After surviving one of Bravo’s most explosive cheating scandals, Ariana Madix is thriving like never before. But before the glow-up came the grind. As she continues to dominate pop culture—from hosting “Love Island USA” to dancing her way to the finals on “Dancing With the Stars”—Madix is opening up about why she had to return to “Vanderpump Rules” in the wake of the now-infamous “Scandoval.”
Ariana Madix Says She ‘Had To’ Return to ‘VPR’ After the Scandal
In a new interview with Variety, Madix explained that she didn’t exactly have the luxury of walking away from “Vanderpump Rules” after her very public split from Tom Sandoval.
“I had to [return to ‘Pump Rules’],” Madix said. “I was definitely not in a position where I could say no to work.”
The scandal—dubbed “Scandoval”—erupted in March 2023, when it was revealed that Sandoval had cheated on Madix with their co-star Rachel Leviss (then known as Raquel). Bravo cameras were quickly brought back in to capture the aftermath, culminating in an emotional season 10 finale.
“It was terrible,” Madix recalled. “The reality was much, much darker than the headlines.”
She noted how frustrating it was to be portrayed as someone clinging to her old life. “Trying to uproot from what you thought was a house you’re going to live in for at least 10 years… and then being told you’re some sort of loser? That drove me insane.”
Still, Madix saw the value in staying on the show during such a vulnerable time. “I think it’s important to show where I was at,” she said. “If somebody relates to that… then I feel like that’s worth it.”
Reflecting on the season 11 finale—where Madix was criticized for refusing to film with Sandoval—she felt vindicated. “I was like, ‘Bro, I just proved the whole point! Show your true selves.'”
Madix Is Thriving Post-Scandoval
Despite the pain of Scandoval, Ariana Madix has continued to rise. In 2023, she made it to the finals on “Dancing With the Stars,” dancing alongside pro partner Pasha Pashkov. Then came Broadway.
Madix made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” originally slated for just eight weeks. Thanks to rave reviews, her run was extended—and she returned again after hosting “Love Island USA” season 6. She’s now back hosting season 7, with her Broadway performances totaling over 100 shows.
Though the “Vanderpump Rules” cast has been recast ahead of season 12, Madix says she was informed in advance and supports the decision. “Cool! Good luck,” she said.
As for the house she once shared with Sandoval? It’s still not on the market. “It’s not just, put the house up for sale—there’s contents within it,” she explained. “The longer I own it, the more I have equity.”
Fans can catch Madix on new episodes of “Love Island USA” every day but Wednesdays on Peacock.
Season 12 of “Vanderpump Rules”—with an all-new cast—is currently in production.
Tell us! Are you tuning in to ‘Love Island” to see Ariana Madix or the messy relationships? Let us know in the comments below.
