Revenge porn allegations just got a major boost in court. Rachel Leviss scored a significant legal victory against Ariana Madix after a judge refused to dismiss her lawsuit over intimate videos discovered during the Scandoval breakup. This ruling keeps the case moving forward—and it’s a win for Leviss.
Madix had appealed an earlier ruling that allowed Leviss’ revenge porn allegations to continue. She argued that she didn’t send the recordings to the public and only forwarded them to Leviss after finding them on Tom Sandoval’s phone. The court disagreed, ruling that “she failed to meet her burden” of proving the challenged conduct was constitutionally protected. That’s a significant legal setback for Madix.
Leviss’ complaint tells a different story about what happened after Madix uncovered her affair with Sandoval in March 2023. According to the lawsuit, Madix obtained the sexually explicit material “without his authorization” before allegedly copying and sharing it. Leviss claims the videos went to Madix, herself and “other individuals whose identities are not currently known.” She has also alleged that people associated with Bravo received the content. This kind of breach raises serious questions about privacy and accountability.
Madix’s legal team tried to connect the dispute to the enormous public interest surrounding Scandoval, which dominated Vanderpump Rules and ended her nearly nine-year relationship with Sandoval. They wanted the case dismissed based on public figure status and First Amendment protections. That argument didn’t land with the judge.
The latest decision doesn’t determine whether Madix is actually liable—but it does mean Leviss’ claims can continue through the legal process. This is important because it validates that her allegations deserve a full hearing in court, not dismissal at an early stage.
Leviss joined Vanderpump Rules in 2016. Madix became a full-time cast member during Season 3, while Sandoval had appeared on the Bravo series since its 2013 debut. Madix is currently the host of Love Island USA and was nominated for an Emmy for the role. The reality TV world is watching this case closely.
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