In a revealing interview with Variety this week, Ariana Madix, 40, opened up about her tumultuous journey following the infamous “Scandoval” that rocked Vanderpump Rules in March 2023. The reality star reflected on her decision to return for season 11, her strained relationships with co-stars, the ongoing saga of her shared home with ex Tom Sandoval, and her candid thoughts on the controversial behavior of The Valley stars Jax Taylor and James Kennedy.
Navigating the Aftermath of “Scandoval”
Ariana described the fallout from Tom Sandoval’s affair with their friend and co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, 30, as “terrible” and far “darker” than the headlines suggested. Returning to Vanderpump Rules was non-negotiable for her, as she explained, “I was definitely not in a position where I could say no to work.” However, the emotional toll was immense, compounded by logistical challenges like being tied to a mortgage on the home she shared with Sandoval.
The process of untangling her life from the shared property was fraught with frustration. “As if it’s not hard enough, trying to uproot from what you thought was a house you’re going to live in for at least 10 years,” Ariana said. “Trying to pull everything out that you own, and try to organize — and then being told you’re some sort of loser. That drove me insane.” Despite the pain, she felt it was important to share her authentic experience on the show, hoping it would resonate with others who’ve faced similar betrayals. “If somebody relates to that and they’ve also been there, then I feel like that’s worth it,” she noted.
Season 11 Finale: A Moment of Vindication
The season 11 finale of Vanderpump Rules saw Ariana’s co-stars calling her out for refusing to film with Sandoval, a decision that sparked heated debates among the cast. For Ariana, this moment was a validation of her perspective. “I was like, ‘Bro, I just proved the whole point! I’m glad. Show your true selves.’ … That’s exactly what I’ve been saying! This whole thing is fake,” she declared. While she stood firm on not filming with her ex, Ariana admitted that showcasing her raw emotions in response to the betrayal and lack of support from her castmates was “really emotional.” She added, “Looking at the way they clipped everything together” amplified the intensity of reliving those moments.
A New Chapter for Vanderpump Rules
With Vanderpump Rules undergoing a full recast for season 12, Ariana revealed she was informed about the reboot in advance and responded with a simple, “Cool! Good luck.” Her focus has shifted away from the drama of the show, as she navigates her personal and professional life post-Scandoval.
Thoughts on The Valley and Its Controversies
Ariana made it clear she’s distanced herself from Bravo’s programming, including The Valley, stating she doesn’t watch “anything on Bravo” and has no interest in making a cameo. However, she maintains close friendships with some of The Valley’s cast, including Janet Caperna, 35, Kristen Doute, 42, and Jasmine Goode, 37. She highlighted her bond with Janet and her husband Jason Caperna, noting, “We went to Scotland together.”
Commenting on the controversial behavior of The Valley stars, Ariana didn’t hold back. She called Jax Taylor’s treatment of his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, 36, “horrible,” praising Brittany for finding her voice and leaving the toxic situation. Similarly, she addressed James Kennedy’s recent domestic violence arrest, describing it as “awful” and expressing pride in James’ ex, Ally Lewber, for moving on and thriving.
The Ongoing House Saga with Tom Sandoval
Ariana provided an update on the status of the home she still co-owns with Sandoval, revealing it’s not yet on the market. “It’s not just, put the house up for sale — there’s contents within it. There’s a lot of stuff that has to be worked out,” she explained. Despite the delays, she remains pragmatic, noting, “The longer I own it, the more I have equity.” For Ariana, ensuring things are resolved properly outweighs rushing to sell.
Something About Mary: A New Venture
Beyond the drama, Ariana spoke passionately about her sandwich shop, Something About Her, which she co-owns with Vanderpump Rules co-star Katie Maloney, 38. “Opening a restaurant is hard,” she admitted, but emphasized the joy of working with Katie. “We love our staff, Katie and I, and we love working together. We really share the same vision,” she said, highlighting the strong partnership driving their business venture.
Moving Forward
Ariana’s candid reflections reveal a woman reclaiming her narrative after a storm of betrayal and public scrutiny. From standing her ground on Vanderpump Rules to supporting her friends’ courage in The Valley and building her business with Katie, Ariana is forging a path forward with resilience and authenticity.