Tom Sandovalhas broken his silence amidreports that he cheatedon longtime girlfriendAriana Madixwith hisVanderpump RulescostarRaquel Leviss.
On Saturday, the musician, reality star and restaurateur shared a statement on Instagramabout the split, asking fans to direct their anger away from his loved ones, including cast mate and business partnerTom Schwartz.
“Hey, I fully understand and deserve ur anger and disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz my friends and family out of this situation…,” Sandoval, 39, wrote, noting that Schwartz “specifically only found out about this very recently, and most definitely did not condone my actions.”
“This was a very personal thing,” Sandoval stated.
PEOPLE reported on Friday thatSandoval and Madix, 37, had split after 9 years together. Their relationship fell apart, sources said, on Wednesday night when Madix — while supporting her then-boyfriend’s band, Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras, perform in Los Angeles —saw inappropriate messages between Leviss and Sandoval on his phone.
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
“This is someone she thought she knew; someone she planned to spend the rest of her life with. You can’t even put into words that betrayal,” the source added.
Also on Wednesday, on the other side of the country, Leviss, 28, made an appearance withScheana ShayonWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenwhere she defended her decision tokiss Schwartz on the show despite his divorce from her friend, Katie Maloney.
“I’m just trying to live my life and I’m sorry if that offends people, but it’s not going to stop me from doing what I’m going to do,” Leviss said, later givingAndy Cohena TomTom sweatshirt as a gift.
Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss.Tommy Garcia/Bravo (3)
After the taping,Leviss admitted to Shay the truth about her and Sandoval, a separate insider told PEOPLE.
“Scheana was furious,” the source said. “She and all theVanderpump Rulescostars have rallied around Ariana during this time. They can’t believe Raquel would do something like that.”
Lala Kent, Charli Burnett, James Kennedy and even Sandoval’s ex, formerVanderpump Rulesstar Kristen Doutehave all beenoutspoken on social media, showing Madix their support.
Reality show cameras have also been capturing their reaction in real time. A production source told PEOPLE that Bravo and production company Evolution began filming again to follow the fallout of the affair. The footage is expected to be incorporated into the 10th season of the show, which is currently airing Wednesday nights.
Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz.Gabriel Olsen/Getty
In his statement on Saturday, Sandoval asked fans to show the establishments some grace.
“Schwartz & Sandy’s might have my name on it, but also there are 3 other partners and 20 employees, who especially rely on the restaurant for income for them and their families,” he said. “Just like TomTom, I’m a small part of a much bigger thing. Please direct ur anger towards me and not them. They did nothing wrong.”
He went on to apologize to his partners and his employees who “have to suffer for my actions,” adding that he will be removing himself temporarily from the businesses.
“I will be taking a step back & taking a hiatus out of respect for my employees & partners,” he said. “I need some time to address everything else.”
“Sorry for everything—,” he signed the note.
On their official Instagram page, Schwartz & Sandy’s also posted a message on Saturday asking fans to step back. “In light of the recent news we appreciate the many words of support but we also understand the outpouring of outrage that has been directed towards our business,” their post read. “However, those of us who are not famous have dedicated our time, hearts and money to make this restaurant a reality.”
“Our goal has always been to create a place where our community can come and enjoy a fun atmosphere with good food and friendly service and we intend to continue to focus on that endeavor,” the statement concluded.
Since news broke, Sandoval and Madix have filmed a one-on-one conversation in their shared home.
A source told PEOPLE that Sandoval has not yet moved out of the house, thoughphotographers snapped the reality starpacking bags into a car outside outside the property on Friday ahead of a gig he and his band played in Anaheim.
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Neither Madix nor Leviss have publicly commented on the news. PEOPLE has reached out to both of them.
Vanderpump Rulesairs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
source: people.com
