The Former Vanderpump Rules Star Takes a Stand on Her 29th Birthday
In a recent turn of events, Raquel Leviss, the former Vanderpump Rules star, celebrated her 29th birthday by making a bold statement on social media. She chose to distance herself from Tom Sandoval, her former flame, by blocking him on Instagram. This move comes after a tumultuous period marked by a cheating scandal and a public birthday message from Sandoval himself.
On September 12, Raquel Leviss took to Instagram Story to share her decision with the world. She posted a screenshot of Tom Sandoval’s Instagram account, now firmly blocked from her view, accompanied by the cheeky “OK bye” sticker. This digital gesture followed Sandoval’s unexpected birthday message to her. In the comments section of Leviss’ post from September 9, Sandoval wrote, “Rachel, I really hope ur finding peace and happiness. Miss u friend.” This seemingly friendly message stirred the pot amidst their complex history.
The Cheating Scandal and Leviss’ Response
Their history includes a highly publicized cheating scandal that unfolded in March. News broke of Tom Sandoval’s infidelity, which led to his split from Ariana Madix, his partner of nearly a decade. Leviss found herself caught in the crossfire of this drama and, in response, issued a heartfelt statement on her Instagram account. In it, she apologized to Madix and revealed her intentions to seek help at a mental health facility.
In her statement, Leviss candidly expressed her commitment to breaking free from unhealthy patterns, setting emotional boundaries, and safeguarding her mental health. She made it clear that she was prioritizing her well-being and personal growth over seeking sympathy or forgiveness from others.
After confronting her Vanderpump Rules costars at the season 10 reunion, Raquel Leviss embarked on a 90-day stay at a treatment center, a pivotal chapter in her journey of self-discovery. During this period, she also chose to break her silence in a tell-all interview with Bethenny Frankel, confirming her departure from the Bravo series.
In her interview, Leviss reflected on her past relationship with Sandoval, stating that she had not been truly in love with him, and she questioned whether he had genuinely loved her. She spoke of the need for validation and understanding in her tumultuous environment, and Sandoval had provided her with that sense of connection, empathy, and non-judgment.
During the podcast interview, Leviss made it unequivocally clear that she wanted to sever all ties with the Vanderpump Rules cast. In stark contrast, Tom Sandoval was spotted filming with his former friends for season 11, highlighting the contrasting paths their lives have taken.
Lala Kent, another prominent figure from the show, expressed her belief that Raquel Leviss made a mistake by not returning to Vanderpump Rules. Kent believed that Leviss would have been pleasantly surprised by the outcome had she chosen to come back to the show, instead of opting for a podcast interview with Bethenny Frankel. Kent characterized Leviss’ decision as being manipulated once again, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play within the reality TV world.
As Raquel Leviss continues to navigate her post-Vanderpump Rules life, her social media actions and candid interviews provide a glimpse into the challenges and choices faced by those in the public eye. Her story is a reminder of the personal growth and self-discovery that can emerge from even the most turbulent of circumstances.