Ariana Madix has finally broken her silence regarding the recent legal drama involving her ex-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval. The Vanderpump Rules star addressed the controversy surrounding Sandoval’s lawsuit against her during a candid appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Tuesday, August 13.
The drama began in July when news broke that Sandoval, 41, had filed a lawsuit against Madix, accusing her of unauthorized access to explicit videos of Rachel “Raquel” Leviss on his cell phone. The lawsuit alleged that Madix, 39, had obtained access to Sandoval’s phone on March 1, 2023, and subsequently reviewed and distributed the videos without his consent. However, Sandoval withdrew the suit just two days later and fired his attorney, Matt Geragos, claiming that he never intended to sue Madix in the first place.
When host Andy Cohen asked Madix whether she believed Sandoval’s version of events, she initially responded with a noncommittal shrug. Pressed further by Cohen about her reaction to the lawsuit, Madix admitted, “It was a really bad day,” but chose not to elaborate further on the matter.
The lawsuit, which was obtained by Us Weekly on July 16, detailed Sandoval’s allegations that Madix had not only accessed his phone but also made copies of a video involving Leviss and distributed it to Leviss and third parties. Sandoval’s legal action was reportedly a response to Leviss’ own lawsuit against both Sandoval and Madix, filed in February. Leviss had accused the former couple of revenge porn, eavesdropping invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Madix’s attorney, Jordan Susman, issued a strongly worded statement in response to Sandoval’s lawsuit, condemning his actions. “It is abhorrent that Tom Sandoval continues to torment Ms. Madix,” Susman stated. “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 wellbeing.”
Susman’s statement also highlighted the shared privileges between Madix and Sandoval regarding their personal communication devices, emphasizing that Sandoval’s lawsuit was an attempt to avoid accountability. “Tom Sandoval knows full well what sort of privileges he and Ms. Madix shared in regard to their personal communication devices. If he or his mistress had their way, it would be illegal for someone to discover their spouse or significant other was having an affair,” Susman added.
Following the public backlash, Sandoval took to Instagram on July 18 to explain his decision to withdraw the lawsuit and to distance himself from the legal action. In his post, Sandoval expressed regret over the situation, claiming that he had not fully understood the implications of the lawsuit when it was filed.
“Late Tuesday afternoon, my attorney, Matt Geragos, whose advice I trusted, called me about the Cross-Complaint in the lawsuit against myself and Ariana,” Sandoval wrote. “He assured me that the action was customary and strictly preventative in these types of lawsuits and urged me to agree to it.”
Sandoval went on to say that he had not been made aware of the seriousness of the situation and had not realized the impact of the legal action. “The words ‘New Lawsuit’ or ‘Suing’ were not articulated to me. I should’ve done more of my due diligence on the matter,” he admitted.
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As a result, Sandoval decided to part ways with Geragos and to withdraw the lawsuit against Madix. “In no way am I suing Ariana. The action against Ariana brought on my behalf is being removed. I had no ill will or vindictiveness toward Ariana,” he wrote.
Sandoval concluded his statement by expressing his desire to move forward from the situation. “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,” he stated.
Madix’s brief but pointed response on Watch What Happens Live suggests that while she may be ready to put this chapter behind her, the emotional impact of Sandoval’s actions continues to resonate. As both parties navigate the fallout, fans of Vanderpump Rules will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what unfolds next.
