Raquel Leviss Addresses Her Situation with Tom Sandoval

In a new statement, Raquel Leviss is opening up about her situation involving Tom Sandoval. She posted a statement to her Instagram account that addressed her “feelings” for him and the next steps she’s taking in the situation.

“Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship. Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones. I need to take care of my health, work on my self-growth and take time to be ok with being alone,” she wrote in a statement released on Wednesday, March 8. “I care for Tom and I don’t want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal.”

This marks the second statement Raquel has released this week amid Tom’s split from Ariana Madix and cheating allegations.

The Vanderpump Rules cast member issued her first statement to ET on March 8, which began, “I want to apologize for my actions and my choices foremost to Ariana, and to my friends and the fans so invested in our relationships. There is no excuse, I am not a victim and I must own my actions and I deeply regret hurting Ariana.”

“I am reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved,” Raquel’s statement continued. “I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.”

Acknowledging “the good and bad” that comes with being a public figure, Raquel said she’s been on the receiving end of intense backlash in recent days. As such, “I have begun counseling to end my unhealthy behavioral cycle, learn to set stronger emotional boundaries and learn to protect my mental health,” she shared. “I don’t expect sympathy, understanding or forgiveness. Right now I must focus on my own health and well-being and as I strive to be a better person moving forward, I will prioritize my mental health and learn from my mistakes.”

The statement comes after news broke on March 3 that Tom and Ariana had gone their separate ways after more than nine years together. He has addressed his role in the split in two separate statements, the first of which included an apology to those feeling “anger” or “disappointment” toward him, as well as Tom Schwartz and their business partners.

The latest, which Sandoval shared on March 7, focused on Ariana. “I made mistakes, I was selfish, and made reckless decisions that hurt somebody I love. No one deserves to feel that pain so traumatically and publicly,” he wrote in part. “I can only imagine how devastating this has been for Ariana and everyone around us,” he continued. “I feel really horrible about that. My biggest regret is that I dishonored Ariana. I never meant to disappoint so many people, including our loving families and friends.”

Ariana has yet to publicly address the breakup. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lisa Vanderpump addressed the statements that Raquel and Tom released, which you can watch at the top of the post.

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