Ariana Madix Officially Departs Vanderpump Rules, Reflects on Her Experience
Ariana Madix, known for her role in Bravo’s hit reality series Vanderpump Rules, has publicly announced her departure from the show during a revealing interview with People on March 13, 2025. Madix emphasized that her decision to leave was steadfast, indicating she had no intentions of returning.
The latest season, Season 11, concluded amid significant turmoil, particularly concerning Madix’s public breakup with Tom Sandoval. With the announcement of Season 12, Bravo is gearing up for cast changes that will redefine the show’s dynamics.
Understanding Her Decision to Leave Reality Television
Madix shed light on her experience within the reality TV landscape, attributing her exit to the challenging environments created by such shows. She explained:
“I’ve also learned that maybe that’s not the best setting for me, and it’s not a setting that really allows me to be myself. When you’re not being yourself, you get yourself into situations where you’re saying or doing things that you don’t really back or believe in.”
This candid assessment highlights the struggles that reality stars often face, navigating personal authenticity amidst entertainment demands. Despite her success and popularity, Madix confessed that she felt out of place in the reality TV format.
“I was never really made for reality TV. I don’t think I’ve ever been what makes a good reality star.”
Context of Her Departure
The backdrop to Madix’s departure was rife with tension, particularly following the infamous “Scandoval,”which involved Sandoval’s affair with co-star Rachel “Raquel”Leviss. This scandal dominated Season 11, further complicating group dynamics among the cast.
“If I did go back, I wouldn’t have been able to do the job that would make a good show. And so it just wasn’t going to make sense, the story didn’t make sense.”
Her assertion suggests that returning to the series would not only have felt disingenuous but also detrimental to the show’s integrity. Madix expressed her disdain for the scandal’s colloquial label, stating:
“I hate that name too. That word has never come out of my mouth.”
New Ventures and Opportunities
Post-Vanderpump Rules, Madix has embraced a variety of exciting opportunities in the entertainment world. She competed in Dancing with the Stars in 2023 and took on the role of Roxie Hart in the theatrical production of Chicago starting January 2024. Furthermore, in 2024, she transitioned to hosting Love Island USA, further solidifying her footprint in the industry.
In addition to her television endeavors, Madix has ventured into entrepreneurship with the establishment of a sandwich shop, Something About Her, alongside her former co-star Katie Maloney. In her interview, she mentioned their openness to expanding the business contingent on finding the right investor, showcasing her drive beyond reality television.
As Ariana Madix closes this chapter of her life, she emerges not only as a former reality star but as a multifaceted entertainer poised for new and exciting challenges.