Tom Sandoval. Euan Cherry/Peacock
Only Tom Sandoval would find a way to accidentally bring up his own cheating scandal on The Traitors while further alienating himself from the rest of the cast.
During the Thursday, February 13, episode of the hit Peacock show, Sandoval, 42, was trying to make a case for why Ciara Miller could be a Traitor at the roundtable discussion when things took an unexpected turn for him.
“At least one girl [has to be a Traitor],” he said. “Also, generally speaking, historically girls are better cheaters than guys just because they have better social skills.”
Sandoval apparently meant to say “traitors” instead of “cheaters,” but the damage was already done. Danielle Reyes came for Sandoval, firing back, “That came out of your mouth?”
Sandoval attempted to explain himself after the entire table brought up his infamous Vanderpump Rules cheating scandal.
“I said traitors! I said traitors, I’m sorry! I meant to say traitors,” he added. “Guys are obviously much more likely to cheat. I fully get that.”
Ciara quipped, “We know you know.” Meanwhile, Gabby Windey joked that everyone should “vote for Tom” to be banished just based on his accidental comment. Sam Asghari also joined in by suggesting that Sandoval not make it worse for himself.
“Don’t dig yourself deeper,” Britney Spears‘ ex-husband told Sandoval before the group changed the topic back to who they should banish that night. Despite Sandoval’s mistake, he didn’t end up being sent home.
The Traitors was the third show offer Sandoval received in the aftermath of his affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. In March 2023, news broke about their relationship, which led to Sandoval’s split from then-girlfriend Ariana Madix after nearly a decade of dating. Ariana, 39, also landed opportunities post-Scandoval, such as hosting Love Island USA and starring in Broadway’s Chicago, while Sandoval competed on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and The Masked Singer.
“Obviously I had to tour and stuff. My bank account was literally overdrawn. Like dude, Ariana [Madix] hadn’t paid any of the bills for f—ing eight months,” Sandoval claimed on season 11 of Vanderpump Rules in February 2024. “I am literally moving $1,000 around to this account and moving $500 to another to cover our mortgage.”
Sandoval’s future on reality TV after The Traitors remains uncertain. Following Scandoval, VPR picked up cameras immediately to document the fallout for season 11. The episodes, however, were met with mixed reactions and ultimately the show was put on pause amid cast tension.
Bravo confirmed in November 2024 that season 12 begins production next year with Lisa Vanderpump and a brand-new group of cast members.
“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,” Sandoval wrote via Instagram at the time. “Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules. We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions … triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships.”
Sandoval reflected on the next chapter of his life in the statement.
The stars of Vanderpump Rules are no strangers to controversy. The staff of Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurant SUR made their debut on Bravo in 2013 as part of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills spinoff. The season 1 cast included Vanderpump, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, Kristen Doute and Scheana Shay. […]
“As soon as we started filming shit got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way,” he continued. “To NBC/Universal, Bravo, Evolution, Lisa, Ken, show runners, field producers & members of the crew who busted their asses with us in the trenches, my fellow cast mates & friends. Most importantly, to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey.”
He concluded: “It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now. As in life, 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. Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories.”
Despite Sandoval’s time on Vanderpump Rules coming to an end, his past has continued to precede him. His controversial split from Ariana was mentioned several times on The Traitors and even host Alan Cumming spoke about the impression Sandoval’s scandal had on him.
“I didn’t really know much about Tom to be honest before he came on the show,” Alan, 60, exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month. “A lot of the people on the show are new to me. I very much know about them now, but I didn’t know about [them then].”
Alan clarified his knowledge of Sandoval’s Bravo series, adding, “I have seen an episode of Vanderpump Rules. But the whole thing about the girlfriend, I didn’t know. I get the research notes and I was like, ‘Oh wow.’ Tom has this history with the audience because everyone knows him as this cad. He is sort of the villain, in a way, of the show. … It makes for great TV.”
New episodes of The Traitors are released Thursdays on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET.
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