I wasn’t able to write an update on the Scandoval over the past few days and to my delight, the news has calmed down. It was a matter of time before the news stopped coming out and I think most of it is because Bravo gave the cast strict orders to not open their mouths anymore.
We saw that come to light on Scheana and Lala’s podcasts this week - they had to re-record certain parts and were tight lipped on the details of what has been happening.
The #Scandoval also hit mainstream media with CNN, The New York Times, and lots of brands, including Bloomingdales, getting in on the action. Peacock released a VPR watching guide for the COWARDS that won’t watch the entire series from the start.
There was even a full page spread in the New York Post that Andy showcased over the weekend, and Sarah Michelle Gellar even posted about it.
When Bravo hits the ‘real news’ you know it’s big!
However, there were a lot of bombshells dropped since my last roundup so let’s touch on it:
Raquel and Tom both made formal apologies to Ariana via Instagram but they fell hollow. The wording on Raquel’s was weird and so clearly written by PR, it was uncomfortable
Raquel then released a second statement where she spoke about how she really cares for Tom but she needs time to heal and learn why she has this behavior. It was awkward.
Kristen Doute is officially up and filming - she was spotted outside of Ariana and Tom’s house
Raquel got a restraining order on Scheana and they’ll be going to court on March 29th - right around when the reunion is supposed to film. She alleges Scheana punched and pushed her in Manhattan but Scheana came out via lawyer and said that Raquel is lying.
TMZ posted a few photos of Raquel’s “black eye” ….
Raquel and Scheana’s mutual friends are also saying that Raquel is lying about Scheana giving her a black eye.
I also have a lot of thoughts on the news and podcast episodes surrounding it so here’s a bit of a brain dump
LVP on WWHL was weird - she was drunk and seemed too relaxed and happy with what is happening. I understand it’s good for her business but I didn’t like her reaction to it.
Stassi’s spoke about the Scandoval on her podcast but wasn’t too pleased about it. She felt super uncomfortable about the entire thing and feels like it speaking on it would interrupt her mental health and peace. I think it showed her growth and how she is really a different person from the ‘I’m the devil and don’t you forget it’ Stassi we knew and loved. She spoke mainly about Tom Sandoval is self centered and has always pulled strings behind the scenes to point blame at other people. I think it’s well worth the listen.
Kristen’s podcast gave us the most tea and if you’re invested, you need to listen.
Tom is not apologetic and putting the blame on everyone else.
Tom is refusing to get out of the house or give Ariana a heads up as to when he is coming home.
Schwartz only found out a month ago, which makes sense because that’s when the season premiered and all those weird interviews took place.
Ariana is numb and has not been left alone - someone is always with her.
When Kristen went over to Ariana’s after the news broke, they hugged, cried and Ariana told Kristen she was sorry - for not believing Kristen when she told her that Tom was scum.
I also need to discuss how this will change our viewing of the rest of the VPR season, especially last week’s episode but I’ll save that for another day.
The entire scandal makes sad for Ariana, angry at Tom and Raquel, and just allows me to fall in love with Bravo more and more.