Tom Sandoval Calls Vanderpump Rules “Toxic,” Discusses If He’d Join the Valley and “[Growing]” With Girlfriend Victoria, Plus Potential Redemption After Traitors, Drama With Chrishell and “Better Cheaters” Comment

Tom Sandoval is ready to move on from “Scandoval” and his troubled past on Vanderpump Rules.

Just over two years after being exposed for cheating on Ariana Madix, 39, with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, 30, for months, Sandoval, 42, who was met with surprisingly warm reviews for his recent role on The Traitors, is reflecting on how far he’s come, offering an update on the sale of his former shared home with Ariana, and gushing over girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson, 32.

“I’m sorry. Very much so,” Sandoval told Us Weekly of “Scandoval” on March 11. “Whether people agree with me or not, that’s on them. But it has been an extremely rough backlash, and I understand [where they are coming from]. Obviously, I want people to move on.”

Although Sandoval wishes he could go back in time and do “everything” differently, the intense backlash he received over his months-long affair with Raquel didn’t keep him from remaining in the public eye. So, when approached to appear on The Traitors season three, he jumped at the chance to join the cast.

“It looked like so much fun. There’s physical [and] mental challenge, building relationships and trust with people. I was so excited to play the game,” he admitted.

That said, he was worried not only about his co-stars’ reaction to him being there but also the response of viewers.

“I assumed people would know who I am and about me … [And] I knew I’d get a lot of mixed reactions. [But] when I was filming it, I knew I worked really hard and contributed, so I’d be considered a strong player, at least when it comes to the challenges,” Sandoval reasoned.

Further concerning Sandoval was the fact that The Traitors was based on deception.

“I was adamant that I did not want to be a Traitor. If [host Alan Cumming] would’ve picked me to be a traitor, I would have left,” he stated.

During his time on the show, Sandoval stuck his foot in his mouth on occasion, most notably suggesting, ironically, that women were “better cheaters.”

“I was sleep-deprived, fighting sickness, and I didn’t even realize I said that. It just came out, and I never wanted to hide and run away so bad in my life,” he recalled.

According to Sandoval, his castmates were tough on him to satisfy viewers who knew of his past.

“[Chrishell Stause] took an opportunity to ride those coattails of the scandal, to get those big Ariana fans and ‘I hate Tom Sandoval’ fans behind her,” he noted. “She goes, ‘You’re coming after me because I’m friends with Ariana.’ I’m like, ‘Girl, you took a picture with her six years ago on the red carpet, you follow her on Instagram.'”

Despite the drama he faced on the show, Sandoval appreciated fans getting to see him “in a different light” on The Traitors.

“It really feels great,” he explained. “It’s less about starting up drama and more just about playing the game.”

Meanwhile, he continued, Pump Rules “was, at times, a very toxic environment.”

“I want to leave that stuff in the past. I’m sure there’s still people out there who hold on to that — I know there are — but the hate has died down,” he noted.

As for how Ariana might be feeling about Sandoval’s apparent redemption, Sandoval said he hadn’t really considered it.

“I’m sure, because you know, she’s moved on, [that] she doesn’t really have [many] thoughts about it,” he said.

Years after their split, Sandoval and Ariana still share a home. But, as Sandoval confirmed, they are trying to unload the property.

“I’m looking forward to moving on and closing — like, really fully closing — that chapter,” he stated.

While Pump Rules is being rebooted ahead of its 12th season, Sandoval isn’t writing off the possibility of a cameo on The Valley.

“I feel like the answer will present itself at the time, and then I’ll make the best decision that fits me and where I’m at in my life. Or where Victoria and I are in our lives because going on a show like that would inevitably involve her as well. I’ve really enjoyed not having to put my entire life out there at all times … It feels nice to have that privacy,” he admitted.

Over a year into his romance with Victoria, Sandoval said he’s “extremely happy” with the model.

“We work very well, we have similar goals, and it feels like we could really grow together. I feel so fortunate and lucky to have her in my life. She’s been my rock and stuck by me,” he shared. 

But because of his past, Sandoval has to “work hard” to maintain trust. 

“It’s important for her to feel secure and loved. I’ve also calmed down when it comes to going out. I don’t want to put myself in situations that, you know, don’t look appropriate,” he revealed.