Ariana Madix Shares What She’s “Learned” From Her and Tom Sandoval’s Split

It's been roughly two months since Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix ended their nine-year relationship, but with the ensuing drama playing out a national stage, she's obviously learned a lot in the short span of time. 

The Vanderpump Rules cast member revealed as much in an interview with E! News at the 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 29. Speaking alongside her fellow attendee, Lisa Vanderpump, Ariana explained, "I've learned recently that I can handle anything that's thrown at me in life. I think that that was something I was always scared of."

What's more, "I learn a lot from Lisa on a regular basis," Ariana added. "Lisa has instilled a lot of confidence in me. She's like my fairy godmother."

Lisa, for her part, said she's "happy" to be "a mentor" to the Vanderpump Rules group, as well as "support them when they need it."

"I feel that I kind of invited them into this very complicated forum, and it's okay when you're thriving and when you're doing so well, but when your heart is broken — and I get goosebumps when I talk about that — to have it publicly displayed all over the world, the humiliation...I just love to see her come back," Lisa explained. "Take a minute, but then come back stronger."

After all, "I think that's what life's about," she continued. "It's not about how hard you fall, it's how many times you get up. So, cheers to that."

Lisa and Ariana went on to share how honored they were to be invited to such a historic event. The two were guests of the Daily Mail, while their Vanderpump Rules cast mate Lala Kent attended as a guest of The Los Angeles Times. Speaking to Extra, Lisa said, "It's such an iconic dinner, and for Daily Mail to invite us, it just really is a very special night — something you hear about and you never actually think, 'How am I, like, a little girl from England, suddenly touring the White House and at the Correspondents Dinner?' It kind of really is magical."

Ariana shared a similar sentiment ahead of the event, telling DailyMail.com, "I watch the dinner on TV every year and have always dreamed of being there in person. My wonderful late grandmother was very active in local politics and I’ve always dreamed of visiting the White House, so this is an incredible honor.”

Watch Vanderpump Rules on Bravo Wednesdays at 9/8c and next day on Peacock. And catch up on all past seasons of Vanderpump Rules on Peacock.