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Tom Sandoval reacted to the end of his run on Vanderpump Rules with a statement on Instagram on Saturday.
Days after it was confirmed that Bravo would be moving forward with an entirely new cast for season 12, and under a week after he and Tom Schwartz, 42, announced the upcoming closure of Schwartz & Sandy’s, Sandoval, 43, looked back on the lessons he learned during his time on the show as Jo Wenberg also spoke out.
“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. From a random meeting with [Jax Taylor] 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?” Sandoval asked in his November 30 post.
“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,” he continued. “As soon as we started filming sh*t got real and never turned back.”
According to Sandoval, his 11 seasons on Pump Rules were a “roller coaster ride” and he’s thankful to the many who were involved in making the show a success, including NBCUniversal, Bravo, Evolution Media, Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd, their showrunners, and their fans.
He also gave a nod to “Scandoval,” which saw his months-long affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, 30, being revealed to his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, 39, and the world.
“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,” he admitted.
“Until we meet again, Sandy,” he signed off.
Following the sharing of Sandoval’s post, a number of IG users weighed in, many of whom felt that the cast was fired too soon.
“I still can’t accept this unceremonious ending. At least have the farewell season. Bravo has ripped out my heart, [because] they’d rather pay a new cast shite money and not willing to pay their current stars what they deserve,” one person stated.
“Ughhhh you guys had more stories to tell,” another agreed.
“I hope I see you on TV again! And soon!” wrote a third.
“Without the Tom’s do we really still have [Vanderpump Rules]?” asked someone else.
Also on Instagram over the weekend, in a post that seems to have since been deleted, Jo gave a shoutout to those who welcomed her to Pump Rules and shaded those who criticized her.
“To the hat police who got their panties in a twist over my backward caps — sorry, not sorry, my look is staying … To the glam squad enthusiasts thinking I need a makeover, I’ll keep rolling out of bed looking exactly like me … To the keyboard warriors who told me to end my life — newsflash, I’m still here … I’ve got prayers that are more powerful than your threats,” she wrote.
Jo, who appeared only a handful of times on the show’s 11th season, went on to thank those who’d been with her “since day one.”
“Shout out to the legends who’ve been riding this wild rollercoaster with me since day one, who said, ‘Yep, I’m here for this entire Jo vibe’ … and to everyone who gets that my personality isn’t wacky, it’s just a five-star experience to BEING F*CKING MYSELF ON INTERNATIONAL TV,” she shared. “I survived something pretty intense and I came out smiling.”
At the end of her message to her fans and followers, Jo looked back on her brief romance with Schwartz, who she did not mention by name.
“Shout out to someone I miss who broke my heart, but still wish him the best,” she added.
Vanderpump Rules season 12 is expected to begin production sometime in 2025.
English (US) ·