Lara Sophia 
Ariana Madix is defending her bestie Scheana Shay after she received hate for taking a fan photo with Tom Sandoval in Lake Tahoe.
Scheana Shay recently found herself in hot water with the Bravoverse after she was seen posing for a photo with Tom Sandoval in Lake Tahoe. Fans took issue with the fact that, in the photo, Scheana Shay had her arm wrapped around Sandoval, making it seem like they were once again buddy-buddy.
The 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules OG quickly made it clear that she has not forgiven Tom Sandoval for cheating on her best friend Ariana Madix with co-star Raquel Leviss. Instead, Scheana Shay explains that filming with Sandoval is a necessary evil as they are both a part of the Pump Rules season 11 cast.
She also explained that when in Lake Tahoe, a fan asked the group for a photo because it was her birthday, so naturally, the entire cast jumped into a photo together and obliged, which is how Scheana found herself randomly posing next to Sandoval.
“I’m posing in a photo for a fan. I take photos with strangers on the daily and have my arm bent up behind ppl. End of story. Should I look miserable in a group fan photo I got thrown in walking to our car?” Scheana Shay tweeted.
However, Scheana’s numerous posts explaining her actions still weren’t enough for some Vanderpump Rules fans. Even days later, Scheana still continued to receive hate for her actions, which is when Ariana Madix and Brock Davies jumped in to defend her against fans.
On Instagram, Ariana defended Scheana and insisted that she was an incredibly loyal friend.
Ariana wrote:
“@scheana is an amazing friend who took a photo with a fan for their birthday. There’s been so many mean comments towards her for it, and she was just doing something nice. * We always try to stop for photos, and when the whole cast is present, it’s common for the whole cast to be in the photo regardless of what is going on between any of us at the time.”
As for Brock, who is married to Scheana, he explained that Scheana got caught up in a moment with a fan and shouldn’t be receiving hate for doing something that is part of her job as a reality TV star.
Brock stated:
“Caught in a moment with a fan, it’s hard not to reflect on the duality of public life. Love and support on one side, and hurtful comments on the other – particularly about my wife.
It stings, it’s personal.
Remember this: Vanderpump Rules is about real people, real friendships, and real emotions spanning over 15 years. This isn’t just entertainment, it’s a part of our lives you’ve come to appreciate. But with every unkind comment, there’s a real person at the receiving end. It’s not just a fleeting thought you share; it’s harsh words we read, feel and remember.
Ironically, many of you posting these comments would eagerly smile and ask for a picture if you met us, just like this fan did with Tom. But we’re not just here for the photo ops.
We’re here living our lives, sharing our journey. It’s high time we promote respect and empathy, not just for the
“characters’ you see on screen, but for the real people behind them. Let’s make this community as real as the friendships you tune in for. Let’s make it better.
And if you don’t get this, then feel free to say what you comment to my face.”
Vanderpump Rules will return to Bravo in 2024.
