Tom Schwartz Reveals Where He and Tom Sandoval Stand After Taking a “Break from Each Other”
lthough their dynamic has shifted in recent years, Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval have managed to remain pretty good friends. The former confirmed this during the latest episode of his Retox Detox podcast, in which he and Peter Madrigal reflected on their Vanderpump Rules relationships.
“Do you still speak to Tom Sandoval?” the SUR manager asked.
“Yeah. He’s on tour right now,” Tom Schwartz replied. “I was going to meet him in Texas, actually. We took a break from each other for obvious reasons and just to recalibrate.”
Why Tom Schwartz distanced himself from Tom Sandoval
Tom Schwartz began distancing himself from Tom Sandoval after Vanderpump Rules Season 10, which documented Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal involving his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix. Fans eventually learned that Tom Schwartz had known about the affair months before it became public, which, of course, sparked a wave of backlash. He spoke about the drama while competing on the 2023 series Stars on Mars, saying the whole situation was “incredibly messed up.”
“It seems each time I try to weigh in or talk about, ramble on about it, drivel on, I inevitably sound like I’m somehow justifying it or making excuses for it, and I’m not,” he said about Tom Sandoval’s infidelity. “There’s just no excuse for it. Any sort of version of his side of the story has become obsolete because of the way he handled it. Ultimately, that’s his life. That is his life. I did not have an affair. I am not him.”
Tom Schwartz admits it was hard not to resent Tom Sandoval
What “almost destroyed” Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval’s friendship?
The tensions grew in 2024 as the Toms struggled to keep their Schwartz & Sandy’s Lounge afloat. The business ultimately shuttered last December, just two years after it launched. Tom Schwartz spoke about the loss on The Valley After Show, admitting the restaurant “put a lot of tension on” his relationship with Tom Sandoval.
“Are you and Sandoval still talking and still close?” a producer asked Tom Schwartz.
“Short answer is yes,” Tom Schwartz replied. “Long answer is a little more complicated… The financial aspect really put our relationship to the test and almost destroyed our friendship at one point. But I have closure… I’m compartmentalized. He’s family for me. I’ll always love Tom Sandoval but, of course, I have some deep-rooted frustrations. I’m not holding onto that.”
Tom Sandoval is now touring the U.S. with his band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras. See how the former SUR bartender prepared for the trek.
