Lisa Vanderpump recently shared her thoughts on Ariana Madix’s potential departure from “Vanderpump Rules” during a podcast appearance. As the show remains on hold before its 12th season, Lisa, 63, reflected on Ariana’s 11th season, her refusal to communicate with Tom Sandoval, and the cast’s reaction to it. She also touched on Lala Kent’s near-exit and credited Stassi Schroeder for laying the foundation for the series.
When asked if Ariana, 38, might leave the show, Lisa said it would be a brave move given her long tenure and increasing pay. She believes Ariana would be fine without the show, especially if she could find work in musical theater, though she acknowledged that it’s a challenging field.
Lisa dismissed rumors that Ariana is upset with her for allegedly siding with Tom Sandoval. She clarified that she is not on Team Tom but rather on Team Vanderpump and Team Mediator. Lisa expressed her disgust over the entire situation, particularly the backlash Sandoval faced after his affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss became public.
Lisa also disagreed with Lala and Scheana Shay, who criticized Ariana for not speaking to Sandoval during the finale. She questioned whether anyone would want to have that conversation, noting that while the show isn’t produced, the cast felt Ariana should have shared her feelings.
Addressing claims that Bravo pushed the cast to create more drama, Lisa defended the network, stating that no one is forced to drink or act a certain way. She emphasized that her castmates make their own decisions.
Regarding Lala’s near-departure, Lisa revealed that she convinced her to stay, recognizing her potential. Lala had falling outs with both Ariana and Katie Maloney during the 11th season, accusing them of not being honest about their feelings.
For now, the cast is taking a break. Lisa mentioned her busy schedule, including opening a new restaurant in Las Vegas, and said the show needs time to breathe. She noted that the cast’s lives are so intertwined that they could be filmed year-round.
During the 11th season, fans met Ann Maddox, Sandoval’s ex-assistant who now works with Ariana and Katie at their sandwich shop, Something About Her. Lisa joked about stealing Ann from Ariana, though she doesn’t need an assistant herself.
Lisa hinted that viewers would see more of Ann, who enjoys the camera time and is a good assistant. When asked which restaurant she would visit, Lisa chose Schwartz & Sandy’s, expressing her hope that Tom Schwartz can focus on his own goals without worrying about others.
Reflecting on the backlash Sandoval received, Lisa admitted to feeling compassion, noting that the pressure can be overwhelming and affect mental health. She acknowledged that while people make mistakes, the reaction to Sandoval’s affair was excessive.
Lisa credited Stassi for setting the stage for “Vanderpump Rules” with her openness and willingness to be herself on camera. Despite Stassi’s firing for past racially charged behavior, Lisa said they remain in touch and praised her potential.
Lisa also applauded James Kennedy for his growth, describing him as one of the most interesting reality stars she’s worked with. She advised him to avoid drinking, which she sees as his enemy, and praised his relationship with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber.
Despite Sandoval’s missteps, Lisa highlighted his positive qualities, noting that he has been a great friend to many cast members. She shared that Sandoval has helped others financially during tough times, showing his caring side.
On the Season 11 finale, viewers saw Ariana refuse to film with Sandoval, leading to cast tensions. Lisa compared this to her own decision to skip the reunion filming of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” amid her feud with the group. She explained that while Ariana showed up for the show, she herself decided to walk away after nine and a half years.
