Tom Sandoval reflects on ‘past decisions’ after ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast shakeup: ‘I’ve learned valuable lessons’
Tom Sandoval reflected on his “past decisions” after Bravo announced that the entire cast of “Vanderpump Rules” was scrapped ahead of Season 12.
“Where do I begin… I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now… The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day,” he wrote on Instagram Saturday night alongside throwback photos of him with some of his castmates.
The reality star, 42, said the foundation of their hit Bravo show was “built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships.”
“As soon as we started filming s–t got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though (sic) every step of the way,” he added.
Sandoval said it was “hard to put into words” what he was feeling because “so much has happened over the years.”
“Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which I’ve learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth,” the former Schwartz & Sandy’s bar owner said.
“Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories. 🩵.”
While Sandoval did not reveal much about what “past decisions” he’s grown from, fans in the comments section of his post believe he was hinting at his tumultuous breakup with his “VPR” castmate Ariana Madix.
In March 2023, Page Six reported that Sandoval cheated on Madix, 39, with their co-star Raquel Leviss and the Broadway star has since refused to film with her ex.
A series insider told Page Six that Madix’s refusal to film with the TomTom bar owner “really pissed off everyone else.”
“It needed a refresh — and a cast that were engaged with each other and prepared to film together,” the source told us.
“It was time to go back to the restaurants, and have people that were working together, living together and sleeping together.”
On Tuesday, Bravo announced it had “no path forward” with its legacy cast members, which included Sandoval, Madix, Tom Schwartz, Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, Katie Maloney and James Kennedy.
When “Vanderpump Rules” premiered in 2013, most of the cast — including Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute and Jax Taylor — had been working at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant.
But by the time Season 11 aired in 2023, none of the main cast members were employed at the establishment.
“Vanderpump Rules” will start production with its new cast next year.
