Scandal Plague: Lisa Vanderpump's Empire Faces Fallout over Castmates' Infidelity
The recently surfaced infidelity controversy involving cast members of Vanderpump Rules is wreaking havoc on Lisa Vanderpump's empire, threatening her businesses and public standing, according to sources.
Vanderpump, insiders reveal, is grappling with the fallout from the illicit affair involving Tom Sandoval, 39, who allegedly betrayed his girlfriend, Ariana Madix, 37, with Raquel Leviss, 28, another member of the show. Vanderpump is said to be outraged over being associated with this salacious scandal.
"Lisa is incredibly upset with both Tom and Raquel," a source shares. "Some may find it surprising given her status as a reality TV star, but this is not the kind of publicity she desires for her personal brand or businesses."
The former star of Real Housewives, Lisa, 62, is reportedly determined to retaliate against Sandoval, initiating discussions with producers to possibly bar him from appearing on Bravo's line-up of programs. This move came on the heels of the shocking scandal which temporarily led to the suspension of liquor licenses for Vanderpump's restaurant, Tom Tom, a joint venture with Sandoval and another cast member, Tom Schwartz, and another establishment named Pump. The management at Pump attributed its impending closure to a "massive hike in rent," although landlords deny this claim, expressing a willingness to cooperate with Vanderpump to keep the restaurant operational.
Insiders confided to The National Enquirer that managing her business amidst the Sandoval scandal has proven challenging for Lisa. They also expressed concerns that both Tom Tom and the affiliated lounge Schwartz and Sandy's may be on the brink of financial instability. "There have been grievances regarding subpar service, inflated pricing, and mishandled reservations, which doesn't bode well," states an insider. "In the Los Angeles food and beverage scene, one week you can be the talk of the town, and the next, you could be shutting your doors!"
National Enquirer reported on the sources' comments.
Lisa Vanderpump Foresees Intense Vanderpump Rules Reunion: 'There's More To Come'
As the Vanderpump Rules reunion fast approaches, Lisa Vanderpump anticipates an emotional and tension-filled reunion.
At the 5th Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala, just days before the premiere of the three-part reunion on May 24, Vanderpump shared her thoughts. "We're primed for this. There are unanswered questions aplenty," the 62-year-old reality star told Extra.
Teasing the forthcoming season 11, she hinted, "We're yet to uncover the full extent. There's likely more to surface once we're back on set."
The aftermath of Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' clandestine affair, which was brought to light on March 3 and resulted in the dissolution of Sandoval's long-standing relationship with Ariana Madix, has been particularly challenging for Vanderpump. She commented on the ordeal, saying, "Witnessing such emotional tumult is still tough. When you care for these individuals whom you've known for years, and you see them utterly distraught, who's to say who's right or wrong? It's been incredibly hard."
The event saw Vanderpump Rules co-stars Lala Kent, James Kennedy, and his girlfriend Ally Lewber in attendance. However, Vanderpump acknowledged that expecting the entire cast, still grappling with the fallout of the scandal revealed in the season finale, to attend would be unrealistic.
"It's a charity gala intended to uplift spirits, and with these unresolved issues, I can't presume to gather everyone at a single table in perfect accord. It's an impossibility," Vanderpump explained to Extra.
Madix, 37, in a recent interview with The New York Times, expressed her disinclination to work with Sandoval or Leviss, 28, in the future. "I have no words for either of them," she stated. "Our show mirrors real life, reflecting a genuine group of friends, and neither of them belong to that circle anymore. So, good luck to them."
Reflecting on the reunion that took place on March 23, she noted, "It was an odd day. Usually, reunions entail a walk through the entire season. But this time, it seemed like everyone was up against one or two individuals. We've never exhibited such unity."
These statements follow Alex Baskin, Vanderpump Rules executive producer, hinting at a hiatus in filming and deliberating on casting decisions for the upcoming season, in the aftermath of the affair scandal. In a conversation with Variety, Baskin explained that everyone needed a breather after the taxing reunion and the ensuing surprises.