Summary
- Ariana Madix is seeking to have Rachel Leviss’ lawsuit dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP statute.
- Tom Sandoval also filed a motion to dismiss, claiming the lawsuit is a ploy by Rachel for fame.
- The lawsuit with the former Vanderpump Rules stars continues, but they are looking to settle the matter out of court.
Vanderpump Rules pace Ariana Madix and her ex Tom Sandoval are seeking a lawsuit against Rachel “Raquel” Levissciting image-based sexual abuse, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress, to be terminated. A little over a year ago, it was revealed that Tom and Rachel had an affair behind Ariana’s back, and the fallout from the scandal has been dubbed Scandoval by Bravo fans. During the flurry of drama, it was revealed that Ariana found out about Tom and Rachel’s relationship through sexual videos on her phone, which Rachel allegedly never consented to.
“referring to California’s anti-SLAPP statute that protects frivolous lawsuits”
By Deadline, Ariana has filed a motion to dismiss in the Los Angeles County Courts. The store explained that Ariana “Issued a declaration citing California’s anti-SLAPP statute that protects frivolous lawsuits” and shared that he believes Rachel’s lawsuit is unnecessary and defamatory. Ariana’s declaration tells the story where she found out about Tom and Rachel’s relationship in detaill, including screenshots of text messages he sent to Rachel and another friend the night he found out. Ariana explained that she “did not post…share, display or show videos to anyone else” after finding out the truth.
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Tom Sandoval appealed his own lawsuit
Ariana filed a notice this week, Tom submitted his own dismissal request. In his application, he was a little less diplomatic about the information he disclosed. He shared that he believes that Rachel’s lawsuit is a “A thinly veiled attempt to extend her reputation and recast herself as the victim instead of another woman” Tom’s lawyers did not pull any punches in the appeal. The document goes on to say that Rachel is trying to turn herself into a brand “while disparaging her former friend Madix as a ‘paralyzed woman’ and her former friend Sandoval as a ‘prey predator’.” Tom’s announcement is an attempt to clear his name.
Although Tom and Ariana’s attendance at the trial has been limited prior to their statements, it’s been clear they’ll jump into trying to clear their names as soon as possible. The former are named together in the lawsuit filed in February. Although their involvement in the case was separate and to varying degrees, an examination of Rachel’s legal actions names them both equally part of the case. Although Rachel has been out of the limelight for the most part since mid-2023his decision to take legal action has likely been in the works for months.
While the trial is still pending, Ariana and Tom’s words have not yet been taken into account publicly. While it is known that they will likely settle this matter outside of the courtroom, the thought of a scandalous legal battle is troubling. For the sanity and well-being of all involved, including Rachel, this matter would be better resolved personally, individually. With Vanderpump Rules season 11 continues the drama between the exes, who are already embroiled in their own lawsuit surrounding their shared home, and things have continued to be difficult since their painful, catastrophic breakup.
Vanderpump Rules
airs Tuesdays on Bravo at 8 p.m. EDT, then airs the following day on Peacock.
Sources: Deadline, Bravo/Instagram
Vanderpump Rules
Vanderpump Rules is a Bravo reality drama series starring Lisa Vanderpump, former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as she expands her restaurant empire and staff. The cast consists of Lisa’s staff at her various establishments in West Hollywood as they try to build their futures and form relationships that range from friendly to romantic. All of these often become messy, as combining them with the joy of working, as they are warned, does not always end well.