Scheana Shay Breaks Silence on Why She Spoke Out Against Tom Sandoval’s Lawsuit

Scheana Shay is opening up about her decision to publicly denounce Tom Sandoval‘s lawsuit against Ariana Madix.

“I got flooded with messages asking what I thought about the situation, and I was like, ‘What is he thinking?!’ If I didn’t say something, it would seem like I’m either complicit or agree with his behavior,” the Vanderpump Rules star, 39, revealed in an exclusive interview. “But if I do say something, it’s like I’m making it about myself.”

Shay was attending Sutton Stracke‘s Los Angeles fashion show at the Godfrey Rooftop, which promotes eco-friendly fashion and sustainability.

Shay explained that when the news broke about Sandoval’s lawsuit, she was in London and felt compelled to share her thoughts on the matter.

“Honestly, I don’t care because I don’t support that behavior,” she stated. “So I’m going to say something, and people can say whatever they want. They can say I’m backpedaling or trying to make it about me, but at least I’m saying something because something needed to be said.”

Shay, who has known Sandoval for 15 years, added that he has changed as a person.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Sandoval filed a lawsuit against Madix, claiming she made copies of private videos of Rachel “Raquel” Leviss without his consent. The filing alleged that Madix distributed the clips to Leviss and third parties without his authority.

Shay later took to social media to express her disapproval of Sandoval’s actions, stating that she no longer wants to be friends with him.

“This is not someone I want to be friends with. This is not who I align my values with,” she said. “Call me a f–king idiot, OK? I said it at the finale, you know, ‘Don’t make me look like an idiot.’ Well, you did. So many thoughts.”

Sandoval later claimed that he didn’t intentionally file a lawsuit against Madix and alleged that “the words ‘New Lawsuit’ or ‘Suing’ were not articulated” to him.

He shared that he then fired his lawyer from his legal team.

“In no way am I suing Ariana. The action against Ariana brought on my behalf is being removed. I had no ill will or vindictiveness toward Ariana,” he stated. “Now, by removing both the Cross-Complaint and the attorney who recommended it, I hope to get through this case quickly, so that Ariana and I can both finally MOVE ON with our lives.”

With reporting by Lanae Brody