After being sued by Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, Ariana Madix’s defense might argue that Leviss’ emotional distress was self-inflicted due to her own actions, including an affair and possible previous substance abuse issues, rather than the actions of Madix or others involved. Attorney Neama Rahmani, not involved in the case, speculated that Leviss’ affair with Tom Sandoval and her subsequent actions, including checking into a rehab facility, could be used against her to question the causation of her suffering and potentially argue that she has not been harmed but rather benefited professionally from the situation.
Ariana Madix’s potential defense against Rachel “Raquel” Leviss’ lawsuit may argue that Leviss’ emotional distress was self-inflicted due to her own actions, including an affair and possible substance abuse problems, rather than the actions of Madix or Tom Sandoval.
So, Rachel “Raquel” Leviss decided to sue Ariana Madix. That’s a thing now. Their legal tangle could see Ariana questioning the extent of the damages Rachel claims to have suffered. It’s all quite the drama, isn’t it?
In a chat with *Us Weekly*, attorney Neama Rahmani weighed in. Interestingly, he’s not directly involved in the case. Rahmani mused that Rachel’s claims of emotional distress might not stand up in court. His reasoning? Well, he suggests that Rachel’s own actions, including an affair and possible substance issues, might be to blame for her distress. Not something Tom or Ariana did. It’s a bit of a twist, huh?
Rahmani didn’t stop there. He hinted that Rachel’s affair with Tom Sandoval could be a key point in the defense. It’s all about causation, he says. What really caused Rachel’s suffering? Her own decisions or something Tom, Ariana, or even Bravo did?
March 2023 saw the end of Sandoval and Madix’s nearly decade-long relationship. The reason? His infidelity. Following the breakup, Rachel checked herself into a mental health facility and eventually left *Vanderpump Rules*. Almost like clockwork, a year after the scandal hit the headlines, Rachel sued both Madix and Sandoval, seeking unspecified damages.
The lawsuit documents are quite something. Rachel accused Madix and Sandoval of revenge porn, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy, and causing emotional distress. She claimed Sandoval recorded a private video call without her consent, which Madix then allegedly shared with others. And get this, Bravo wasn’t named in the lawsuit, but Rachel did accuse the production of silencing her.
According to the documents, Rachel suffered quietly as Bravo and Evolution saw their viewership skyrocket. Meanwhile, she was left humiliated, her career and reputation in ruins. It’s a sad tale, really.
Since completing her 90-day treatment program, Rachel has been using her “Rachel Goes Rogue” podcast to tell her side of the story. Rahmani speculated that this new venture might come up in court. He suggested that any harm Rachel suffered might be considered over, especially since she’s profited from the entire ordeal. His point? Rachel’s increased fame could be seen as a benefit, not a harm.
Rahmani’s take is that defending the case might involve arguing that Rachel wasn’t harmed by their actions. Or that she wasn’t harmed at all. It’s a complex situation, for sure. And it leaves us wondering, what’s next for Rachel after *Vanderpump Rules*?
*With reporting by Christina Garibaldi.*
