“Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval is dropping his legal battle with ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix.
Sandoval, whose cheating scandal last year rocked “Vanderpump Rules” fans, said he has no intention of taking legal action against his longtime ex-girlfriend, despite being encouraged by a former attorney to file a countersuit in Los Angeles earlier this week. The complaint was part of a larger lawsuit by his co-star Rachel Leviss, who sued Sandoval and Madix in February for spying, revenge porn, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“[Attorney Matthew Geragos] “He assured me that the action was customary and strictly precautionary in these types of lawsuits and urged me to accept it,” Sandoval said in an Instagram statement Thursday. “I was not told the words ‘New lawsuit’ or ‘Suing.’”
Geragos, whom Sandoval said he had “removed” from his legal team since the countersuit was filed, did not immediately respond to The Times on Friday.
The countersuit was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court. In it, Sandoval, 40, accuses Madix, 38, of invasion of privacy. The complaint accused Madix of going through Sandoval’s phone in 2023 without his “authorization or permission.” He allegedly “reviewed images, information, data, videos and/or communications,” including the sexually explicit FaceTime footage of co-star Rachel Leviss, 29, that sparked Scandoval’s cheating scandal.
Madix also allegedly made copies of Leviss’ explicit material and “distributed the material.” [videos] Leviss and third parties” without Sandoval’s consent, according to the complaint. Sandoval was seeking general damages, legal fees and more.
Jordan Susman, Madix’s attorney, condemned Sandoval and the lawsuit in a statement shared with The Times earlier this week. He also accused the TomTom restaurant owner of trying to “avoid personal responsibility for the effects his actions had” on Madix.
In a statement to The Times on Friday, Susman said his team is “pleased that Mr. Sandoval has indicated his intention to dismiss his counterclaim against Ms. Madix.”
He added: “This entire lawsuit against Ms. Madix is without merit and it is only a matter of time before it is dismissed entirely.”
Sandoval said in his statement Thursday that he “should have done more of my due diligence” and reaffirmed that “in no way am I suing Ariana,” adding that the countersuit is being dropped.
“I have no resentment or desire for revenge towards Ariana. Now, by withdrawing both the countersuit and the attorney who recommended it, I look forward to resolving this case quickly, so that Ariana and I can finally MOVE ON with our lives,” he stated.
Sandoval and Madix had been dating for nine years, but in March 2023, Madix learned that he had been cheating on her with co-star Leviss. Days after People broke the news about Sandoval and Madix’s split, both Sandoval and Leviss apologized (in since-deleted Instagram posts) for their part in the affair. The scandal sparked intrigue among “Vanderpump Rules” devotees and non-fans alike. It also launched each member of the reality TV trio into a new level of national attention, whether they wanted it or not.
A year after “Scandoval,” the tabloid controversy continues to dog Sandoval, Madix and Leviss, and looks set to continue well into next year. The trial in Leviss’ revenge porn case against Sandoval and Madix is set to begin in Los Angeles in November 2025.
