Tom Sandoval said his recent participation in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test was “exactly what I needed” after Scandoval.
He became a hate figure in March when it emerged that he had cheated on his nine-year-old girlfriend Ariana Madix with their Vanderpump Rules co-star Raquel Leviss.
Tom, 40, was showered with public opprobrium and was still the subject of widespread ridicule online when he joined the cast of Special Forces.
On the Fox program, celebrities work under the tutelage of real ex-Special Forces operatives to complete grueling military training exercises.
In a new interview Tom said TMZ that the show offered an escape from the ‘media frenzy’ of Scandoval, without ‘phones’ or ‘contact with the outside world’.
Tom Sandoval said his recent run on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test was ‘exactly what I needed’ after Scandoval
He became a hate figure in March when it emerged that he had cheated on his nine-year-old girlfriend Ariana Madix (right) with their Vanderpump Rules co-star Raquel Leviss (left)
Tom, pictured with Raquel, was showered with public opprobrium and continued to be the subject of widespread ridicule online when he joined the cast of Special Forces
Reflecting on whether his controversy ever tarnished his Special Forces experience, Tom explained: “One of the good things about it is that, other than when they brought that s*** up, I mean, I didn’t really thought about it too often. , you know, or alone unless someone else brings it up.”
He added fondly, “That was one of them – the great thing about that situation was that you could just concentrate on the things in front of you. You know, no phones, nothing, no contact with the outside world. You know, you’re just worried about the people next to you and what you have to do.”
Special Forces was, he said, “exactly what I needed in my life at that time.” It was such a, you know, I just felt consumed by this scandal, and it was a way to work hard on something, to do something that had nothing to do with that.”
The reality TV hunk also noted that his own problems paled in comparison to those of many of his castmates, such as Jack Osbourne, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and had to be removed from the show due to a medical emergency.
He also invoked Bode Miller, who tragically lost his one-year-old daughter to an accidental drowning, and Brian Austin Green, who at one point lost the ability to speak due to health problems including dizziness and colitis.
“All these people have been through things, and hearing them tell their stories puts things in life into perspective, you know, it really does,” Tom said.
“It was hard not to feel stupid talking to staff sergeants when we were, you know, questioned about my situation. Because in the grand scheme of things, compared to everyone else, it doesn’t really seem like that big of a deal, you know what I mean?’ he acknowledged.
“Like, but I think it was because of the media frenzy, it became clear that. So it was just really hard for me to talk to them about it and not feel stupid, really stupid.”
Season 2 of Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test concluded this Monday, with three of the five finalists emerging victorious – Olympic skater Erin Jackson and The Bachelor stars Nick Viall and Tyler Cameron.
Tom was removed earlier in this Monday’s final by a mysterious referee known only as The Umpire
Internet personality Jojo Siwa voluntarily bowed out midway through the final stages, while Tom was earlier removed by a mysterious judge known only as The Umpire.
The episode begins with the challenge on the eighth day, with the narrator revealing, “The recruits have been captured and will now undergo twelve hours of military-level interrogation.”
Billy adds confessionally, “This is the final stage now. The question you’re asking yourself now is, “Can I survive? Will I survive?”
A title card reveals that ‘Resistance to interrogation is a key phase in Special Forces selection. It prepares recruits for conquest by the enemy by subjecting them to techniques not authorized by the Geneva Conventions.’
Internet personality Jojo Siwa voluntarily dropped out halfway through the final phase
They enlist a team of expert interrogators (John, Erine, Dilksy), who, according to the narrator, have “over 30 years of combined experience,” along with a juror known only as The Umpire, “who cannot be identified for security reasons .’
‘Resisting interrogation is the toughest phase that Special Forces operators will go through. That’s because this is primarily a mental exercise. It’s psychological warfare. The interrogators are never your friend. They are always the enemy and can never be trusted,” the referee said.
The interrogators and Rudy begin discussing the recruits, starting with number 3: Jojo Siwa, who, according to Rudy, is “the youngest of our recruits, but extremely motivated.” Lots of Energie. The poster child of influencer. She really likes it to be on.”
They move to number 5 – Tyler Cameron – who Rudy describes as “a model, very ‘All American’.” He has a brother who is a soldier, and I think he always thought his brother was the real hero, the real man.”
Rudy moves on to number 6 – Erin Jackson – who he describes as a 30-year-old, Olympic gold medalist speed skater. Skating is so individual. Here in a team environment she is often a wallflower.’
Rudy describes number 12 – Nick Viall – as ‘a gray man’ and adds: ‘We expected him to do better during the course. However, he has gotten stronger in the last few days.”
They end with number 4 – Tom Sandoval – with Rudy adding that he is “personally going through something so difficult.” I think he’s vulnerable.’
The referee added: ‘But the reality now is: if, if… If he doesn’t manage to communicate effectively, he won’t succeed here. Let’s do it.’
They enlist a team of expert interrogators (John, Erine, Dilksy), who, according to the narrator, have “over 30 years of combined experience,” along with a juror known only as The Umpire, “who cannot be identified for security reasons ‘.
‘Resisting interrogation is the toughest phase that Special Forces operators will go through. That’s because this is primarily a mental exercise. It’s psychological warfare. The interrogators are never your friend. They are always the enemy and can never be trusted,” the referee said
Tyler Cameron is seen rubbing his hands together to try to stay warm, but he is told, “Keep rubbing your hands together, I’ll put them up your ass.”
Jason “Foxy” Fox adds confessionally, “The purpose of interrogations is to push the recruits to see where their breaking point is.”
Sandoval is asked who told him he can put on his gloves, but he sheepishly says his hands are cold.
One of the kidnappers says, “You have to learn not to do anything unless we tell you, do you understand?”
Fox adds, “You’ll be tired, exhausted, cold and hungry. And you have to put all that aside. You have to survive by making people think you’re worth staying alive.’
The narrator adds, “Due to the high risk associated with interrogations, the referee is responsible for the safety of this phase. And has the power to remove recruits at any time if he believes they are no longer fit to continue.”
‘I am the referee and in charge of this phase. I cannot be imitated. If at any time you wish to leave this phase, simply raise your hand and ask to speak to the referee,” he tells them.