As this season’s villain, Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss has delivered some memorable lines that cemented her status. Once Raquel’s secret affair with Tom Sandoval, behind his long-term girlfriend Ariana Madix’s back, was revealed, it became evident that the show had been subtly hinting at Raquel’s misconduct all along. Retrospectively examining episodes of Vanderpump Rules, particularly the latest ones, validates that Raquel’s actions throughout the season left viewers feeling as though they were witnessing a carefully orchestrated performance. With numerous instances of hypocrisy and multiple lies exposed, Raquel’s quotes paint her in an increasingly villainous light.
Previously in a supporting role, Raquel joined the cast as James Kennedy’s girlfriend during Vanderpump Rules season 5 and has mostly remained in the background over the years. She occasionally got involved in drama but was generally depicted as a supportive character. Progressing past James and Raquel’s called-off engagement in 2020 and into a new chapter, Raquel cleverly capitalized on her newfound single status. Earlier this season, she kissed Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney’s recent ex-husband, which caused quite a stir. However, it appears that their connection might have been a smokescreen for Raquel and Tom Sandoval’s actual relationship all along.
Raquel Prioritizes A Casual Hookup Over Friendship
After publicly making out with Tom Schwartz at Scheana Shay’s wedding to Brock Davies, Raquel swiftly attempted to downplay any seriousness associated with the kiss. She didn’t want anyone to think she was open to dating Tom, especially since she didn’t want that information to reach Katie, whom she reassured of her lack of interest. Nevertheless, during an interview segment, Raquel candidly revealed her true feelings: she would certainly be interested in dating Tom. Raquel elaborated, “My attraction to Schwartz definitely outweighs my desire to be friends with Katie.”
Raquel Labels Tom & Ariana Her “Forever Friends”
While celebrating Raquel’s birthday on a glamping adventure, Tom Schwartz, Tom Sandoval, Ariana, Scheana, and Brock gathered to discuss Raquel’s achievements and usher in her 28th year. Unbeknownst to the group, Tom and Raquel’s affair had begun just a few months prior. Still, their cover-up was starting to show cracks. In an interview segment, Raquel contradicted herself by stating, “These are my forever friends. These are the people who are looking out for me, who believe in me – that means everything to me.”
Raquel Deceives Katie for the Second Time
In an earlier episode this season, Raquel assured Katie that she had no intentions of pursuing Tom Schwartz, clearly stating she wasn’t into Katie’s ex-husband. However, when Raquel hooked up with Tom, the situation became perplexing. Confronted by Katie about the matter, Raquel downplayed the hookup, insisting it wasn’t serious and that she still didn’t have any interest in Tom. But during an interview segment, Raquel admitted, “if Schwartz showed interest in me, I would be down to date him.”
Raquel Confronts Lala for Being a Mistress
At the start of this season, Raquel declared her single status and readiness for fun. On a girls’ trip to Las Vegas to explore the Vanderpump à Paris experience, both Raquel and Lala sought the attention of Oliver Saunders – Garcelle Beauvais’ son from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Despite knowing Lala’s interest in Oliver, Raquel went ahead and kissed him, straining their relationship. In a tense exchange between them, Raquel bluntly stated to Lala: “you give off mistress bimbo vibes.”
Raquel Glad Not Being Held Accountable as a Role Model
Throughout her life, Raquel has been involved in pageantry. While she has chosen other life paths now, it’s evident that competing meant a great deal to her. In a recent Vanderpump Rules episode, she revealed her uncertainty about what lies ahead. During an interview, Raquel shared her relief at not needing to be a role model anymore: “I’ve always been the good girl but now that I’ve aged out of pageants I don’t have to worry so much about my reputation. So…I feel like I’m making up for lost time right now.”
Raquel Sees Herself as Continuously Striving to Improve
Throughout the Scandoval drama, and even before that, Raquel has portrayed herself as a victim in various situations this season. It seems like her actions have been self-serving, leaving her friends to perceive her as the villain. Nevertheless, Raquel tearfully expressed in an interview, “I’m always trying to grow and be a better version of myself.”
Raquel Adopts A Firm Position On Oliver’s Actions
After sharing a kiss with Oliver in Vegas, it came to light that he might not have been completely honest with Raquel regarding his marital status, stating he was estranged from his ex. Upon learning that he could still be married, Raquel contacted Oliver’s wife in astonishment and subsequently confronted him about his actions. “It appears so calculating and self-serving,” commented Raquel on how Oliver deceived her to commit adultery with his spouse. She continued expressing her disapproval of such behavior, even though she was already involved with Tom at the time.
Raquel Expresses No Remorse
In a recent Vanderpump Rules episode, James and Raquel engaged in conversation after their failed engagement resurfaced, making both feel uneasy discussing it. James admitted regretting the proposal and elaborated in his interview segment that the outcome is the reason for his regret, but Raquel took it badly. She adamantly told James that she “has no regrets,” maintaining a stern and deadpan demeanor. It is evident that Raquel hadn’t considered the affair that had fractured her group of friends at the moment, but she might experience regret eventually.
Raquel Asserts Her Self-Reflection
Despite enduring several challenging times in recent years, it appears that Raquel hasn’t had ample opportunity to process her experiences. Early in this Vanderpump Rules season, Raquel claimed to have been working on self-improvement already. “I think being single for the first time in my adult life has enabled me to reflect on who I am as a person,” shared Raquel during an interview segment. Regrettably, given her involvement in an affair, her words seem insincere.
Raquel Believes There Are Worse Actions She Could Take
During Scheana’s wedding, Raquel and Lala conversed with Lala feeling dismayed by Raquel deliberately kissing Tom Schwartz in front of Katie. While Raquel tried to justify her thoughtlessness, Lala countered that the irresponsible and improper behavior was the problem, accusing Raquel of acting immaturely. Hastily trying to defend herself, Raquel exclaimed, “I can accept responsibility for kissing Schwartz. I believe there are countless other things I could have done that would be far worse.” The revelation that Raquel and her Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval were already having a secret affair makes this statement even more appalling.
