Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix has lost her appeal in a revenge porn lawsuit filed against her by former co-star Rachel Leviss. A California Court of Appeals ruling affirmed a lower court's decision to deny Madix's attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed.
Leviss alleges that Madix improperly obtained and distributed sexually charged video clips of her from the phone of Tom Sandoval, Leviss's ex-boyfriend and Madix's former partner. Madix had previously stated that she obtained the videos from Sandoval's phone using a passcode he had shared with her, claiming she sent the clips only to Leviss to discuss the affair.
Attorneys for Madix argued that her actions were constitutionally protected because the conduct involved an issue of public interest concerning individuals in the public eye, given their involvement in a popular reality series. However, the court concluded that Madix did not meet the burden of establishing that the claims against her arose from protected activity. "The order denying Madix’s special motion to strike is affirmed," the court stated in its ruling, adding that "Leviss shall recover her costs on appeal."
The legal dispute stems from events that unfolded more than three years ago, following Madix's breakup with Sandoval after discovering his affair with Leviss. This controversy, widely known as 'Scandoval,' became a central storyline for seasons 10 and 11 of the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules.
Leviss filed a lawsuit against both Madix and Sandoval in 2024, alleging revenge porn, eavesdropping, and invasion of privacy. She claimed to be a victim of dishonest behavior, stating that intimate encounters were filmed without her knowledge or consent. Leviss has asserted that the events left her humiliated and her career prospects damaged.
Following the controversy, Leviss sought treatment at a mental health facility for three months. Madix has previously stated that she did not extensively view or retain the video, asserting it was gone before she spoke with Leviss by phone.
