Rachel Leviss, former star of Vanderpump Rules, is continuing her legal battle against co-stars Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix. Citing issues related to revenge porn, eavesdropping, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress, Leviss has hinted at possibly adding NBC Universal, Bravo, and Evolution Media to her lawsuit.
The scandal began when Madix discovered that Sandoval had been cheating on her with Leviss in early 2023. This discovery led to a dramatic fallout within the cast of Vanderpump Rules. Leviss alleges that Sandoval, 40, and Madix, 39, produced and disseminated explicit content without her consent.
The videos were ‘distributed, disseminated, and discussed publicly by a scorned woman [Madix] seeking vengeance,’
according to Leviss.
Legal Battles Heat Up
On Thursday, Leviss’ attorneys filed court papers asking that Madix’s dismissal motion be denied. According to Leviss’ lawyers,the conduct at issue is not Madix’s exercise of free speech, but instead her unlawful theft and distribution of sexually explicit videos of plaintiff
.
The filings stress that the scandal significantly damaged Leviss’ reputation, rendering her a subject of public scorn. She claims that she became increasingly isolated
after her relationship with fellow cast member James Kennedy ended. Over time, she confided in Sandoval about her struggles which gradually led to his becoming a trusted confidante.
Motions to Dismiss and Responses
Ariana Madix has filed a SLAPP suit motion to dismiss Leviss’ claims on grounds of constitutionally protected free speech. According to Madix’s lawyers,Plaintiff does not seek to vindicate any cognizable rights but (instead) to punish Ms. Madix from exercising their right of free speech
.
Court documents reveal that Judge Daniel Crowley has allowed the claims for eavesdropping and invasion of privacy against Sandoval to proceed but has demanded further substantiation for the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
NBC Universal’s Potential Involvement
Leviss’ lawsuit now teases the inclusion of NBC Universal, Bravo, and Evolution Media as defendants. The lawsuit accuses these companies of sanitizing the story for public consumption,ensuring Leviss would be seen as the arch-villain.
Implications for Reality TV Stars
The lawsuit shines a critical light on network practices surrounding reality TV stars’ legal protections. The Vanderpump Rules cast’s reactions highlight concerns over their rights vis-à-vis such legal entanglements.
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