In an exclusive preview of Monday’s episode of ‘Special Forces,’ the Bravo star expresses, “People tend to label me as a self-absorbed individual with unsettling vibes,” reflecting on his months-long concealed romance with fellow cast member Raquel Leviss.
Tom Sandoval continues to grapple with the repercussions of the backlash he faced in the aftermath of his extramarital involvement.
In an exclusive sneak peek of Monday’s episode of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” the Vanderpump Rules star candidly confides in his fellow boot camp recruits about the fallout stemming from his decision to cheat on his then-girlfriend of nine years, Ariana Madix, with their mutual friend Rachel “Raquel” Leviss.
Sandoval, aged 41, characterizes the months-long affair, which sent shockwaves through the reality TV realm when it was exposed in March, as “a rather scandalous and captivating situation.” He goes on to share more about what he describes as a “lengthy narrative.”
“I had an affair, and it just spiraled out of control,” he acknowledges. “People were sending me these long, venomous paragraphs filled with intense, visceral hatred.”
Speed skater Erin Jackson inquires about why the affair received such extensive attention, to which Sandoval responds, “I genuinely don’t know. I’m just a reality TV personality. I mean, come on, man.”
In a confessional interview, the Bravo star delves deeper into the effects of the secret relationship, which fans later dubbed “Scandoval,” on his personal life and reputation.
“Prior to this entire scandal, when I’d meet people who had probably seen me on Vanderpump Rules, they’d often say, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s so cool.’ But now, people perceive me as a total narcissist with unsettling vibes,” he reflects. In an exclusive preview
Regarding his choice to participate in the survival show, he provides insight, saying, “I’m certainly not here to escape or evade. I’m here to impose penance on myself. I believe I deserve it.”
Rizzo admitted that she initially regretted her initial reaction to the situation. However, despite the rocky beginning, Sandoval and the entire cast eventually formed bonds that felt almost like a family, as Osbourne revealed.
“We truly got to know each other on such a profound level,” Osbourne expressed. “Not to sound like a cliché, but we shared moments of hearty laughter and times where we all shed tears together. Bode Miller opened up about his family’s experiences, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the bunkhouse. We were all just overcome with emotion. That’s the remarkable aspect of this show. It’s incredibly demanding, a real challenge, but the connections that are forged are absolutely incredible.”