Tom Sandoval: Raquel Leviss and I are ‘taking a break’ from sexual relationship
Tom Sandoval finally divulged his current relationship status with Raquel Leviss, admitting they are on “a break.”
The cover band frontman told “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast listeners Tuesday that he and his “Vanderpump Rules” co-star are still “good friends” in the wake of their months-long affair, which has been dubbed Scandoval.
“We’re not putting any label on it,” he said. “We’re just kind of taking a break.”
When Howie Mandel asked Sandoval, 40, whether he and Leviss, 28, are friends “with benefits,” the bar owner denied that he currently has a sexual relationship with the former pageant queen.
“Not right now,” he claimed.
The podcast interview marks the first time Sandoval has spoken at length about his and Leviss’ cheating scandal since his nearly 10-year relationship with Ariana Madix came to an end in March.
Follow Page Six’s coverage of ‘Scandoval‘
- Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss, Ariana Madix drama, explained
- How Ariana Madix found out about Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss’ affair
- Ariana Madix rips ‘subhuman’ Raquel, ‘rat’ Sandoval in ‘Pump Rules’ reunion trailer
As for Leviss, she spoke to a paparazzo last month about the “steps” she and Sandoval needed to take before officially becoming a couple.
“I don’t know where our relationship is going to be,” she said while sitting outside of a nail salon. “We’re just kind of trying to … make amends, hear everybody out … [and] seeing where it goes.”
Leviss clarified that she was not “putting a label” on their status.
Three weeks prior, Leviss told her Instagram followers that she had “sincere” and “loving” feelings for Sandoval.
“I care for Tom and I don’t want to label anything or predict what lies ahead,” she wrote on March 9. “Right now I need to heal.”
Leviss and Sandoval have since been spotted together, from chatting in the studio parking lot amid the “Vanderpump Rules” reunion taping and dining at Musso and Frank afterward.
The former occupational therapy student was also spotted at Sandoval’s shared home with Madix — although his rep denied it was an overnight visit.
Additionally, Sandoval drove Leviss to an airport earlier this month.
Sandoval spoke about his and Leviss’ connection Tuesday, calling their first kiss “magnetic.”
The singer also claimed that he broke up with Madix prior to Scandoval making headlines, claiming his then-partner was “blind to” his blatant infidelity.
“Vanderpump Rules” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
