As if Scandoval couldn’t get any worse, fans woke up to the news that Tom Sandoval was actually suing Ariana Madix. The lawsuit claimed that the Something About Her owner violated Sandy’s privacy when she peeked at his phone (she was asked to hold) during one of his “concerts.” It was at this time that Ariana discovered that her boyfriend of nine years had been having a months-long affair with Rachel Leviss. Ariana’s eyes were met with a video of Rachel masturbating for Tom.
Tom Sandoval sued Ariana Madix
![Ariana Madix hosting Love Island USA.](https://www.realitytea.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/NUP_204896_02941.jpg?w=1000)
In the civil suit, filed in a Los Angeles court, Tom alleged that his privacy had been invaded on March 1, 2023. The lawsuit alleged that Tom didn’t give Ariana “authorization or permission” to look at his device. Tom went as far as to claim that Ariana made multiple copies of the video. And distributed them to multiple third parties. Rachel’s lawsuit also makes the same claim.
Ariana’s lawyer fired back with a statement via Us Weekly reading, “It is abhorrent that Tom Sandoval continues to torment Ms. Madix. From engaging in an illicit affair that shattered her home and stability to months of emotional warfare and now this attempt to further shirk personal responsibility for the effects his actions have had on her and her emotional well-being. Tom Sandoval knows full well what sort of privileges he and Ms. Madix shared in regard to their personal communication devices.” Needless to say, the scandal has taken a nasty turn.
Tom Sandoval’s plot twist
Just a few days after the news was released, Tom seemed to have had a change of heart. He took to Instagram to share that he had never meant to counter-sue his ex-girlfriend. Tom revealed he had since removed his attorney, Matt Geragos, from his legal team. Sandoval added that he also dropped the charges. Sandy wrote, “He assured me that the action was customary and strictly preventative in these types of lawsuits and urged me to agree to it. I should’ve done more of my due diligence on the matter. Upon realizing what this action actually means, I have removed Matt Geragos from my legal team.”
Tom added, “In no way am I suing Ariana. The action against Ariana brought on my behalf is being removed. I hold no ill will or vindictiveness toward Ariana.” Sandy ended his statement by saying, “Now, by removing both the Cross-Complaint and the attorney who recommended it, I hope to get through this case quickly, so that Ariana and I can both finally MOVE ON with our lives.”
Is Tom Sandoval trying to save Vanderpump Rules?
![Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz looking smug at a Vanderpump Rules reunion.](https://www.realitytea.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/NUP_203915_00888_0fd833.jpg?w=1000)
This change of heart could be a last-ditch effort to save what is left of Vanderpump Rules. Season 10 was supposed to be its last, but after Scandoval, producers thought they could rake in ratings with Season 11. What Bravo didn’t take into consideration was that all the drama was playing out in real time. So fans knew exactly what was going on. Even in Season 11, Sandy still came out looking like the biggest turd ever.
Why producers ever thought to give this man a redemption arc is behind me. But the plan backfired, leaving Tom looking even worse than before. All his moves to try and speak with Ariana seemed calculated. Tom was a hard guy to back, with viewers wishing he hadn’t been welcomed back with open arms.
Sandoval could be making a mistake
![Tom Sandoval trying to defend his actions on WWHL.](https://www.realitytea.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/NUP_204344_01081_ae6c3f.jpg?w=1000)
Everyone gets bad advice at some point in their lives. Tom could have very well just been given bad legal advice from his former attorney. When you are relying on a professional to do their job, you put a certain amount of trust in them. While Tom should have one hundred percent known what he was signing off on, I am willing to wager he didn’t have all the facts and was given sugar-coated advice.
Tom removing his lawsuit against Ariana is important because it feels like he is trying to do the right thing. We may never know whether his decision was motivated by social pressure or morality. But in any case, one less lawsuit is probably best for both of them, who still have an uphill battle against Rachel come November.
TELL US — WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TOM’S COUNTERSUIT? DID HE JUST MAKE A MISTAKE?