What Happened to Ariana Madix?

Ariana Madix's public profile dramatically shifted in March 2023 with the revelation of the "Scandoval," a term coined for the affair between her then-long-term boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, and their 'Vanderpump Rules' co-star, Raquel Leviss (now Rachel). This betrayal, after a nearly decade-long relationship, garnered immense media attention and public sympathy for Madix, transforming her into a symbol of resilience.

In the immediate aftermath, Madix strategically channeled the unprecedented public support into a series of significant career opportunities. She quickly secured numerous brand deals and partnerships, leveraging her newfound visibility. Her appearance in the Lifetime movie 'Buying Back My Daughter' was announced, and in July 2023, she was confirmed as a contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 32, where she ultimately finished in third place. These moves marked a clear pivot from solely reality television to broader entertainment ventures, a path she had aspired to earlier in her career.

A key turning point in her post-Scandoval narrative was her commitment to personal and professional growth. In August 2023, she announced her cocktail book, 'Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches,' which was released in December 2023 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. January 2024 saw her fulfill a long-held dream by making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago,' a role she reprised for a second run in August 2024. Furthermore, in 2024, Madix took on the prominent role of permanent host for 'Love Island USA,' significantly expanding her reach as a television personality.

Concurrently with her burgeoning career, Madix also focused on her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her West Hollywood sandwich shop, Something About Her, co-founded with Katie Maloney, opened around mid-2024, though it has reportedly faced initial challenges in customer retention. Personally, she began a long-distance relationship with fitness coach Daniel Wai in April 2023, which has continued to flourish. As of early 2026, there have even been rumors of a potential engagement between Madix and Wai. Madix has consistently emphasized that while new opportunities arose, the "Scandoval" itself was not a positive experience, pushing back against narratives that suggest the betrayal was ultimately beneficial.

As of May 13, 2026, Ariana Madix remains a prominent figure in entertainment. She continues to express interest in more hosting and acting roles, particularly in comedy, and plans to return to the stage. A significant recent development is the finalization of the sale of the Los Angeles home she co-owned with Tom Sandoval, which closed on May 8 or 9, 2026, for $3.1 million, marking a definitive end to that shared chapter of her life.