'Vanderpump Rules': Why Tom Sandoval dropped legal action against Ariana Madix and fired lawyer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Sandoval has withdrawn his lawsuit against ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix in an unexpected twist, claiming his lawyer neglected to inform him that he was 'suing' her.
On Thursday, July 18, reports surfaced that Tom Sandoval was suing Ariana Madix for using his phone to view explicit videos of his former mistress and 'Vanderpump Rules' co-star Raquel Leviss without obtaining "authorization." Following the news, Tom deleted his Instagram account. However, he now claims that his lawyer initiated the lawsuit without giving him sufficient notice.
Ariana Madix found a video unveiling Tom Sandoval's romance with 'Vanderpump Rules' co-star Racquel Leviss
In case you missed it, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix were together for nine years when she discovered a video on his phone in March 2023 that revealed his affair with Raquel Leviss. The entire incident, dubbed 'Scandoval,' unfolded on 'Vanderpump Rules'.
Afterward, Raquel Leviss filed a retaliation lawsuit against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for invasion of privacy, eavesdropping, and revenge porn. Tom is now pursuing legal action against Ariana as part of his ongoing legal battle.
Tom Sandoval sued Ariana Madix over explicit videos featuring 'Vanderpump Rules' costar Racquel Leviss
Ariana Madix famously discovered the affair during one of Tom Sandoval's concerts when he dropped his phone, prompting her to check it. Upon opening Tom's phone, Ariana found a sexually graphic recording of Raquel Leviss.
"I found a screen recording of them on FaceTime. It was literally from the night before. That’s when I called Raquel and started making her tell me [when everything started]," Ariana recalled in a 'Vanderpump Rules' episode.
According to court filings from Tom's team, which US Weekly was able to view on Tuesday, July 16, Ariana "obtained access" to his phone without his "authorization or permission." According to the complaint, Ariana "made copies" of the video and gave it to Raquel "and third parties" in defiance of his orders.
'Vanderpump Rules' star Tom Sandoval takes back case against ex-Ariana Madix
Tom Sandoval withdrew his new case just days after it was launched. "Late Tuesday afternoon, my attorney, Matt Geragos, whose advice I trusted, called me about the Cross-Complaint in the lawsuit against myself and Ariana," Tom told his followers on Instagram.
"He assured me that the action was customary and strictly preventative in these types of lawsuits and urged me to agree to it. The words "New Lawsuit" or "Suing" were not articulated to me. I should’ve done more of my due diligence on the matter," he added.
The 'Vanderpump Rules' star fired his counsel, who happens to be the brother of Racquel's attorney, which raises some questions.
"Upon realizing what this action actually means, I have removed Matt Geragos from my legal team. 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. 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."
