Tom Sandoval broke his silence following Bravo’s announcement that Vanderpump Rules would be recast ahead of its forthcoming 12th season.
The 42-year-old reality star — who’s $1M bar is slated to shut down — took to Instagram to share snaps from his time on the series and pen a lengthy note where he described feeling ‘overwhelmed’ with emotions.
‘Where do I begin… I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now… The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day,’ he began.
Sandoval was among the show’s original cast, along with the likes of Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Stassi Schroeder and Tom Schwartz.
After years of being a fan-favorite, Sandoval fell out of public favor in March 2023 when his bombshell affair with co-star Rachel Leviss was exposed. At the time, he was in a nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix, who joined VPR back in season two.
Sandoval continued: ‘From a random meeting with Jax while modeling in Miami, to responding to a Craigslist ad for another Tom looking for a roommate. ‘Who would’ve thought that a stop along the way while chasing our dreams would turn into the cultural phenomenon that is Vanderpump Rules.
Tom Sandoval broke his silence following Bravo’s announcement that Vanderpump Rules would be recast ahead of its forthcoming 12th season; seen in November
‘We were unaware as to the effect this show would have on our lives. The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships.’
Sandoval thanked fans for tagging along for the reality TV show’s over decade-long journey while also giving Bravo producers and crew members a shout-out.
‘As soon as we started filming shit got real and never turned back. It’s been a roller coaster ride and you’ve been with us though every step of the way. To NBC/Universal, Bravo, Evolution, Lisa, Ken, show runners, field producers & members of the crew who busted their asses with us in the trenches, my fellow cast mates & friends.’
He continued: ‘Most importantly, to each and every fan, THANK YOU ALL for believing us and being part of this 12 year journey. It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now. As in life, so much has happened over the years. Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which I’ve learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth.
‘Despite the difficulties, I’m filled with gratitude for the learning experience and forever grateful for all of the memories. Until we meet again, Sandy.’
Fans in the comments had mixed reviews on Sandoval’s response with some claiming it was inauthentic and others praising his work on the series.
Bravo has since announced that the upcoming 12th season will star an entirely new cast.
The new cast consists of ‘close-knit SUR-vers who are as complicatedly involved with one another as their iconic predecessor,’ the network said as they announced the show’s renewal.
The 42-year-old reality star took to Instagram to share snaps from his time on the series
He also penned a lengthy note where he described feeling ‘overwhelmed’ with emotions
‘I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions right now… The unbelievable series of events that brought this group together still blows my mind to this day’ he said
The Hollywood Hunk thanked the reality show’s viewers for coming along on the show’s journey
Its premiere date and new cast members have yet to be revealed.
Sandoval’s heartfelt message and photo dump comes days after he and business partner Tom Schwartz announced the permanent closure of their Los Angeles bar, Schwartz and Sandy’s, two years after they opened its doors.
The restaurant will be closing at the end of this year after a turbulent start, with both Sandoval and Schwartz, 42, making no secret of just how difficult it was for them to launch the restaurant.
The reality stars poured over a million dollars into the making of it, and last year the business faced backlash following ‘Scandoval’
‘With a heavy heart, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s at the end of December,’ Sandoval’s statement began.
‘This hasn’t been an easy choice for my partners and me, but other priorities and commitments have taken hold.
‘While this business venture has been an incredible stepping stone in my life, one I will always cherish, I look forward to exciting new endeavors,’ he continued.
”To our incredible staff and everyone who supported us along the way, you deserve the true recognition. I can’t thank you enough for your endless commitment to making Schwartz & Sandy’s a place of everlasting memories.
‘Some of my past decisions led to incredibly challenging times, from which I’ve learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth,’ he said
‘Until we meet again, Sandy,’ he finished; seen with Jax Taylor, Stassi Schroeder, Katie Maloney, Lisa Vanderpump, Scheana Marie and Kristen Doute
Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz announced the end of their Franklin Village restaurant, Schwartz and Sandy’s on Monday
Just two years after officially opening, Schwartz & Sandy’s is now closing
‘We’ll be hosting a series of events and have availability to host others leading up to our closing night. The allure of being associated with reality TV has hidden what is an amazing spot and location for LA locals as well.
‘I highly recommend you check us out, especially if you haven’t yet. Let’s get together one last time,’ Sandoval concluded.
In his own statement, Schwartz described the difficult decision to shut down the restaurant and noted he felt ‘some peace’ knowing he gave the business his ‘absolutely all.’
‘There’s no easy to way to say this but after careful consideration, Greg, Tom and I made the decision to close Schwartz & Sandy’s by the end of the year. This was not an easy conclusion. So this is our farewell tour.’