Tom Sandoval Speaks Out Following His Split from Ariana Madix
The Vanderpump Rules cast member said he’s “taking a step back” from Tom Tom and Schwartz & Sandy’s as he deals with the breakup.
Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval is breaking his silence on his split from Ariana Madix.
On Saturday, March 4 — just one day after TMZ reported that Tom and Ariana had broken up after being together for more than nine years — he took to Instagram to share a statement on his role in the split amid rumors of an affair.
“Hey, I fully understand and deserve [your] anger [and] disappointment towards me, but please leave [Tom] Schwartz, my friends, and family out of this situation,” the post began. “Schwartz specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions. This was a very personal thing.”
Referencing the recently opened business he shares with Schwartz, Sandoval added, “Schwartz & Sandy’s might have my name on it, but also there are [three] other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families. Just like TomTom, I’m a small part of a much bigger thing. Please direct [your] anger toward me and not them. They did nothing wrong.”
Sandoval went on to apologize to Schwartz, their business partners, and employees who “have to suffer for my actions.”
Moving forward, Sandoval noted, “I will be taking a step back [and] taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees [and] partners.”
“I need some time to address everything else,” he concluded. “Sorry for everything.”
Ariana has not publicly addressed the breakup, but several of her and Tom’s Vanderpump Rules castmates have. Among them are Scheana Shay and Katie Maloney, who both took to Instagram to share their support for Ariana.
“You are going to thrive like you were always meant to!” Katie wrote alongside two snapshots of them together — a message reminiscent of the many Ariana has shared with Katie this season on Vanderpump Rules as she continues to grapple with her recent divorce from Schwartz.
Scheana, meanwhile, posted a photo from her and Ariana’s previous appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “Always got your back!” the caption read, along with a “Team Ariana” hashtag.
The former couple first confirmed their relationship during the Season 2 reunion in 2014. In the years since, they bought a house together, became dog parents, and co-wrote a book about cocktail recipes.
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