Scheana and Lala Respond to Criticism following Tom Sandoval-Raquel Leviss Drama

Sunny Peter
Scheana Shay
Getty | Paul Archuleta

As Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' cheating scandal unfolds, Scheana Shay stands by her friend Ariana Madix. Shay has publicly supported Madix and defended herself, arguing that not all cheating scandals are the same.

Shay Defends Her Support

Shay has defended her support for Ariana Madix on Instagram after fans accused her of hypocrisy in light of Madix and Sandoval’s cheating scandal. Madix's boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, allegedly cheated on her with fellow Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss. 

Shay’s Support to Madix

To show her support for Madix, Shay posted a photo with her. She captioned it, "Always got your back! #TeamAriana." 

Mixed Reactions to The Picture

The post drew mixed reactions from her followers. One commenter brought up Shay's past affair with Eddie Cibrian while he was still married to Brandi Glanville and allegedly having an affair with Leann Rimes, asking who had Glanville's back during that time.

"So quick to team up but let's not forget you walked in @raquelleviss shoes @scheana."

Shay’s Response

Shay responded swiftly. She stated, "I do not remember ever having an affair with my best friend's boyfriend with full knowledge of what I was doing, but please continue with your accusations!"

Shay’s Candid Conversation

casual
Giphy | CBC

Shay was candid during the Bravo series pilot in 2013, acknowledging that she had gone on a few dates with Cibrian but didn't provide a specific timeline. However, she later revealed that she had ceased communication with him after discovering he was married.

More About the Affair 

US Weekly reported in 2013 that the 2013 backdoor pilot episode of Vanderpump Rules featured Glanville. At the time, he was 50 years old, confronting Shay about her relationship with Cibrian.

Shay Reminiscing the Time

Shay reminisced about the experience and called it a "mess," noting that she ended things with Cibrian when she discovered he was married to LeAnn Rimes and never spoke to him again. Rimes, who previously starred on Sunset Beach, tied the knot with Cibrian in 2011, and their marriage remains strong.

Shay’s Attitude Throughout the Scandal

i own it
Giphy | Team Coco

It was confirmed by Page Six that Leviss and Sandoval had been engaging in a "full-on affair" for several months. Since then, Shay has been extremely vocal on social media.

Shay’s Recent Actions

She unfollowed Leviss on social media. Shay then took to Twitter to express her feelings, stating, "Every morning when I wake up, I'm reminded that it wasn't just a nightmare. It's real. 😭💔 #TeamAriana."

Shay’s Confrontation with Leviss

Furthermore, according to sources close to the situation, Shay reportedly engaged in a heated altercation with Leviss on Wednesday evening. This was after Shay discovered the shocking news of the affair.

More on The Altercation

According to an insider who spoke to Page Six, Scheana and Raquel went out for drinks with some friends after filming "Watch What Happens Live." At some point during the evening, Scheana lost track of Leviss and later discovered her outside the bar on the phone with Madix. Scheana could hear Madix crying hysterically on the other end of the line.

Shay Inquired About the Situation 

be clear
Giphy | GIPHY News

Shay asked Leviss to explain her actions. The 28-year-old admitted to having an affair with Sandoval, which led to the end of her friendship with Scheana. 

Shay Ends Her Friendship With Leviss

According to an insider who spoke to Page Six, Scheana has decided to cut ties with Leviss because she betrayed Ariana. At the moment, Scheana is focused on providing support to Ariana.

Cameras Catching the Heated Conversation

Although it's uncertain whether cameras were recording the intense confrontation, they did film Madix and Sandoval's tense discussion regarding his infidelity, which is scheduled to air in the final episode of Season 10. 

Madix Felt Gaslighted 

The duo attempted to resolve their issues at their shared residence in Los Angeles on Friday, but according to insiders, the 37-year-old departed feeling as though Sandoval, 39, had manipulated and invalidated her feelings.

Sandoval’s Justifications 

According to an insider, "He provided her with multiple justifications for why he never admitted to cheating," and added that he was concerned about the potential negative impact on her "mental wellbeing." 

Support from Castemates 

emotional support
Giphy | HBO

Although the breakup was challenging, Madix has been seeking solace from her friends on Pump Rules. Stars such as Shay, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, and former cast member Kristen Doute have provided emotional support.

Other Cast Members’ Reaction 

Various other castmates have extended their support to Madix. They took to social media to express their feelings about the scandal. 

Madix Social Media 

Madix, who deleted her social media accounts on Friday, has been candid about her reluctance to tie the knot. However, despite her reservations about marriage, she believed that Tom Sandoval was her soulmate.