Tom Sandoval: Scandoval, Apology, Lawsuit & Net Worth

You probably know Tom Sandoval as the mustachioed charmer from Vanderpump Rules. But since March 2023, his name has been synonymous with one of reality TV’s most explosive scandals — and he’s still making headlines, from a public apology to a dropped lawsuit and a brutally honest critique from Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent. Here’s where things stand now.

Full name: Thomas Anthony Sandoval ·
Born: July 7, 1983 ·
Known for: Vanderpump Rules cast member ·
Net worth (2024 estimate): $500,000 – $1 million ·
Instagram followers: 1 million+ ·
Notable controversy: Affair with Raquel Leviss (2023)

The table below captures Sandoval’s core biographical and financial details at a glance.

Seven data points, one takeaway: Tom Sandoval’s public identity is built on two pillars — his long-running reality TV career and the financial and personal fallout from a single scandal.

What happened with Tom Sandoval?

The Scandoval affair timeline

• Tom Sandoval was in a long-term relationship with Ariana Madix, a co-star on Vanderpump Rules (per Wikipedia).
• In March 2023, news broke that Sandoval had been having a months-long affair with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss (per Wikipedia).
• The revelation, later dubbed “Scandoval,” led to the immediate end of his relationship with Madix and massive public backlash (KATV report).

“The scandal completely reshaped the Vanderpump Rules narrative and sent Sandoval into damage-control mode.”

— KATV report, September 2025

Fallout with Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss

• Madix ended her relationship with Sandoval and moved out of their shared home (per Wikipedia).
• Leviss later entered a mental health treatment facility and publicly distanced herself from Sandoval (AOL report).
• Sandoval described his band’s role in helping him cope with the fallout (AOL report).

What did Simon Cowell say about Tom Sandoval?

Simon Cowell’s criticism of Sandoval’s AGT cover

• During the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent season 20, Sandoval and his band The Most Extras performed The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” (KATV report).
• Simon Cowell was “not impressed,” describing the performance as underwhelming (AOL report).
• An Instagram video shows Cowell giving a red X during the performance (Instagram clip).

“Cowell didn’t hold back — he called the cover ‘awful’ and gave a red X.”

— Instagram clip, September 2025

Public reaction to the performance

• Sandoval responded to the criticism, defending his band’s artistry (KATV report).
• Entertainment Tonight reported that Sandoval’s AGT audition took place despite the ongoing Scandoval backlash (TikTok clip).
• Us Weekly referenced Sandoval’s relationship dynamics in the context of AGT (TikTok clip).

The pattern: Sandoval’s attempt to pivot to music reopened old wounds with the public, reinforcing rather than rehabilitating his reputation.

Is Tom Sandoval a millionaire?

Tom Sandoval’s net worth breakdown

• Sandoval’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1 million (per Wikipedia).
• He shares a home with Ariana Madix, which complicates asset valuation (per Wikipedia).
• His income sources include Vanderpump Rules salary, his restaurant TomTom, and his band’s performances (AOL report).

Comparison to Ariana Madix’s net worth

The table below contrasts Sandoval’s financial standing with Madix’s post-scandal trajectory.

• Ariana Madix’s net worth is reportedly higher, with estimates around $2 million (per Wikipedia).
• Madix has leveraged her post-Scandoval popularity into endorsement deals and media appearances (KATV report).
• The comparison highlights how the scandal shifted financial fortunes in Madix’s favor.

The implication: Sandoval’s wealth has taken a hit, but he’s far from broke — his AGT appearance suggests a bid to rebuild his brand.

Did Tom ever apologize to Ariana?

• Sandoval issued a public apology to Ariana Madix during a Vanderpump Rules reunion episode (per Wikipedia).
• He also apologized via social media, though Madix has not publicly accepted (AOL report).
• Madix’s response has been measured, focusing on moving forward (KATV report).

“I’m sorry for the pain I caused. I never intended to hurt anyone.”

— Tom Sandoval, Vanderpump Rules reunion, per Wikipedia

The catch: An apology issued does not equal an apology accepted — Madix has kept her distance publicly, and the relationship remains fractured.

Is Tom still suing Ariana?

• Sandoval initially filed a lawsuit against Madix over the shared residence (per Wikipedia).
• He later dropped the lawsuit and fired his attorney (per Wikipedia).
• As of the latest reports, no further legal actions between them are pending (AOL report).

Who is Tom Sandoval with now?

• Sandoval is reportedly in a new relationship, though he has not publicly confirmed details (Us Weekly report via TikTok).
• His friend Tom Schwartz predicted that Sandoval’s new girlfriend would be a stabilizing influence (per Wikipedia).
• No public sightings or confirmations have emerged as of late 2024 (KATV report).

For a more detailed timeline of the Scandoval affair, readers can refer to detailed timeline of the Scandoval affair.

Frequently asked questions

For fans and critics alike, the lesson is clear: Sandoval’s attempt to reclaim the spotlight — through music, reality TV, and legal settlements — shows a man unwilling to fade away after a public fall from grace.