Remember when Tom Sandoval rocked the world of reality TV by having an affair for months behind Ariana Madix’s back? Worse yet, it was with their Vanderpump Rules co-star, and friend, Rachel Leviss. After a blistering Season 10 VPR reunion, Rachel sought treatment at a mental health facility and opted not to return to the show.
Season 11 looked like it was going to be Sandoval’s redemption lap. Since this man isn’t responsible for any of his actions, that chance of redemption just fizzled. And now Sandoval is continuing to play the blame game in a legal setting.
Rachel Leviss sued Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for revenge porn
In February 2024, Rachel sued both Sandoval and Ariana for invasion of privacy, eavesdropping, and revenge porn. Rachel alleged in her court documents that she was the “victim of the predatory and dishonest behavior of an older man” who filmed sexually explicit videos “without her knowledge or consent.” As you may recall, Ariana saw a sexual video of Rachel on Sandoval’s phone and discovered their affair.
In her lawsuit, Rachel was seeking general, special, compensatory, and consequential damages. She also wanted Sandoval and Ariana to destroy all copies of the video. And finally, Rachel wanted her lawyers to be paid.
Tom Sandoval claims that Rachel Leviss’ “carelessness and negligence” led to her revenge porn suit
Now Sandoval’s lawyers are striking back with their response to Rachel’s lawsuit. People reported that in new court documents, Sandoval’s lawyers alleged that Rachel’s own “carelessness and negligence” resulted in her lawsuit. People obtained new court papers on July 18. The attorneys claimed that the damages sought by Rachel were either partially or wholly the result of her “negligence, breach, and fault.” They also stated that Rachel reportedly failed “to mitigate whatever damages, if any,” she suffered.
Allegedly, Rachel was aware of and had “full knowledge of the consequences” of her actions. Therefore, she left herself open to the claims that she made in her lawsuit. The legal papers stated that because of “the doctrine of unclean hands,” Rachel shouldn’t be allowed to seek damages. That means that a person has to behave fairly when asking for damages. The court papers claimed that Rachel acted in “bad faith,” and “did not act reasonably and in good faith.” Is there a part in there about how dirty Sandoval’s hands are? Asking for a friend.
Meanwhile, Sandoval’s attorneys claimed that Rachel “relinquished her right of privacy” and that the general public has “a legitimate interest” in the legal saga. They requested her case be dismissed and that she pay Sandoval’s attorney’s fees.
Rachel’s lawyers did not respond to People’s request for comment.
This follows Sandoval’s decision on July 16 to sue Ariana for accessing the video on his phone. He quickly dropped the lawsuit, stating on social media, “In no way am I suing Ariana. The action against Ariana brought on my behalf is being removed. I hold no ill will or vindictiveness toward Ariana.” He blamed his attorney, Matt Geragos, whom he has since fired.
It must be wonderful to live in a world where nothing is ever your fault and there is always someone to blame.
Vanderpump Rules is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SANDOVAL’S RESPONSE TO RACHEL’S LAWSUIT? IS HE BLAMING THE VICTIM?