‘Vanderpump Rules’ Star Tom Sandoval Why He’s Drinking Again

Credit: Brandi Benton/startraksphoto.com

Tom Sandoval has put an end to his stint with sobriety.

Following over eight months of sobriety, which began after his sordid affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, 29, was exposed in March 2023, Sandoval, 41, confirmed he is drinking again while also dishing on his rekindled friendship with Tom Schwartz, 40, admitting to nearly quitting Vanderpump Rules, and sharing his hopes for Raquel’s future.

“I took about eight-and-a-half months off,” Sandoval revealed to E! News of his drinking at the Pump Rules season 11 premiere party on January 17. “I decided I’ve gotten through all the things I wanted to get through—going to a music festival, doing BravoCon, filming an entire season of Vanderpump Rules, doing my interviews.”

Currently, Sandoval says he’s “in a good place,” sharing that he “just very recently” made the lifestyle change and noting that he’s focused on “moving forward and staying busy” with his profession.

“Going through all of this has got me to understand what is actually important — what should I spend my time and energy and my passion on,” he explained.

While Sandoval’s friendship with Schwartz was deeply impacted by “Scandoval,” as were their restaurants, Sandoval and his business partner are now on good terms.

“I love that man, and I know he loves me,” Sandoval said. “We both have screwed up—him not on this level—but he’s a very accepting and awesome guy. I owe him.”

Looking back on the production of Pump Rules season 11, Sandoval admitted filming was a “daunting task.”

“There [were] definitely times where I didn’t know if I was gonna come back,” he shared. “Being around everyone—especially after the reunion—was really, really tough. Sitting down face-to-face with people was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life.”

Nearly one year after taping the reunion, Sandoval says he appreciates his castmates for “all their journeys and all the tough things they’ve gone through.”

In another interview at the premiere party, Sandoval spoke of his former flame.

“[Raquel] obviously didn’t come back on the show. I’m hoping she just moves on, you know. Finds her peace, and I’m wishing her the best,” he told PEOPLE.

According to Sandoval, the drama that followed the reveal of his and Raquel’s since-ended relationship was “probably one of the hardest things [he’s] ever had to face.”

“It was very, very challenging and very, very just emotional at times,” he explained. “I think after everything, I just want people to remember I’m definitely not perfect. But I am a human being. I’m not a character, you know? This isn’t the Cubs vs. Cardinals, and I’m not Negan from The Walking Dead. I’m myself who’s putting myself out there along with the rest of [my] cast mates. And this just happens to be a sh*t time for me, because of what I’ve done.”

Vanderpump Rules season 11 premieres on Tuesday, January 30, at 8/7c on Bravo.