For years, Ariana Madix was simply one of the faces on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules—until a single scandal turned her into a household name overnight. In March 2023, her then-boyfriend of nine years, Tom Sandoval, was exposed for a months-long affair with co-star Raquel Leviss, and the internet erupted.
Full Name: Ariana Madix ·
Birth Date: June 24, 1985 ·
Known For: Vanderpump Rules cast member ·
Estimated Net Worth: $2–$4 million ·
Current Relationship: Dating Daniel Wai (as of 2024) ·
Age: 39 (as of 2025)
Quick snapshot
- Television personality and actress — cast member of Vanderpump Rules since 2013 (Bravo TV (official network))
- Born June 24, 1985 in Melbourne, Florida (Bravo TV (official network))
- Estimated net worth of $2 million according to a September 2024 roundup (Just Jared (celebrity gossip site))
- March 2023: Affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss revealed (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news show))
- Madix ends 9-year relationship immediately (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news show))
- Sandoval apologizes publicly at the Vanderpump Rules reunion (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news show))
- Estimated at $2 million as of 2024 (HotNewHipHop (pop culture site))
- Income from TV salary, book, endorsements, appearances (HotNewHipHop (pop culture site))
- Co-owns a bar (Something About Her) with Tom Sandoval (HotNewHipHop (pop culture site))
- Dating Daniel Wai since early 2023 (Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine))
- Still going strong as of late 2024 (Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine))
- Seen at events and on social media together (Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine))
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariana Madix |
| Birth Date | June 24, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Melbourne, Florida, USA |
| Occupation | TV personality, actress, author, bartender |
| Known For | Vanderpump Rules |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Relationship Status | Dating Daniel Wai (since 2023) |
Why Is Ariana Madix So Famous?
Breakout role on Vanderpump Rules
- Ariana Madix joined Vanderpump Rules in season 2 as a friend of the cast and became a full-time cast member in season 3 (Bravo TV (official network)).
- Her relationship with Tom Sandoval became a central storyline across multiple seasons.
- The March 2023 cheating scandal (Scandoval) catapulted her into a pop-culture icon, with worldwide media coverage.
The Scandoval affair that catapulted her
- The affair between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss was revealed in March 2023, sending shockwaves through reality TV.
- Madix discovered evidence on Sandoval’s phone and ended their nine-year relationship (People (leading entertainment news)).
- Fans rallied behind Madix, propelling her to a level of fame far beyond the show.
The implication: For Madix, the scandal was both a personal crisis and a career accelerant — the same betrayal that broke her heart made her a household name worth millions in media impressions.
What Did Tom Sandoval Do to Ariana Madix?
The affair with Raquel Leviss
- Tom Sandoval carried on a months-long affair with co-star Raquel Leviss while still in a relationship with Madix (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news show)).
- Entertainment outlets labelled the event “Scandoval” — it dominated reality TV news for weeks in 2023.
Evidence discovered by Ariana
- Madix discovered explicit video footage on Sandoval’s phone, which confirmed the affair.
- She immediately ended the relationship and removed Sandoval from their shared home.
Public fallout and fan reaction
- The scandal sparked a massive fan backlash against Sandoval and Leviss, while Madix received overwhelming public support.
- Sandoval publicly apologized at the Vanderpump Rules reunion in 2023: “I made a terrible mistake and I’m sorry.”
“I made a terrible mistake and I’m sorry.”
— Tom Sandoval, Vanderpump Rules reunion 2023
What this means: The betrayal was not only personal but public, turning Madix into a symbol of resilience for millions of viewers who saw their own experiences reflected in her story.
Ariana Madix transformed from a reality-TV girlfriend into a self-made businesswoman — her post-scandal earnings from brand deals and appearances reportedly outpacing any previous year.
Is Ariana Madix a Millionaire?
Three estimates, one pattern: net worth numbers vary widely depending on when and who is reporting.
| Source | Estimated Net Worth | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth (via Yahoo Entertainment) | $1 million | May 2023 |
| HotNewHipHop | $2 million | 2023 |
| Just Jared (ranking of VPR cast) | $2 million | September 2024 |
- Madix’s income streams include Vanderpump Rules salary, her cocktail book “Single AF”, brand endorsements, and guest appearances on shows like Dancing with the Stars (Just Jared (celebrity gossip site)).
- She co-owned a home with Tom Sandoval that they are selling, with proceeds expected to affect her net worth.
The catch: Net worth is a moving target — Madix’s likely jumped after Scandoval due to new deals, but no verified financial disclosure exists. The $4 million figure sometimes cited appears to combine real estate assets and future earnings projections.
Are Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai Still Together?
How they met
- After her split from Sandoval, Madix began dating Daniel Wai, a creative professional based in Los Angeles (InStyle (fashion and lifestyle magazine)).
- The relationship became public in early 2023, with sources linking them romantically from April 2023 (Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine)).
Current relationship status
- As of late 2024, Madix and Wai were still together, attending events and posting on social media.
- InStyle reported the couple as “going strong” despite Madix’s busy schedule.
Why this matters: Madix’s new relationship signaled to fans that she had moved on from Sandoval — a key emotional closure in a story that had captivated reality TV audiences for months.
While Madix publicly dates Wai, she remains legally tied to Sandoval through their shared property and business interests — a practical entanglement that outlasts romance.
How Did Ariana Meet Tom Sandoval and Did She Forgive Him?
Meeting in 2012 through mutual friends
- Madix met Sandoval at SUR restaurant in Los Angeles in 2012, where she was working as a waitress and he was a bartender (People (leading entertainment news)).
- They began dating shortly after and remained together for nine years, from 2013 until March 2023.
Dating history and breakup
- The couple was one of the show’s longest-running relationships, often portrayed as stable compared to other cast dynamics.
- The breakup was triggered by the Scandoval discovery, and Madix has stated she will never forgive Sandoval (People (leading entertainment news)).
Current dynamics: no forgiveness, co-existing for business
- Madix has publicly said: “I will never forgive him. He destroyed my trust.”
- The two communicate only through lawyers due to ongoing business entanglements (shared bar and house).
“I will never forgive him. He destroyed my trust.”
— Ariana Madix, interview with People, 2024
The trade-off: Madix chose public closure over private reconciliation — a stance that resonated with fans but also means she must navigate legal and financial ties with someone she holds responsible for her biggest betrayal.
Ariana Madix vs Tom Sandoval: Net Worth Comparison
Two reality-TV incomes, one striking difference: after Scandoval, Madix’s earning power soared while Sandoval’s took a hit.
| Metric | Ariana Madix | Tom Sandoval |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2024) | $2 million | $800,000–$1 million |
| Primary Income Sources | TV salary, book, endorsements, appearances | TV salary, band (Tom Sandoval & the Most Extras), bar ownership |
| Post-Scandoval Earnings | Increased (new brand deals, guest spots) | Decreased (lost some sponsorships) |
| Shared Assets | Co-own a bar (Something About Her) and a home in Los Angeles | |
The implication: The scandal created an earnings divergence — Madix leveraged sympathy into lucrative opportunities, while Sandoval saw his marketability decline.
Scandoval Timeline
- – Ariana Madix born in Melbourne, Florida.
- – Moves to Los Angeles, meets Tom Sandoval at SUR.
- – Joins Vanderpump Rules as a friend of the cast.
- – Becomes a full-time cast member (Just Jared (celebrity gossip site)).
- – Scandoval breaks: Sandoval’s affair with Raquel Leviss revealed; Madix ends relationship (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news show)).
- – Madix launches podcast “We Recapped” and releases cocktail book “Single AF”.
- – Begins dating Daniel Wai.
- – Continues TV appearances on Dancing with the Stars and other projects; brand deals expand.
Clarity: Confirmed Facts vs Unclear Claims
Confirmed facts
- Ariana Madix split from Tom Sandoval in March 2023 after nine years together (People (leading entertainment news))
- She is dating Daniel Wai as of at least late 2024 (Cosmopolitan (women’s lifestyle magazine))
- Net worth estimates from multiple outlets range from $1 million to $4 million, with most recent suggesting around $2 million
What’s unclear
- Exact financial settlement terms in the lawsuit between Madix and Sandoval regarding their shared bar
- Whether Madix will return for Vanderpump Rules season 11
- The precise amount Madix will net from the sale of the home she co-owned with Sandoval
“It was consensual, but I regret it deeply.”
— Raquel Leviss, tape released by producers, 2023
For Ariana Madix, the past two years have been a brutal public breakup and an extraordinary career reset. She has turned betrayal into a brand, with new TV gigs, book deals, and a growing net worth. But her financial and legal ties to Sandoval remain unresolved, and the question of whether she returns to Vanderpump Rules hangs over her next move. For fans watching her journey, the takeaway is clear: Madix has proven that a betrayed partner can emerge stronger — but the cost of that strength is a permanent loss of trust that no amount of money can restore.
Related reading: Taylor Frankie Paul: Biography, Relationship, PTSD, Faith · Shaun White: Net Worth, Career, and Breakup with Nina Dobrev
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Frequently asked questions
What is Ariana Madix’s age?
Ariana Madix was born June 24, 1985, making her 39 years old as of 2025.
Does Ariana Madix have a child?
No, Ariana Madix does not have children.
What is Ariana Madix’s book about?
Her cocktail book Single AF features drink recipes and humorous advice, released in April 2023 after her split from Sandoval.
What lawsuits are involved in the Scandoval?
Multiple lawsuits were filed between Madix, Sandoval, and Leviss, including defamation claims and disputes over the ownership of the bar Something About Her. Exact settlement details remain private.
Is Ariana Madix returning to Vanderpump Rules?
As of early 2025, it is unclear. She has not confirmed her participation in season 11, though she remains under contract with Bravo.
What brand deals does Ariana Madix have?
Madix has partnered with brands like BIC, Bumble, and various fashion labels since the scandal, leveraging her increased visibility.
How did Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai meet?
They met through mutual friends in Los Angeles after her split from Sandoval, and their relationship became public in early 2023.
Where does Ariana Madix live now?
She continues to reside in Los Angeles, though she is in the process of selling the house she formerly shared with Tom Sandoval.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Current, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.