Tom Sandoval slammed for ‘repulsive’ interview comparing ‘Scandoval’ to George Floyd’s murder

Open mouth, insert foot.

“Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval, infamous for the show’s “Scandoval” controversy, is now comparing that reality show flare-up to “big things” like the OJ Simpson trial and the murder of George Floyd.

Yep. He really is.

Sandoval, interviewed by The New York Times in a story published Feb. 20, was asked why he thought “Scandoval” blew up into headlines last season on “Vanderpump Rules” when he cheated on longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix with her BFF Rachel Leviss.

Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Rachel Leviss and Tom Schwartz at Hotel Cafe in LA in November 2021. Getty Images

Here’s what he had to say.

“I’m not a pop-culture historian really,” Sandoval said. “But I witnessed the O.J. Simpson thing and George Floyd and all these big things, which is really weird to compare this to that, I think, but do you think in a weird way it’s a little bit the same?”

Once Sandoval’s comments went public, several Bravo stars took issue with his comments and one even demanded that he issue an apology for his “repulsive” comments.

“Hey Tom Schwartz you wanna come explain what he was really trying to say? … the f–k?” co-star Katie Maloney, 37, wrote under an Instagram post of Sandoval’s quote, referencing her ex-husband and Sandoval’s best friend and business partner.

Tom Sandoval at the Season 11 premiere of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules” last month at the Hollywood Palladium. Getty Images

“PLEASE reflect on this repulsive statement you made (regarding GEORGE FLOYD r.i.p) especially on black history month and take it back!! NOT OK!” “Real Housewives of Miami” star Guerdy Abraira added. “An immediate apology is in order Sir!”

Journalist Irina Aleksander, who wrote the profile, gave Sandoval the benefit of the doubt for his off-the-wall, tone-deaf answer.

“I think I knew what he meant,” she wrote. “He was trying to express the oddity of becoming the symbolic center of a nationwide discussion and a major news story; what he communicated instead was something more honest, which is just how much the experience had made him lose perspective.”

June 2021: Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss attend the “Vanderpump Rules” party for LALA Beauty hosted by Lala Kent in LA. Getty Images
December 2023: Rachel Leviss attends KIIS FM’s iHeart Radio Jingle Ball 2023 in LA. Getty Images

Aleksander added that, after writing up the interview, “a Bravo publicist rang me late on a Friday” because some of what Sandoval said had gotten back to the network. The publicist wanted to know what it was that Sandoval said.

“Scandoval” made headlines last year and turned Sandoval into one of the most hated villains in reality TV history when he cheated on Madix with Leviss.

It even generated the hashtag “Scandoval” which amassed over 1.2 billion views on TikTok.

Leviss, 29, eventually departed “Vanderpump Rules” amidst the “Scandoval” drama.

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix in LA in March 2022 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Getty Images for iHeartRadio

According to People, she’s been “dipping my toe back into drama” with her new podcast, “Rachel Goes Rogue,” on which she’ll be discussing “Vanderpump Rules” twice a week.

“My purpose for doing that isn’t to just be in the drama necessarily,” she told People. “I want to create a healthier environment for people watching reality TV. I want to be a part of creating ethical reality TV.

“And I think a part of that is educating people who are watching these shows about what we’re actually consuming.”

Ariana Madix poses backstage as she makes her Broadway debut as Roxy Hart in “Chicago” at The Ambassador Theatre. Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Madix, meanwhile, appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” and was seeing a new beau, fitness coach Daniel Wai.

She’s also on Broadway through March 24, playing Roxie Hart in “Chicago.”

According to People, Madix, who premiered in the role Jan. 29, “gave a killer performance with the polish and skill of a Broadway veteran. She received standing ovations by curtain’s close and smiled brightly for the crowd as she took her bows.”

The Post has reached out to reps for Sandoval and Bravo for comment.



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