Vanderpump Rules: Sandoval Scandal Impacts Cast, Raquel Sparks New Backlash

Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay enjoyed a friendship with Tom Sandoval for nearly 15 years. But when Sandoval cheated on Ariana Madix with Raquel Leviss, Shay says that friendship changed.

And in a new interview, Scheana revealed the impact of the cheating scandal on the entire cast. Keep reading for details, including how Raquel sparked a new backlash. 

Vanderpump Rules Spoilers – Tom Sandoval Impacts Entire Cast

Tom Sandoval cheating on Ariana Madix after nine years together turned into the biggest bombshell in Vanderpump Rules history. And Scheana Shay says it also turned into a fallout that impacted the entire cast. As a result, the 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules star struggles with her feelings about Sandoval, 40, reported People.

But amid the cheating scandal, Shay “never thought he was a bad guy.” And she described Sandoval as “one of my best friends for almost 15 years. He was the only person who had my back on this show, who fought for me whenever something was unfair and he was the person there in my corner.”

As a result, the Vanderpump Rules star admits to struggling with her emotions. “Because I’m like, ‘Yes, you did a really bad thing. But you weren’t a bad friend to me’.” However, Shay noted that Tom cheating “changed the entire dynamic of our group.” 

Raquel Leviss is back on the 'gram. https://t.co/Ox9lElfV0i

— Us Weekly (@usweekly) September 10, 2023

Vanderpump Rules Spoilers – Cast Gathers For Lisa Vanderpump

Shay also reacted to a backlash over featuring Sandoval on her Instagram. And she insisted, “I don’t like what he did to Ariana obviously. Him and I have had a really long friendship so everyone always [says], ‘Oh Scheana, the flip-flopper, Scheana needs to have loyalty,’ and losing a friendship of that long has obviously been a struggle.”

However, Shay made it clear that she remains on “Team Ariana. She’s my girl.” And the Vanderpump Rules star also shared that she has not forgiven Sandoval. “Who said all is forgiven?? We are all here for Lisa [Vanderpump],” added Scheana.

And after posing for a cast pic with her arm around Sandoval, Shay turned to social media to clarify the situation. “I don’t know why I feel the need to defend taking a photo with my hand like this,” she said. “People are so stupid. It still blows my mind that people still don’t realize we’re filming a show.”

Vanderpump Rules Spoilers – Raquel Returns To Instagram

Meanwhile, Raquel Leviss has returned to Instagram. And she posted a peaceful video of a farm filled with flowers and a cat. However, her comment section overflowed with those commenting on her role in the Sandoval cheating scandal. Because Raquel’s affair with Sandoval hurt Ariana so much, critics told Leviss that she needs to “take ownership” and offer a sincere apology, as one wrote. 

And another follower suggested that Raquel stop using her appearances on Vanderpump Rules as a bargaining tool to get more money. ” But yet you are out there saying, ‘I would never go back on VPR…. Unless I got paid more.’ Girl get off the internet and come back when you’re grown,” wrote the critic. 

Tell us what you think. How do you feel about the backlash facing Raquel? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more reality TV news.