Tom Schwartz DENIES conspiracy theory that he only kissed Raquel Leviss to cover up for Tom Sandoval

Tom Schwartz has denied the wild conspiracy theory that he only kissed Raquel Leviss to cover up for her relationship with Tom Sandoval. 

The Vanderpump Rules star, 40, spoke with TMZ on Saturday at LAX airport, setting the record straight after being accused by multiple cast members of helping Sandoval, 39, hide his affair with Leviss, 28, from his then-girlfriend Ariana Madix, 37.

Addressing speculation that his kiss with Raquel was just a ruse, the restauranteur said, ‘No, that’s not true. Unless I was a pawn in the game.’

But Schwartz played it coy when TMZ asked him if he knew about the affair, telling the outlet that he ‘would prefer not to talk about that at this time’ and that everyone will ‘see it play out on the show.’

The reality star went on to call the bombshell affair ‘really unfortunate’ and ‘f***ing complicated,’ sharing that he has not spoken to Leviss since the scandal broke. 

Kissing and telling: Schwartz spoke with TMZ on Saturday at LAX airport, setting the record straight after being accused by multiple cast members of helping Tom Sandoval, 39, hide his affair with Leviss from his then-girlfriend Ariana Madix, 37 (Madix, Sandoval, Leviss and Schwartz pictured in 2021)

When asked how Raquel was feeling, Schwartz said: ‘I haven’t talked to Raquel. I haven’t seen her or talked to her since this whole thing started.

The Bravolebrity also revealed that his close friend and business partner Sandavol is doing ‘okay’ but added that he has ‘a sense of profound sadness, rightfully so. I think he feels like a piece of s**t.’ 

‘And to some extent, maybe he is,’ Tom added while chuckling . ‘But he knows he f****d up. The whole thing is just really sad.’

He went on to share his thoughts on Ariana: ‘Luckily Ariana has a good support system, and she’s with her friends. 

‘I’m not sure where she is, but I hope she’s living the good life, and just indulging. I hope she goes on a living spree.’ 

Schwartz also shared that he hopes the scandal will be over with soon: ‘I’m just hoping this whole thing blows over.’

And the former model didn’t forget to comment on co-star Scheana Shay, after her lawyer recently denied the claim that she punched Raquel during an altercation over her affair with Sandoval. 

‘I haven’t talked to her about it,’ said Sandoval. ‘I haven’t talked to Scheana.’

A pawn in her game? Addressing speculation that his kiss with Raquel was just a ruse, Schwartz told TMZ, ‘No, that’s not true. Unless I was a pawn in the game’ (Leviss pictured in a still from Vanderpump Rules)

Keeping secrets: Schwartz played it coy when TMZ asked him if he knew about the affair, telling the outlet that he ‘would prefer not to talk about that at this time’ and that everyone will ‘see it play out on the show’ (Schwartz and Sandoval pictured last year)

No contact: When asked how Raquel was feeling, Schwartz said, ‘I haven’t talked to Raquel. I haven’t seen her or talked to her since this whole thing started’ (Sandoval and Leviss pictured at a Vanderpump Rules party in 2021)

Love triangle: Tom Schwartz went on to call the bombshell affair ‘really unfortunate’ and ‘f***ing complicated,’ sharing that he has not spoken to Leviss since the scandal broke (Sandoval, Madix and Levis pictured in 2022)

Doing okay: The Bravolebrity also revealed that his close friend and business partner Sandavol is doing ‘okay’ but added that he has ‘a sense of profound sadness, rightfully so. I think he feels like a piece of s**t’ (Schwartz and Sandoval pictured at their restaurant opening last year)

Living her best life: Schwartz went on to share his thoughts on Ariana, saying ‘I’m not sure where she is, but I hope she’s living the good life, and just indulging. I hope she goes on a living spree.’ (Madix is seen at Lifetime movie premiere in West Hollywood last month)

Schwartz then added, ‘Really I’m just sad about the negative impact it’s having on our business. But I think cooler heads will prevail.’

He also shared that the ‘last thing’ on his mind right now is the show’s ratings, and that he’s only ‘worried about Ariana’, but stressed once again that she’s got a great support system. 

Last week it was revealed that Sandoval and Leviss were allegedly having a ‘full-on affair’ for months, leading up to his split from Madix. 

Leviss and Sandoval ‘have been communicating inappropriately for months’ according to a source who spoke with Page Six, and now ‘want to be together.’

The cheating scandal broke last Friday, as it was revealed Sandoval and Ariana split after it emerged he had been ‘hooking up’ with Raquel, DailyMail.com has confirmed.

Madix – who dated Sandoval for nine years – is said to have only recently found out about the alleged cheating, ending their nine-year romance shortly afterwards.

A source also informed Page Six that Sandoval and Leviss had been meaning to inform Madix about the affair ‘for weeks.’

They waited so long, though, that Madix wound up discovering their secret herself Wednesday night when she saw Leviss’ texts on Sandoval’s phone.

Split: Last week it was revealed that Sandoval and Leviss were allegedly having a ‘full-on affair’ for months, leading up to his split from Madix; Sandoval and Madix pictured Feb 2023

Messy: Madix unfollowed Sandoval and Leviss on Instagram followings news of the affair. She also unfollowed Schwartz, who allegedly learned about it ‘a month ago’; Leviss pictured 2022

Madix unfollowed Sandoval and Leviss on Instagram after learning about their months-long affair. She also unfollowed Schwartz, who allegedly found out about his pal’s cheating ‘a month ago.’

Sandoval wrote on his Instagram that his costar only learned of his infidelity ‘very recently’ and ‘did not condone’ his actions.

The scandal has electrified the Bravo show, which will soon see the return of Sandoval’s infamous ex-girlfriend Kristen Doute, 40, who was fired from the series three years ago. 

Never one to mince words, Kristen recently slammed Tom Schwartz for remaining silent during the cheating scandal, calling him a f*****g p***y.’