Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has been navigating a whirlwind of emotions and public scrutiny since her highly publicized breakup with Tom Sandoval. The split, which came after it was revealed that Sandoval had an affair with Rachel Leviss, left Ariana in a vulnerable state. However, she has since found solace and happiness in a new relationship with Daniel Wai, a personal trainer she met shortly after her breakup.
Ariana’s new relationship has not been without its critics, particularly from her Vanderpump Rules co-star Lala Kent. Lala has been vocal about her concerns regarding Daniel’s intentions, questioning the speed at which Ariana moved on from her decade-long relationship with Sandoval. “Ariana gets a new man, and I’m like, ‘What’s his motive? This is weird,’” Lala stated earlier in the season.
Despite the skepticism, Ariana and Daniel’s relationship has been marked by support and affection. Daniel, who resides in New York, made a point to fly in weekly to watch Ariana perform on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, showcasing a level of dedication that starkly contrasts with her previous relationship with Sandoval.
During a Season 11 trip to San Francisco, Lala continued to express her doubts about Daniel. In a confessional, she remarked, “My first impression of Dan? Let me put it this way, you can tell me he’s a great guy all the live-long day. I think it is f*cking weird that any dude would be like, ‘She’s The One. Just left her dude of 10 f*cking years and they still live together.’” Lala’s comments reflect a protective stance over Ariana, though they also reveal a level of skepticism that Ariana has had to address publicly.
Ariana took the opportunity to set the record straight during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live. When a virtual fan asked about Lala’s comments, Ariana clarified, “Well, number one, we did not get together 10 days after a relationship. We met. ‘Hi. Nice to meet you,’ you know? Then that progressed slowly from there.” She added that any further questions about their relationship should be directed to Daniel.
The Season 11 finale of Vanderpump Rules is set to air on May 7, and it promises to bring more insights into Ariana’s evolving life. As she approaches the one-year anniversary of her breakup with Sandoval, Ariana has been focusing on her career and personal growth. She recently walked the red carpet at the Season 11 premiere of Vanderpump Rules and spoke about her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago. “It’s absolutely the number one dream of my whole life to be on Broadway, so it feels good, and I’m glad it’s something that keeps me busy,” she shared.
Ariana’s living situation with Sandoval remains a point of contention. She has filed a lawsuit seeking a “partition by sale” of the home they bought together in 2019, indicating her desire to sell the property and move on. This legal step underscores her commitment to closing that chapter of her life.
Addressing her new relationship with Daniel, Ariana emphasized that she did not rush into it. “I didn’t jump into another relationship. I met a guy, and we were having a good time, I got to know him, and things evolved,” she explained. She also noted that the concerns about the speed of her new relationship came from a single person, not her entire circle of friends.
In the Vanderpump Rules After Show, Ariana further elaborated on her relationship with Daniel. She acknowledged that some friends were worried she hadn’t fully processed her breakup with Sandoval. Scheana Shay, for instance, expressed concern that if things didn’t work out with Daniel, it would hit Ariana hard. Lala also shared her worries, recalling past conversations about Ariana’s difficult relationships.
Despite these concerns, Ariana remains confident in her ability to handle whatever comes her way. “Here’s the thing, he could literally turn out to be, which he’s not, a f*cking con artist. And guess what? I’ll be fine,” she stated. “I’ll take care of myself regardless.”
Ariana’s relationship with Daniel continues to thrive. She recently posted a heartfelt birthday message for him on Instagram, celebrating their time together. “Happy birthday to the most handsome man I know who always lets me have the first and last bite,” she wrote, to which Daniel replied, “Thank you so much. Best year ever!!”
As Ariana Madix continues to navigate her personal and professional life, she remains focused on her happiness and well-being. Her relationship with Daniel Wai, despite the initial skepticism, appears to be a source of joy and support, marking a new chapter in her journey.
Source: Reality Tea, ET, Bravo
