Howie Mandel Faces Harsh Criticism For Justifying Tom Sandoval’s Cheating
Howie Mandel Does Stuff Reading Time: 3 minutes
Fans of the Bravo reality show Vanderpump Rules are notorious for their passionate opinions, especially when it comes to the personal lives of the cast. It’s no surprise that when AGT judge Howie Mandel interviewed Tom Sandoval on his podcast, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, viewers were quick to share their criticism. In particular, Mandel’s comments about Sandoval’s affair with co-star Raquel Leviss annoyed fans. They accused Mandel of justifying Sandoval’s behavior.
Howie Mandel Faces Harsh Criticism From Fans
Sandoval has faced harsh criticism from fans after news of his affair with co-star Raquel Leviss came to light. Mandel’s interview attempted to give Sandoval a platform to share his side of the story and call for empathy from fans, but some viewers felt that the interview crossed a line into justifying Sandoval’s behavior. To be clear, this was Sandoval’s first podcast interview since the affair was revealed and the first time he’s spoke on the topic.
Mandel’s interview with Sandoval began as a typical celebrity interview, with Mandel asking Sandoval about his experience on Vanderpump Rules, his band Tom Sandoval and The Extras, as well as his men’s makeup line. However, things took a turn when Mandel broached the subject of Sandoval’s affair with Leviss. Sandoval spoke candidly about the affair and the fallout from it, expressing regret for hurting his longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix.
Mandel, for his part, attempted to inject some nuance into the conversation. He acknowledged that cheating on a partner is wrong, but suggested that fans should have empathy for Sandoval’s situation.
“I think some people have to have empathy and compassion,” Mandel said. “I don’t understand the hatred and the vitriol.”
Many fans disagreed with Mandel’s take, however, and accused him of justifying Sandoval’s behavior. They pointed out that Sandoval had cheated on Madix with Leviss, who was her best friend at the time. Some fans also accused Mandel of not doing his research and not understanding the full scope of the situation.
Mandel’s Empathy Plan Backfired
Mandel’s interview with Sandoval raises important questions about empathy and accountability. Is it fair to expect fans to show empathy to someone who has hurt one of their favorite reality stars?
In the case of Sandoval, his actions have clearly caused harm to Madix and others, and it’s important to hold him accountable for his behavior. While it’s important to try to understand his perspective and the underlying reasons for his behavior, we cannot let empathy overshadow the harm he has caused.
Instead, we must find a way to balance empathy with accountability and ensure that those who have been wronged are heard and validated. In the end, Mandel’s interview with Sandoval may have done more harm than good. While it’s important to hear different perspectives, some fans felt that Mandel’s comments were insensitive to Madix and other fans who were hurt by Sandoval’s actions.
I so love vanderpump rules. Born in California, I feel comfortable in the lifestyle displayed in the show. I may get some backlash on this, however, I’m with Mr. Mandel. Although Mr. S DID do wrong, consider the time we have had them in our lives now. He has been so good to Miss A. Clearly he is capable of being a Huge D!ck(no offense Mr. T), without worry about the hurt he is causing his closest sidekick. I digress. LSS, he is a great guy that did a bad thing. We all have history of doing something equally terrible… Read more »