national championships. She also worked as an actress and model, appearing in various sketches and short films.
• Reality TV Debut: Joined Vanderpump Rules as a recurring cast member in Season 2 (2013) and became a main cast member in Season 3.
• Post-Scandoval Career Highlights:
  • Competed on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), finishing in third place with partner Pasha Pashkov.
  • Became the permanent host of Love Island USA in 2024.
  • Authored the cocktail book Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches.

The Definitive Ariana Madix Dating Timeline

Ariana Madix’s romantic history is primarily defined by two major relationships that bookend her time in the public eye. However, her pre-fame life also contained significant, albeit less documented, chapters that shaped her approach to love.

Pre-Vanderpump Rules: The Foundation and the Trauma

Details about Madix’s relationships before she began dating Tom Sandoval in 2013 are sparse, but she has spoken candidly about one particularly formative experience. In early seasons of Vanderpump Rules, and in later interviews, Madix revealed she was in a long-term, abusive relationship prior to meeting Sandoval.

This previous experience, which she described as emotionally damaging, was often cited as the reason for her initial hesitation to fully commit to Tom Sandoval and her preference for keeping her relationships private. The lack of named partners from this era speaks to her desire for privacy outside of her television career.

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Relationship with Tom Sandoval (2013–2023)

The nine-year relationship between Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval was the centerpiece of Vanderpump Rules for nearly a decade. Their romance began amidst controversy, as Sandoval was dating fellow cast member Kristen Doute when he and Ariana first connected.

The pair moved in together, bought a house in Valley Village, Los Angeles, and became one of the show’s most stable couples, often expressing a non-traditional view of marriage and commitment. They were a co-dependent entity, co-owners of their home, and business partners.

The Scandoval Breakup (March 2023): The relationship ended abruptly and explosively in March 2023 when Madix discovered Sandoval was having a months-long affair with their mutual friend and co-star, Raquel Leviss (Rachel Leviss).

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The affair, quickly dubbed "Scandoval" by the media and fans, became a global cultural phenomenon. Madix immediately ended the nine-year partnership, and the fallout was documented extensively, including a highly-rated reunion special for Vanderpump Rules. The betrayal was amplified by the fact that Leviss was considered a close friend, making the infidelity a double breach of trust.

The New Chapter: Daniel Wai and Post-Scandoval Bliss

In a stunning display of moving forward, Ariana Madix’s romantic life took a positive turn almost immediately after the breakup. This new relationship became a symbol of her resilience and a key part of her "revenge era."

How Ariana Met Daniel Wai

Ariana Madix met her current boyfriend, Daniel Wai, just 10 to 11 days after the Scandoval news broke in March 2023. They crossed paths at a mutual friend’s destination wedding in Mexico. Wai, a New York City-based fitness coach and entrepreneur, was a refreshing change of pace from the drama of the reality TV world.

Their initial connection was a casual, long-distance one, which Madix later described as a "situationship" that quickly evolved into a committed relationship. The distance—with Wai in New York and Madix in Los Angeles—allowed them to build a strong foundation away from the immediate pressure of the Vanderpump Rules cameras.

Daniel Wai: The Current Boyfriend

Daniel Wai is a successful fitness professional who has been incredibly supportive of Madix’s career and post-breakup life. He is an essential entity in her new narrative, representing stability and genuine affection.

• Profession: Fitness Coach, Trainer, and Entrepreneur.
• Location: Based in New York City.
• Relationship Status: Steady and committed.
• Key Relationship Milestones:
  • First public sighting at Coachella in April 2023.
  • Attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner together in April 2024.
  • Madix has openly praised Wai for his emotional support, noting that she feels completely seen and appreciated in the relationship.

The relationship with Wai is a significant departure from her previous dynamic with Tom Sandoval. Madix has frequently mentioned that she feels a sense of freedom and excitement she hadn't experienced before. This new romance has coincided perfectly with her career resurgence, including her successful run on Dancing with the Stars with partner Pasha Pashkov (who is not a romantic partner, but a key professional entity) and her new hosting role on Love Island USA.

Topical Authority: LSI Keywords and Key Entities

To fully understand the context of Ariana Madix's dating history, it's crucial to recognize the surrounding entities and related search terms that define this period of her life.

Key Entities & LSI Keywords

• Scandoval: The central event (the affair) that ended her nine-year relationship.
• Tom Sandoval: Her ex-partner and co-owner of their shared home.
• Raquel Leviss (Rachel Leviss): The co-star involved in the affair.
• Daniel Wai: Her current, supportive boyfriend.
• Vanderpump Rules: The reality show where her relationships played out.
• Love Island USA: Her major new hosting role, symbolizing her career success.
• Dancing with the Stars (DWTS): Her competition highlight, which showcased her resilience.
• Pasha Pashkov: Her professional DWTS partner.
• Post-Breakup Success: The overall theme of her life since March 2023.
• Coachella: The location of her first public appearance with Wai.

Ariana Madix’s dating history is a powerful modern story of betrayal, resilience, and reclaiming one's narrative. Her transition from the devastation of Scandoval to the joyous stability with Daniel Wai has cemented her status as a pop culture icon who turned a negative situation into a massive personal and professional win. The public is keenly following this new chapter, eager to see her continued happiness and success.