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For “Vanderpump Rules” fans, “Scandoval” was the culmination of a years-long commitment to the dramatic ups and downs of a group of Los Angeles strivers. For everyone else, it was a chance to ask… Who the hell are Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, and why are they the subject of an explainer in the New York Times?

Here on Rich Text, we were a house divided. Emma has been vigilantly watching “Vanderpump” since a few seasons in, and Claire has never seen a single episode. And yet, her interest was still piqued. How could it not be? Scandoval was a reality TV scandal that somehow managed to penetrate into the mainstream consciousness. So we decided it was time for Claire — and all of you — to be brought into the twisty world of “Vanderpump Rules.” So for two full hours, along with video clips and photographs, Emma explained the Scandoval to Claire.

What is Vanderpump Rules?

“Vanderpump Rules” (VPR) premiered in January 2013, as a spin-off of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The show, in its inception, followed a group of 20 and 30-something strivers who worked at RHOBH cast member Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants in West Hollywood — primarily, SUR, which stands for Sexy Unique Restaurant. The show is currently airing its 10th season.

At its core, the show has always been about relationship dynamics, and specifically cheating. There are only a handful of cast members who haven’t been involved in public cheating scandals, but none of the previous cheating scandals can hold a candle to Scandoval. 

The Short Summary

VPR original cast member Tom Sandoval cheated on Ariana Madix, his girlfriend of nine years, by having a secret seven-month affair with their co-star (and one of Madix’s besties) Raquel Leviss. This news first broke on March 3, 2023, and the ensuing fervor was coined “Scandoval.”

For those who aren’t initiated into VPR world — don’t worry, you soon will be — here’s the Scandoval in “Friends” terms: It’s like if Chandler cheated on Monica with Rachel, and Joey knew.

But what makes this scandal such a big deal is all of the historical context; the DECADE of footage fans have of Sandoval, and what that footage tells us about his patterns of (shitty) behavior.

Whether you’re a “Vanderpump” stan or newbie, we hope you’ll enjoy this episode! Below are all of the clips and photos referenced in the podcast. Xo

Watch Along Guide: Extended Clips and Photos

Clip 1: Tom Sandoval confesses to Stassi that he made out with Ariana in Vegas (watch on Bravo’s website)

Clip 2: Scheana brings up the “Miami Girl” rumor to Sandoval

Clip 3: “Miami Girl” comes to L.A. to meet with Kristen and confront Sandoval

Clip 4: James Kennedy proposes to Raquel with “Rachella”

Photo 1: Sandoval and Raquel at Coachella 2022

Photo 2: Scheana, Katie and Kristen show up to support Ariana

Clip 5: Scheana’s Elle Woods moment

Photo 3: Raquel talks to TMZ outside a Valley Village nail salon

Clip 6: A Tom Sandoval post-breakup mash-up (The Howie Mandel interview vs. Season 2 reunion)

Clip 7: Sandoval denies anything has happened between him and Raquel to a producer

Clip 8: Raquel sleeps over at Sandoval’s when Ariana is out of town

Clip 9: The “Vanderpump Rules” season 10 finale trailer

Photo 4: Ariana is spotted with a new man, Daniel Wai, at Coachella 2023

Photo 5: Lala, Lisa Vanderpump and Ariana attend the White House Correspondents Dinner

Clip 10: Roy Wood Jr. roasts Tucker Carlson and Tom Sandoval at the White House Correspondents Dinner

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