Scheana Shay and Raquel Leviss formed a close friendship on Vanderpump Rules while Leviss was dating James Kennedy. When Leviss and Kennedy broke up, Shay suggested Leviss pursue Tom Schwartz amid his divorce from another costar, Katie Maloney. However, the friendship took a turn when it was revealed that Leviss had a secret affair with Tom Sandoval, leading to Shay supporting Sandoval’s ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix.
Scheana Shay and Raquel Leviss’ friendship took a turn amid Tom Sandoval’s secret affair with Leviss, leading to her filing for an order of protection against Shay.
The dynamic at SUR is ever-changing, as even friendships can shift with time. Scheana Shay and Raquel Leviss initially bonded when Leviss joined the cast of Vanderpump Rules, and their friendship grew stronger when Leviss ended things with James Kennedy. However, their relationship hit a snag when Shay suggested that Leviss pursue Tom Schwartz, who was going through a divorce with their costar Katie Maloney.
The situation escalated when news broke that Schwartz and Leviss had made out at Shay’s wedding in August 2022, and the two women stood together amid any potential backlash. However, things took a controversial turn in March 2023 when it was revealed that Leviss had a secret affair with Tom Sandoval while he was still in a nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix.
Shay reportedly learned about the scandal when appearing with Leviss on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, and rumors circulated that the affair had become physical. Leviss subsequently filed for an order of protection against Shay, alleging that she had assaulted her. She later released a statement apologizing for her behavior and stating that she was seeking counseling to work on setting emotional boundaries and protecting her mental health.
The fallout from Leviss and Sandoval’s relationship resulted in them losing friends both on and off-camera, and Shay was quick to show her support for Madix by showing up at her home. While friendships at SUR can often be turbulent, it’s clear that Shay and Leviss’ once-close bond has been irreparably changed by the events of the past year.