Reality Star of the Week: Ariana Madix addresses 'Scandoval' for first time in 'Vanderpump Rules' reunion
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: You have undoubtedly heard of Ariana Madix by now, if you were unaware of her before this year. She was already well-liked as the star of Bravo's long-running spinoff, 'Vanderpump Rules', but this past spring, after learning of her boyfriend's affair with her best friend—both of whom are co-stars on Pump Rules—she shot to fame.
Ariana received praise for her resilient response to the consequences and for using the traumatic event as a springboard for her career development. Her dominance as one of the top reality stars of 2023 is cemented by her self-assured and joyous performance on 'Dancing With the Stars'.
Given that Ariana's recent appearance on the reunion of 'Vanderpump Rules' overshadowed the show and that her clash with ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval spurred debate this week, it appears that she isn't the biggest reality TV star for just 2023. See how Ariana rose to the top of our reality star rankings this week by scrolling through.
Following the unexpected break in shooting for 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 12 due to the 'Scandoval' incident, the cast was caught aback by a shocking episode twist that aired on May 28. Following the 'brutal' Season 11 reunion and Ariana's caustic statements directed at co-star Tom Sandoval, many wonder whether this heated fight signifies the end of Ariana's tenure on the program as a Vanderpump OG.
Ariana was spotted getting in trouble with her co-stars for "selectively filming scenes and being dishonest on camera." Her response to host Andy Cohen's question on whether she could have a regular relationship with Tom Sandoval was, "No, I don't feel comfortable with it."
In response to every "moving on" comment made by admirers, she declared, "The only way I was ever going to get anywhere is to fully process and let myself feel it. Last summer was really difficult. And I felt like -- as much as people were coming from a place of care, I felt like I was being pushed to be further along than I was ready for."
Ariana Madix calls out Tom Sandoval's waterworks during the 'Vanderpump Rules' reunion
Andy asked Ariana for her opinions. She said that much of what was stated "was really hurtful."
Ariana said, "That is me being my honest self." She also didn't like Tom Sandoval's "waterworks thing."
Tom Sandoval said, "You know me well enough to know that this is not acting."
Ariana closed her eyes. "I don't know," she said. "I do not."
Lisa Vanderpump felt sad and covered her face with her hand.
"You knew me, Ariana," Tom Sandoval said, sobbing. She also started crying.
"I don’t believe that. And when you didn’t get what you want…what you said about me."
Tom Sandoval said Ariana said similar things about him that summer.
"You proved me right," Ariana remarked. Ariana closed her eyes again and whispered, "All I want…I just want you away from me." She wailed, "I just want you gone."
She does not want to be "forced" to be with Tom Sandoval. "That is our job," he said. And Ariana denied that he approached her off-camera to discuss. She will willingly engage in difficult talks with everyone except her ex.
And what about Tom Sandoval's last audio clip? Ariana compared it to Tom Sandoval's breakup with Kristen [Doute] in Miami, where she was manipulated by him to obtain that moment.
'Vanderpump Rules' star Tom Sandoval claims to be 'sorry from the bottom of my heart' to Ariana Madix
Katie mentioned that Tom Sandoval's "double life" caught Ariana off guard. Tom Sandoval opted to bring up the past, admitting that their "relationship wasn't perfect." Ariana agreed, but she was not going to repeat it.
Tom Sandoval remarked, "I just want to say to you that I am sorry. I’m not asking you to forgive me. I know you won’t. I know you don’t want to be around me."
He went on to say, "You didn’t deserve that, and I’m really sorry from the bottom of my heart, Ariana. I regret it every f*cking day. I wear it as a badge of shame," her ex explained.
"You also brought a f*cking person into both of our lives in a very f*cked up way. And this b*tch f*cking has to talk about me all the time. And you did that," Ariana continued, presumably referring to Rachel Leviss.
Ariana was also very wounded by Lala Kent's comments. She felt like she was being honest by declining to film with Tom Sandoval.
Tom Schwartz agreed with Lala at the moment, but now believes Ariana made the correct decision by stepping out.
Exes Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix close 'Vanderpump Rules' reunion
Ariana feels that certain relationships are better than others at this time. Tom Sandoval thanked everyone for giving him "somewhat of a chance."
