Tom Sandoval Sues Ex Ariana Madix for Discovering Affair After Accessing His Phone Without 'Permission'
In a new development among Vanderpump Rules stars, Tom Sandoval has filed a lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix.
Madix and Sandoval began dating in 2013 and were together for nearly a decade, often portraying a strong relationship on the show. However, after Rachel "Raquel" Leviss joined Vanderpump Rules as a cast member, she and Sandoval struck up a friendship, which eventually led to a months-long secret affair.
In March 2023, Madix discovered explicit videos of Leviss on Sandoval's phone, revealing the affair. The revelation led to the couple’s breakup, and Sandoval briefly dated Leviss. In a turn of events, Sandoval is now suing Madix, alleging that she accessed explicit videos of Leviss on his phone without his approval.
As reported by Us Weekly, the legal action was filed on Tuesday (July 16), and alleges that Madix "obtained access" to Sandoval’s phone in March 2023, ultimately discovering explicit content involving Sandoval and Leviss. Sandoval, 40, contends that Madix, 39, viewed these videos without his "authorization or permission" and subsequently “made copies” and forwarded them to Leviss and other “third parties.”
Madix’s attorney, Jordan Susman, responded strongly to Sandoval’s claims in a statement to Us, “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 wellbeing.” Susman emphasized that Sandoval was fully aware of the nature of the “privileges” he and Madix shared regarding their “personal communication devices” while they were dating.
Sandoval’s filing follows Leviss’ lawsuit against both him and Madix. Leviss has accused them of revenge porn, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress in her filing on February 29. Sandoval countersued Leviss in April, claiming her lawsuit was "a thinly veiled attempt to extend fame and to rebrand herself as the victim."
Madix also filed a countersuit against Leviss shortly thereafter, arguing that Leviss desired to "blame Ms. Madix for the negative reaction received as a result of her affair." Furthermore, Madix has remained adamant that she has never released any of the content found on Sandoval’s phone with anyone except Leviss herself.
Sandoval's attorney, Matthew Geragos, also commented on the latest lawsuit with Us, emphasizing, “While Tom Sandoval accepts responsibility for his affair, he strongly denies the allegations of the lawsuit filed by Rachel Leviss against him and Ms. Madix.” He stated, "This customary legal action was crucial to ensure that liability, if any, is fairly distributed based on the actual level of involvement and fault of each party."
