‘Vanderpump Rules’ Star Tom Sandoval Sues Ex Ariana Madix Over Unauthorized Video Access That Led To Scandal

Tom Sandoval, a cast member of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules, has filed a lawsuit against his former girlfriend and co-star Ariana Madix, alleging she accessed and distributed explicit videos from his phone without permission.

Court documents filed Tuesday reveal that Sandoval, 40, claims Madix, 39, obtained access to his cell phone on March 1, 2023. The suit alleges she viewed intimate videos of Sandoval with Rachel Leviss, 29, another cast member, without authorization.

This incident was pivotal in the show’s ninth season finale, which aired last year and became known as “Scandoval.” The discovery of the footage led to the end of Sandoval and Madix’s nearly decade-long relationship, as it exposed Sandoval’s affair with Leviss.

Sandoval’s lawsuit argues that Madix viewed the videos, made copies, and distributed them to Leviss and other parties without his consent.

In response to the lawsuit, Madix’s attorney, Jordan Susman, issued a statement calling Sandoval’s action “abhorrent” and an attempt to “torture” Madix while avoiding responsibility for his actions. Susman expressed confidence that a jury would dismiss Sandoval’s claims.

Sandoval’s legal team countered on Wednesday, framing the lawsuit as a “cross-complaint” to an earlier suit filed by Leviss against both Sandoval and Madix. Matthew Geragos, Sandoval’s lawyer, stated that this legal action aims to ensure a fair distribution of liability based on each party’s involvement.

The legal entanglements among the trio began when Leviss filed a lawsuit on February 29, accusing Sandoval and Madix of eavesdropping and invasion of privacy. Sandoval responded with a countersuit in April, claiming Leviss’ action was an attempt to rebrand herself as a victim and extend her fame.

Beyond the video controversy, Sandoval and Madix are embroiled in a dispute over their shared home. Reports indicate that if the former couple cannot reach an agreement through private mediation, they will face a trial beginning February 17, 2026.