Raquel Leviss Bows Out of ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Season 11 After Tom Sandoval Affair, Prioritizing Mental Health
Raquel Leviss has made the decision not to return for the 11th season of “Vanderpump Rules” following her affair with
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Raquel Leviss has made the decision not to return for the 11th season of “Vanderpump Rules” following her affair with co-star Tom Sandoval. The news of her departure from the reality show was confirmed on August 17 by Entertainment Tonight. In an emotional move to prioritize her well-being, Raquel, 28, chose to step away from the show after undergoing treatment at a mental health facility for two months.
Sources close to the situation revealed, “Rachel will not be returning for season 11 of Vanderpump Rules,” alluding to Raquel’s birth name, Rachel, which she is using once again. The insider shared, “There was a possibility up until recently she’d be returning for the new season, but ultimately decided against it. Rachel is focused on her mental health journey and knew going back to the show would open her up to trauma she’s been working on healing. Rachel is looking forward to what the future holds for her.”
Despite not participating in the filming of season 11, which commenced at the end of June and is set to conclude in early September, Raquel’s time on “Vanderpump Rules” has left a lasting impact. Her affair with Tom led to record-high ratings for the show, and she expressed frustration about not receiving financial compensation for the sensationalized situation.
Discussing her experiences on Bethenny Frankel’s podcast on August 16, Raquel shared her feelings of being unfairly portrayed as the villain. She noted the addictive nature of reality TV and the pressure to tell one’s side of the story to counteract unfavorable narratives. Raquel revealed that she considered returning to the show due to these pressures.
Raquel’s affair with Tom Sandoval lasted for 7 months and came to light when Tom’s girlfriend, Ariana Madix, discovered the truth on March 1. The revelation sparked tensions among the cast, with many supporting Ariana’s perspective. Raquel’s subsequent journey involved seeking counseling, owning her actions, and admitting to codependency and addiction patterns.
After her mental health facility treatment, Raquel chose to part ways with Tom. Her brave decision to prioritize her well-being over a reality show speaks volumes about her resilience and self-care.