Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has been dealing with positive and negative life changes since her ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss was made public. “Scandoval” (one of VPR’s most controversial events) has been an evolving story since the day the news of the affair broke. As more details have come to light, and other things have happened, it’s become clear that Tom and Ariana are no longer together. Also, it’s obvious that Ariana has done her best to put the relationship behind her. With the Vanderpump Rules stars finally making it to the end of the season, Scandoval’s impact still isn’t over.
The Vanderpump Rules three-part reunion special is on the horizon, and it’s become clear that, in terms of Ariana’s career, things are on an upswing. The more details that come out about Tom and Raquel, the more opportunities Ariana has gotten to capitalize on the pain she’s been feeling. From savagely dragging Tom and Raquel in a brand deal, to appearing front and center at Bravo’s upfronts, Ariana’s career has been flourishing. However, her personal life is likely a shambles. Ever the gracious reality star, Ariana has done her best to stay positive in the press. However, Ariana is dealing with a lot of highs and lows.
10 Bad: Ariana Broke Up With Her Long-Term Boyfriend Tom
After nearly a decade together, Tom’s cheating and lying ended his relationship with Ariana. He cheated on her with one of her closest friends. The affair between Tom and Raquel caused all parties involved to lose a lot. However, one of the most notable losses is the relationship between Tom and Ariana. The two have obviously broken up after the betrayal, and losing someone she’s been with for nearly a decade (and known for even longer) has been a major and jarring change for Ariana. She’s open about about the fact that she has a tough time getting close to people.
9 Good: Ariana Was Invited To The White House Correspondents Dinner
After the fallout from Scandoval, Ariana was given an array of business opportunities, but one of the most prestigious opportunities she’s had since the scandal broke was attending the White House Correspondents Dinner. After getting dressed to the nines alongside Lisa Vanderpump and Lala Kent, Ariana walked the formal dinner event’s red carpet. She was dressed in a gorgeous white gown with an attached cape. The look was elegant and refined. While the fallout from Scandoval was personal and painful for Ariana, it’s opened up some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
8 Bad: Ariana Ended Her Friendship With Raquel
Raquel and Ariana had what seemed like a genuine friendship, which has been building throughout the last several seasons of Vanderpump Rules. During Vanderpump Rules season 10, it’s been clear that Ariana and Raquel got even closer. Ariana went out of her way to defend Raquel against Lala, Katie Maloney, and other cast members. Knowing that Raquel is betraying Ariana throughout that time has been heartbreaking to watch. However, it’s even more of a gut punch to watch that friendship onscreen, knowing that it’s going to crumble. Losing a friend is never easy, and it’s a shame Ariana has to endure that pain.
7 Good: Ariana’s Friends Rallied Around Her
Ariana has an incredible support system, and she’s gotten so much public support since the Scandoval erupted. Earlier, when things were more uncertain, the press was swarming around her to see what was going on. Her friend group rallied around Ariana, and those pals were incredibly kind, empowering, and grounding. Throughout the entire ordeal, Ariana has been able to gauge who her true friends are, which is always something tremendously valuable.
6 Bad: Ariana Is Receiving Criticism From Fans
While Ariana didn’t know about Scandoval, or the betrayal from Tom or Raquel, she did face some criticism from people who have been following Vanderpump Rules for many years. Early on in the series, Tom was dating Kristen Doute, and cheated on her with Ariana. That happened before Tom and Kristen called it quits. When Tom and Kristen did finally break up, after Kristen admitted to her own infidelity with Jax Taylor, Tom and Ariana got together quickly. Some viewers have been quick to call out the hypocrisy. After all, Ariana was cheated on the same way that Kristen was. Mostly, Ariana gets sympathy.
5 Good: Ariana Is Getting More Brand Deals
Since the Scandoval fallout, Ariana has been getting some major opportunities in her career. Some may be beyond her wildest dreams. Her attendance at the White House Correspondents Dinner may be just the start of the awesome opportunities she’s dipping into, Ariana has also gotten some incredible brand deals thanks to the Scandoval. In a recent ad Ariana did for Bic razors, she was able to play cheekily into her personal turmoil, shading Tom and Raquel without having to name them. It’s clear that the business opportunities will continue to come, as she capitalizes on this time.
4 Good: Ariana Is Thriving In A New Relationship
Ariana has taken the time to heal after Scandoval, but she isn’t isolated. She’s currently having a great time in a new casual relationship. Ariana has been photographed with her new man Daniel Wai, as they travel and enjoy their time together. While it doesn’t necessarily seem like a serious relationship, it looks like Ariana is having a great time getting to know herself again. She’s affectionate with someone who actually respects her.
3 Good: Ariana & Katie’s Sandwich Shop Will Get Business
Throughout the majority of Vanderpump Rules season 10, Katie and Ariana have been working toward opening their sandwich shop, Something About Her. The business has been thoroughly researched, and Lisa has given the duo her blessing, as well as her help. In the penultimate episode of Vanderpump Rules season 10, Something About Her did a preview event. It showed off the venue the sandwich shop will be in, as well as some of the menu items. After launching their Instagram, and gaining nearly 200,000 followers, it’s clear the business should be a success for Ariana. Viewers want to offer their support.
The most recent exciting development for Ariana was at the NBC Upfronts, where NBC Universal shares plans for the upcoming season of television. During the Bravo presentation, Ariana stood on the stage, right in the center, with the entire audience watching, as she helped to introduce some of the network’s newest programming. As one of their biggest stars, Ariana was invited to take part in the glitzy network event. She got to see exactly how supported she is by the network that airs Vanderpump Rules.
1 Bad: Ariana’s Image Will Forever Be Linked To Scandoval
Unfortunately for Ariana, one of the major downsides of Scandoval is that it will always be something that’s attached to her name and brand. Ariana’s relationship with Tom was long enough to constitute a common-law marriage, and as her partner did something so public (and scandalous), it will forever be associated with her. It’s not just about Tom and Raquel. Though the shadow of the Vanderpump Rules season 10 scandal will follow Ariana, it’s obvious she’ll find the silver lining.
Sources: Thomas Sandoval/Instagram, Bravo Daily Dish/Instagram, Current Episode By Cade/Instagram, Scheana Shay/Instagram, PageSix/Instagram, Ariana Madix/Instagram, PageSix/Instagram, SomethingAboutHer/Instagram, UsWeekly/Instagram, Bravo In The City/Instagram
