Tom Sandoval Was Surprised By The “Scandoval” Backlash: ‘I Wanna Punish Myself’
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Earlier this year, Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval found himself at the center of a scandal, termed Scandoval. If you missed it, on the reality series, Sandoval was found guilty of cheating on his wife, Ariana Madix, with co-star Raquel Leviss. In a sneak peek of an upcoming episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, the reality star got candid about the fallout of the scandal.
Tom Sandoval Opens Up About The Backlash That Followed After Scandoval
The exposure of Sandoval’s secret relationship with Leviss sent shockwaves through the reality TV world in March. In an exclusive sneak peek at an upcoming episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Sandoval candidly opens up to his fellow boot camp recruits about the emotional turmoil he faced after the affair.
Describing the months-long affair as “a pretty juicy f*cking scandal,” Sandoval delves into the aftermath, particularly the harsh backlash he received. He recalls receiving paragraphs of hate-filled messages that were “vicious” and “visceral.” It’s clear that the public response to his actions took him by surprise.
One of his fellow castmates on the survival series, speed skater Erin Jackson, couldn’t help but question the magnitude of the affair’s impact, asking why it was “such a big deal.” Sandoval’s response was a candid acknowledgment of his reality star status: “I honestly don’t know.”
Sandoval’s involvement in the survival show was driven by a desire for self-punishment, as he believed he deserved it. It seems that the public’s perception of him had changed significantly in the wake of the affair, and this may have contributed to his decision to join the show as a means of escaping the drama in his life.
Tom Sandoval Joined Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test To Distance Himself From Controversy
Despite the rocky start and initial discomfort among the cast due to his scandalous reputation, Sandoval, along with his fellow Special Forces recruits, eventually formed bonds. Jack Osbourne was the one who introduced the term “Scandoval” to the show, making it clear that Sandoval’s reputation had preceded him. However, as the show progressed, the cast found common ground and shared deep, emotional moments, highlighting the power of human connection.
Sandoval’s decision to participate in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test reflects his desire to gain some emotional distance from the drama in his life. He wanted to refocus his energy and explore a different aspect of himself.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test offers a unique opportunity for Sandoval to challenge himself and also explore new dimensions of his character, away from the reality TV spotlight. Fans await to see how this journey will reshape his perspective and aid him in overcoming the consequences of his past actions.
