Court orders 'Scandoval' trial despite appeals by Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval
Courtesy: Araya Doheny/Getty Images
TV personality Rachel Leviss's legal dispute against former Vanderpump Rules stars Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval has progressed significantly with a recent court decision.
Despite efforts from Madix and Sandoval to dismiss the case, the judge has scheduled a trial for November 3, 2025.
The lawsuit, dubbed 'Scandoval,' revolves around allegations of revenge porn, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress.
Leviss initiated legal action in February 2024, accusing Sandoval of secretly recording explicit videos of her, and Madix of distributing them without consent.
Madix invoked California's anti-SLAPP statute to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing for protection of free speech. However, in a recent hearing on July 11, 2024, LA Superior Court Judge Daniel Crowley ruled against Madix's motion, indicating that her actions did not qualify for such protection under the law.
In response, Leviss's attorney, Bryan Freedman, highlighted the severity of Madix's alleged actions, labeling them as revenge porn and emphasizing their legal implications.
Freedman argued that Madix's actions were aimed at intimidating Leviss following a publicized affair between Sandoval and Leviss.
Despite the judge acknowledging the seriousness of revenge porn claims, he called for additional evidence to support allegations of emotional distress caused by Sandoval.