What Happened to Tom Sandoval?

Thomas Anthony Sandoval rose to prominence as a main cast member on Bravo's reality television series 'Vanderpump Rules' from 2013 to 2024. Before the major scandal that would define his recent years, Sandoval was known for his bartending skills, his music aspirations with his band 'Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras,' and his business ventures, including co-founding the West Hollywood restaurants TomTom (opened 2018) and Schwartz & Sandy's (opened 2022) with fellow cast member Tom Schwartz. He also co-authored a mixology book, 'Fancy AF Cocktails,' in 2019.

The pivotal moment in Sandoval's career and personal life, dubbed 'Scandoval,' occurred in March 2023 when his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix ended after she discovered his months-long affair with their 'Vanderpump Rules' co-star Rachel 'Raquel' Leviss. This revelation sent shockwaves through the reality TV world and led to widespread public condemnation, significantly altering Sandoval's public perception from a popular cast member to a villain. The fallout was extensively documented in Season 10 and 11 of 'Vanderpump Rules,' with Sandoval attempting to salvage his reputation amidst a largely alienated cast.

In the aftermath of 'Scandoval,' Sandoval faced significant professional and personal consequences. His bar, Schwartz & Sandy's, suffered immensely from negative press and ultimately closed its doors in November 2024. The shared home with Ariana Madix became a point of legal contention, with Madix filing a lawsuit in January 2024 to force its sale. The property was finally sold in June 2026, severing their last joint tie. Despite the challenges, Sandoval diversified his reality TV appearances, competing on 'The Masked Singer' (2023), 'The Traitors' Season 3 (early 2025), and 'House of Villains' Season 3 (premiered February 2026). His band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, continued to tour and even auditioned for 'America's Got Talent' in June 2025, though their performance was not well-received by critics and viewers. He also launched a podcast, 'Everybody Loves Tom,' in late 2023.

Sandoval's personal life continued to evolve. He began dating model Victoria Lee Robinson in early 2024, making their relationship Instagram official in February of that year. Despite rumors of marriage in 2025, which were denied, Sandoval hinted at a possible engagement in March 2026, reflecting a period of apparent stability. However, this stability proved short-lived. On June 25, 2026, it was reported that Sandoval filed for a restraining order against Robinson and her father, alleging verbal and physical abuse after an incident on June 3, which led to Robinson's arrest. Sandoval claims a history of abuse, including physical assaults, verbal abuse, and tracking via AirTag, and is seeking to have them removed from his home. This recent development indicates a new chapter of public scrutiny and personal turmoil for Sandoval.