Ariana Madix DEFENDS ‘amazing’ Scheana Shay for taking a photo with a fan and cheating ex Tom Sandoval: ‘She was just doing something nice’

Ariana Madix defended her boyfriend and co-star, Scheana Shay, for taking a photo with a fan who also featured her cheating ex, Tom Sandoval, on her Instagram stories on Friday.

The Vanderpump Rules star, 38, who is filming the 11th season of the popular Bravo series, wrote a statement to her own fans and followers in response to a photo Scheana and other castmates took in Lake Tahoe.

‘@scheana is an amazing friend who posed for a photo with a fan for their birthday. there have been so many mean comments to her and she just did something nice,” the TV personality said.

“We always try to stop for pictures and when the whole cast is there it’s common for the whole cast to be in the picture regardless of what’s going on between us at the time,” Madix further explained.

Other co-stars featured in the photo included Lala Kent and Sandoval’s BFF and business partner, Tom Schwartz. However, other cast members, such as Ariana and Katie Maloney, did not travel to film in Lake Tahoe.

Kind gesture: “@scheana is an amazing friend who posed for a photo with a fan for their birthday. there have been so many mean comments to her and she just did something nice,” the TV personality said

Earlier on Wednesday, Scheana was joined by Lala Kent as the pair hit back at ‘stupid’ haters as they defended by taking a picture with Tom Sandoval in a clip shared to Shay’s stories.

In the photo taken with a fan during the trip, Scheana – who stated she hasn’t ‘forgiven’ Tom – was seen smiling as she stood next to him for the photo.

After receiving a negative backlash, Scheana jumped to her Instagram stories to share a “rant” as Lala sat next to her as they lay on a bed.

“To go on an Instagram Story or not,” Shay mused, aiming the phone camera high above the two. Lala added, ‘Don’t ask me. You know I love a good story on Instagram.”

Scheana continued, “I don’t know why I feel the need to take a picture with my hand like this [a fist] in someone’s back,” referring to how she stood next to Sandoval.

Kent, looking at her own phone, added, “People are so stupid. It still amazes me that people don’t realize we’re filming a show. And it was that girl’s birthday.’

“Like, how are we going to be, ‘Eh, no! Absolutely not!'” Like no, happy birthday, let’s take a great photo. It’s called growing up,’ Lala added.

Scheana then turned the camera back on herself and explained, “We’re in a group. We’re all here. We jumped on a picture, you know what? I happened to be standing where I am.’

Clapping back: Earlier on Wednesday, Scheana was joined by Lala Kent as the pair clapped back at ‘stupid’ haters as they defended by taking a photo with Tom Sandoval in a clip shared on Shay’s Stories

Explanation: Scheana continued, “I don’t know why I feel the need to take a picture with my hand like this [a fist] in someone’s back,” referring to how she stood next to Sandoval

Group photo: Shay and Kent had snapped a photo with a fan during the trip, with other castmates joining in, including Sandoval – who was next to Scheana

She went on to say, “I take pictures with strangers every day. This is how you take a picture. I stand like this. I smile. I tilt my head to my good side.’

As Shay addressed her fans, Lala added, “It’s called Vanderpump Rules. Have you watched it before? It’s a TV show.’

Some cast members traveled to Lake Tahoe to film the 11th season of the popular Bravo series and to support Lisa Vanderpump who opened a new restaurant called Wolf.

Filming began shortly after Season 10’s explosive reunion, which was in response to Tom and Raquel Leviss’s affair – also known as Scandoval.

The businessman specifically cheated on his girlfriend of nine years, Ariana Madix, and when she discovered intimate FaceTime videos on his phone in early March, she promptly ended their relationship.

The latest reel comes shortly after Scheana took to her Twitter page to reveal where she stood with Tom following the cheating scandal.

On Tuesday, she shared a separate video to her Instagram stories while walking with Sandoval’s friend and business partner, Tom Schwartz. However, a voice similar to Sandoval could be heard in the background.

Fans reposted the clip to Twitter, with one penning: “Is that Sandoval’s voice??? All is forgiven, I think. #pump rules.’ Shay replied to the comment, adding, “Who said all is forgiven? We’re all here for Lisa.’

Earlier last week while filming in West Hollywood at Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR restaurant at a gathering, Scheana was seen having a heated argument with Sandoval.

Where she stands: The latest reel comes shortly after Scheana took to her Twitter page to reveal where she stood with Tom following the cheating scandal

Not ‘forgiven’: Shay replied to the comment, adding, ‘Who said all is forgiven? We’re all here for Lisa’

Possible return: Earlier on Tuesday, Raquel was seen stepping out for the first time since her departure during reported negotiations over a possible return to the popular Bravo series

While Tom sat at a table outside, Shay was heard yelling at him, “…if you hadn’t fucked Raquel!” referring to Leviss, who recently checked out of a mental health facility.

That’s what a source recently said Page six that while in Lake Tahoe supporting Lisa’s new restaurant opening, the cast had agreed to put aside their differences and anger.

However, the insider added, “Just because the cast are in the same neighborhood doesn’t mean they get along. They are there to support Lisa’s new restaurant and honor her request to lower temperatures at this time.”

Raquel recently checked out of an Arizona mental health facility where she stayed in April. Earlier on Tuesday, she was seen stepping out for the first time since her departure amid reported negotiations over a possible return to the popular Bravo series.