{"id":95698,"date":"2024-05-08T01:00:54","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T01:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/08\/vpr-recap-season-ends-with-cast-turning-on-ariana-madix-over-sandoval\/"},"modified":"2024-05-08T01:00:54","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T01:00:54","slug":"vpr-recap-season-ends-with-cast-turning-on-ariana-madix-over-sandoval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/08\/vpr-recap-season-ends-with-cast-turning-on-ariana-madix-over-sandoval\/","title":{"rendered":"VPR Recap: Season Ends With Cast Turning on Ariana Madix Over Sandoval"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\n Vanderpump Rules Season 11 cast.<\/span> Gizelle Hernandez\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ariana Madix<\/strong><\/a>\u2018s refusal to film with Tom Sandoval<\/strong><\/a> during the season 11 finale ultimately caused several of her Vanderpump Rules<\/em> <\/a>costars to turn on her.<\/p>\n

The Tuesday, May 7, episode showed how the rest of a cast trip played out as Ariana, 38, remained firm about keeping her distance from Sandoval, 41. Ariana\u2019s decision was already getting criticized<\/a> throughout the season \u2014 and the finale didn\u2019t make it better.<\/p>\n

Later in the episode, one of Scheana Shay<\/strong>\u2018s many past conversations with Sandoval became the catalyst for Ariana breaking the fourth wall<\/a>. After Scheana, 38, told Sandoval that Ariana wanted an apology for how he \u201cweaponized her mental health\u201d in the wake of his affair with Rachel \u201cRaquel\u201d Leviss<\/strong>, Sandoval became determined to do just that.<\/p>\n

The only problem was that Ariana never actually wanted an apology \u2014 nor did she ask for one. As a result, Sandoval\u2019s attempt to speak with her on screen turned into Ariana leaving the event altogether. Ariana\u2019s cast members didn\u2019t see her perspective this time<\/a> around and instead blamed her for not being a better sport while filming a reality TV show.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Breaking Down the Order ‘VPR’ Cast Members Forgave Tom Sandoval<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tSeason 11 of Vanderpump Rules documented Tom Sandoval\u2018s post-scandal apology tour \u2014 which has been met with mixed reactions. Sandoval was at odds with most of his costars when news broke in March 2023 about his affair with Rachel \u201cRaquel\u201d Leviss. After Sandoval and Ariana Madix\u2018s nearly decade-long relationship came to an end due to [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Production leaned into a similar narrative \u2014 based on how the scenes were edited \u2014 to back up the perspective that Ariana should have been more willing to hash out her issues with Sandoval. The shift came after Ariana previously said she wouldn\u2019t be surprised if this season made her out to be the villain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think something that is important and part of any reality show is they always want to have a conversation,\u201d Ariana shared at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April. \u201cThey don\u2019t want the audience to be on one side or the other so they will always try to even the playing field. They\u2019ve always done that. They always will. I knew going into that they were going to do everything they could to even the playing field.\u201d<\/p>\n

One month prior, Ariana exclusively told Us Weekly<\/em> about potentially getting an unfavorable fan reaction<\/a>, saying, \u201cI think that I was going through, again, what I said, the most difficult time of my life and I allowed all times and moments of my healing process to be shown and not just come out and say, \u2018Hey, I\u2019m healed everybody,\u2019 and I think we don\u2019t often get to see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana added: \u201cI put on my makeup, showed up to all my call times, I put on an outfit and I put myself out there,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m proud of myself for doing it. I learned, honestly, that I am very brave and that I have a lot of really wonderful people in my life who have shown me what\u2019s important and have shown me that I\u2019m going to be OK no matter what, and we\u2019re all in this together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Ariana\u2019s uncomfortable run-in with Sandoval \u2014 and why the aftermath could hint at her exit from Vanderpump Rules<\/em>:\n<\/p>\n

Building the Tension<\/h3>\n
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Casey Durkin\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In last week\u2019s episode, Scheana attempted to bridge the gap between Sandoval and Ariana by asking him to apologize for \u201cweaponizing her mental health.\u201d Scheana\u2019s words ultimately inspired Sandoval to cross a boundary by approaching Ariana \u2014 but more on that later.<\/p>\n

The Vanderpump Rules<\/em> group first wrapped up their time in San Francisco by going on a trolley ride and having lunch. Without Sandoval at the outing, the others felt comfortable bringing up Sandoval in front of Ariana and her boyfriend, Daniel Wai.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Katie Maloney<\/strong> to put everyone on blast for emphasizing with Sandoval.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times are we going to keep believing this man\u2019s genuine tears,\u201d Katie, 37, asked after Scheana brought up her friendship with Sandoval to Ariana yet again. \u201cI don\u2019t believe a damn word, a damn tear, a damn nothing that comes out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a confessional, Katie questioned Scheana and Lala Kent<\/strong>\u2019s loyalty<\/a>, adding, \u201cEveryone is trying to make this Sandoval situation way more nuanced than it actually is. When a guy f\u2014ks over your friend, f\u2014k the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheana\u2019s husband, Brock Davies<\/strong>, came to her defense by claiming that Katie and Ariana were \u201cdismissing\u201d the \u201cgenuine friendship\u201d between Scheana and Sandoval. Tom Schwartz<\/strong> also jumped in to say Sandoval was a \u201cgood person\u201d who did a \u201ctrash thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The reasoning didn\u2019t work for Ariana, who pointed out to Schwartz that Sandoval didn\u2019t just do \u201cone\u201d thing to hurt her<\/a>. Lala, 33, who didn\u2019t join the conversation, shared her thoughts in a confessional instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cAriana tries to put on this cool girl vibe but she cares a lot,\u201d Lala noted. \u201cWhen she gets out of this, \u2018Sandoval is a monster and I\u2019m a victim\u2019 [thing] she\u2019s going to have to go through a mourning process. And I don\u2019t think she wants to deal with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back to the argument between Brock and Katie, the duo couldn\u2019t come to an agreement. Brock, 33, made it clear he was \u201cgoing to fight\u201d for Scheana while Katie \u2014 and Ariana \u2014 reminded him how he wasn\u2019t there for their lived experiences.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cScheana really feels she needs to be the exception to the boundary Ariana created for herself of not having mutual friends with Tom,\u201d Katie pointed out. \u201cBut Tom did not make a mistake. He made choices every day for months and has done nothing but double down on those choices he made over and over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Extending an Olive Branch<\/h3>\n
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Casey Durkin\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The finale ended with one last event where several cast members interacted with Sandoval while Ariana kept her distance. Sandoval, however, got motivated to approach Ariana after a chat with Brock and Scheana. Brock specifically asked Sandoval to \u201cstep up\u201d and make changes so that his inner circle could \u201cslowly\u201d grow again.<\/a><\/p>\n

Scheana started crying \u2014 once again \u2014 while reflecting on her connection with Sandoval.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand what he did to Ariana was absolutely terrible. I just wish when it came to me in this situation that it wasn\u2019t so black and white and she could see how much I am struggling by just being loyal to her,\u201d she said through tears. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want to lose her but I feel like I am losing myself. I need to let this shit go. It is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crossing a Boundary<\/h3>\n

The evening began to escalate when Sandoval approached Daniel. \u201cI just wanted to introduce myself. I\u2019m Tom,\u201d Sandoval told Daniel while Ariana looked down at her phone. \u201cI heard you are a great guy. I just wanted to say what\u2019s up and I wish you guys the best of luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Sandoval walked away, James Kennedy<\/strong>\u2018s girlfriend, Ally Lewber<\/strong>, admitted she was nervous about how the introduction would go<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like it had to happen,\u201d Ally told Ariana, who fired back, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to happen at all. He\u2019s not in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana elaborated in a confessional, saying, \u201cI am not here as a cog in the machine of Tom Sandoval\u2019s redemption arc. You guys can do that without me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Where Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval Stand With ‘Pump Rules’ Costars Amid Drama<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tRaquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval faced major backlash for their cheating scandal \u2014 and their Vanderpump Rules costars have been front and center throwing shade. The couple made headlines in March 2023 when Us Weekly confirmed that Sandoval and Ariana Madix called it quits after nearly a decade together due to his infidelity. The beauty [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A Sweet Moment That Aged Badly<\/h3>\n
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Casey Durkin\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Viewers and Ariana are both very familiar with Scheana\u2019s attempts to validate her ongoing friendship with Sandoval. Scheana broached the topic again with Ariana when she mentioned how Sandoval supported her music.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe flew out his sound operator to get all the equipment. Maybe fool me once or twice, I don\u2019t know. But I am seeing that genuine side of him that I have loved for 15 years who has been a good friend to me. And I am hoping that he is changing and becoming better,\u201d Scheana explained. \u201cI just want to continue to see if he is on a path of growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana was not thrilled by Scheana\u2019s comments, telling the cameras, \u201cIt is just the same thing over and over with Scheana. I don\u2019t know why she thinks that somehow she knows this man better than I do. Alright girl. I am happy for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the awkward conversation, Ariana asked that Scheana not talk to her about having hope<\/a> for Sandoval\u2019s growth, noting, \u201cHe\u2019s an ex-boyfriend of mine who does not deserve to be in my presence or breathe the same air as me. That will not change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana also clarified to Scheana that she didn\u2019t want anything from Sandoval. \u201cI don\u2019t want him to speak to me every again. I don\u2019t want apologies,\u201d Ariana explained. \u201cI don\u2019t mean that I want him to apologize. I mean that it seems very much beyond him. I don\u2019t want any apology.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Scheana noted that she didn\u2019t want to \u201ccompromise\u201d her bond<\/a> with Ariana, she also couldn\u2019t \u201ccompletely\u201d write Sandoval off forever. Ariana reassured Scheana that their friendship wasn\u2019t in danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t losing me. You are my family. I love you. You will never lose me. Never,\u201d Ariana reassured Scheana. \u201cMe and you are warriors.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a confessional, Ariana opened up about navigating her friendship with Scheana, saying, \u201cI will protect myself and keep myself out of situations I find hurtful or uncomfortable for me. But I have never once said I don\u2019t love her or I will stop loving her or we won\u2019t be connected anymore. I just don\u2019t know why she isn\u2019t understanding that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The editing department subsequently stepped in to seemingly contradict Ariana\u2019s comments. They played clips of Ariana cutting Sandoval\u2019s best friend Schwartz, 41, out of her life. There were also past moments of Ariana previously telling Katie and Lala separately that she needed to protect her peace if her friends started to befriend Sandoval<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Crossing a Line<\/h3>\n
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Nicole Weingart\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sandoval finally made his move when he approached<\/a> Ariana as she was hugging Scheana. \u201cAriana, wait one second,\u201d he said as his ex-girlfriend walked away. \u201cI just wanted to tell her I am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheana shut down Sandoval\u2019s hopes, noting, \u201cShe doesn\u2019t want to talk to you. I already tried. I told her about our conversation last night and she thinks you are performative [and that] I am an idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n

After asking whether Sandoval valued their friendship outside of filming, Scheana told him not to make her look like a \u201cf\u2014king idiot\u201d with his future actions.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Who Remained Tom Sandoval’s Friend After His Affair? Meet His Inner Circle<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tTom Sandoval\u2018s friend group was in for a shakeup after his cheating scandal. Sandoval and his now-ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix had many of the same friends before his affair with their Vanderpump Rules costar Rachel \u201cRaquel\u201d Leviss made headlines. After Sandoval and Madix split in March 2023 due to his infidelity, most of their close pals [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Production Steps In<\/h3>\n
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Casey Durkin\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Executive producer Jeremiah Smith<\/strong> made an onscreen appearance when he urged Ariana not to leave. \u201cAriana, don\u2019t do this,\u201d Jeremiah said as Ariana started to take off her mic. \u201cDon\u2019t end like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana made it clear that she wasn\u2019t pleased about Sandoval nearly ambushing her.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cHim f\u2014king walking up on me talking to Scheana. He doesn\u2019t give a f\u2014k if I died in a ditch or got a deadly STD the way he was f\u2014king around behind my back,\u201d she fired back. \u201cThat is non-informed consent and he doesn\u2019t deserve to speak to me. He doesn\u2019t get access to me. It\u2019s about a performance for the audience. He wants 30 seconds with the audience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana concluded: \u201cWhatever it is that Tom is trying to get from me is not for me. It is for me. I am the final boss in his video game of redemption. And because he can\u2019t get to the final boss, he is f\u2014king pissed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sandoval Unleashes His Anger Over Ariana at Everyone Else<\/h3>\n
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Nicole Weingart\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ariana shutting down his attempt at a conversation led to a complete 180 shift for Sandoval.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is f\u2014king bullshit,\u201d he told Billie Lee<\/strong>. \u201cAriana is going around saying I am not being honest and I am performative. Do you know what it is? Ariana is f\u2014king performative. She doesn\u2019t like any of these motherf\u2014kers. So she can f\u2014k off saying I am performative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sandoval continued his unhinged rant by accusing Ariana of not working hard enough. \u201cIf you don\u2019t want to film with your ex then don\u2019t be on this show,\u201d he added. \u201cDon\u2019t sit back on your f\u2014king lazy ass and collect a f\u2014king check for doing nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tension got worse when Sandoval stormed over<\/a> to Lala and Scheana.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m f\u2014king pissed. Not at you. I am pissed that she is f\u2014king saying that s\u2014t. Because Ariana? She doesn\u2019t f\u2014k with you guys,\u201d Sandoval claimed. \u201cOn the real. She f\u2014king talks s\u2014t about all of you f\u2014kers. She doesn\u2019t show up for your s\u2014t, she is not going to come for your f\u2014king thing. I am going to come. When push comes to shove, I am f\u2014king there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vanderpump Rules<\/em> fans probably lost count as Scheana got emotional once more over Sandoval\u2019s behavior<\/a>, saying, \u201cI said this to her. I know. You have been there for me. That is why I am struggling with this. Because you have been a f\u2014king good friend but then she convinces me that you are not.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, Sandoval thanked Scheana for the backlash she was about to weather for him. \u201cI am sorry that I made it hard for you. It kills me,\u201d he noted. \u201cBecause I know you are gonna put up with a lot and it means a lot to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Editing of It All<\/h3>\n
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Nicole Weingart\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI know it is going to be really hard for the people who stick by me and stick up for me. People haven\u2019t even forgiven me,\u201d Sandoval said as the camera panned to James, 32, Schwartz, Lala and Scheana. \u201cThey are just recognizing me as a person and they are still going to get a relentless amount of hate for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a surprising turn of events, the episode proved Sandoval\u2019s point by pulling up a handful of mean messages directed at those who publicly forgave him.<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\tRelated: <\/span>Lala Kent\u2019s Biggest Feuds With Her ‘VPR’ Costars Over the Years<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tLala Kent hasn\u2019t shied away from telling some of her Vanderpump Rules costars how they really make her feel. Kent joined the cast of the Bravo series during season 4 as a guest star. She was bumped up to the main cast in season 6, cementing herself as a staple in the franchise. While Kent [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Lala Gets Brutal \u2014 and Breaks the 4th Wall<\/h3>\n
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Casey Durkin\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI have my own point of view but I have been biting my tongue,\u201d Lala told Scheana and Sandoval about Ariana\u2019s decision to leave. \u201cI am not afraid. It is a lot of breaking the fourth wall so I am going to do it now. S\u2014t happened to her and the whole world rallied around her. She now thinks she is Beyonc\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lala didn\u2019t hold back about her issues<\/a> with Ariana.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is bulls\u2014t that she can\u2019t film with someone that she stays under the same roof. It is a lot. It is a lot that she says, \u2018Don\u2019t f\u2014k with Tom Sandoval. But I am going to sleep down the hall from Tom Sandoval,’\u201d she continued. \u201cI get it, he f\u2014king cheated. He did a really f\u2014king s\u2014tty thing. It is weird how you looked us all in the eye and said a lot of s\u2014t. But he didn\u2019t kill anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

While venting, Lala\u2019s voice got significantly louder, with her screaming to the crowd<\/a>, \u201cShe moved on eight days later. Eight days. I have never in my life experienced someone who gets cheated on and suddenly she becomes God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheana replied by promising to back Lala up, adding, \u201cIt is unfair. I agree with you. You are not alone in that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In December 2023, Lala claimed her \u201csuddenly becomes God\u201d dig was \u201ctaken out of context,\u201d<\/a> telling listeners during an Amazon Live, \u201cI have always been a fan of hers. I think that that shows throughout the years. Have we had our ups and downs? Absolutely. But to see my friend thrive after such heartbreak? I am so happy for her, and I am so proud of her.\u201d<\/p>\n

She concluded: \u201cThat\u2019s what the trailer is meant to do. It riled everyone up, everyone is talking about the trailer, everyone is giving their feedback, people are arguing in the comments section \u2014 that\u2019s what we want.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana came to Lala\u2019s defense at the time, writing via TikTok, \u201cBut she\u2019s been honestly very kind and supportive even since filming and I love her a lot.\u201d (Lala has since unfollowed Ariana and Katie on Instagram.)<\/p>\n

Production Appears to Take Sides<\/h3>\n
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Kim White\/Bravo<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The episode concluded with Lala questioning Ariana\u2019s decisions. \u201cI love filming this show because it is real. I find it to be tremendously healing and for Ariana to walk out this way is just such a slap in the face,\u201d Lala said. \u201cThis is what we do. We have been doing this for most of our adult lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Confessional clips of the cast from the show\u2019s early days<\/a> played over Lala\u2019s voiceover. On screen, fans watched pivotal moments such as Kristen Doute<\/strong> and Sandoval\u2019s confrontation in Miami, Katie apologizing for spreading rumors about Kristen, 41, Jax Taylor<\/strong>\u2018s<\/a> infamous hookup, Stassi Schroeder<\/strong> comforting Lala over her father\u2019s death and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have all experienced high highs and low lows. There is a responsibility that comes with living your life on camera. You have to be truthful even when it is extremely uncomfortable,\u201d Lala continued. \u201cI watched James live his authentic life. Scheana has. And then Katie. I feel I have. There was a time when I wasn\u2019t honest about what was going on in my life [when I was with ex Randall Emmett] and it was suffocating.\u201d<\/p>\n

The clips continued with James crying, Schwartz proposing to Katie, Scheana ending her marriage to Mike Shay<\/strong> and Ariana confronting<\/a> Sandoval about his high-profile cheating scandal with Rachel.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel like Tom and Ariana are ever honest about their relationship until Tom was caught cheating,\u201d Lala claimed. \u201cAnd you think you get to be honest for one moment and pack it all away and all is good? F\u2014k that.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a voiceover, Katie defended Ariana\u2019s choice to pull back, saying, \u201cSometimes you have to stick to your boundaries if your peace is more important than that then stand your ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ariana also explained why she didn\u2019t give Sandoval the time of day.<\/p>\n

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