Tom Sandoval is making it clear that while he may not be center stage in the latest chapter of The Valley, he is firmly in the audience cheering for his longtime friend. In a recent social media exchange, the Vanderpump Rules alum clarified his role in the upcoming season, signaling a supportive, if slightly distanced, relationship with Tom Schwartz.
The confusion began on April 1, when Sandoval shared a photo on Instagram showing himself surrounded by production cameras. In the original caption, Sandoval noted that he and his girlfriend, Victoria Lee Robinson, were “excited about this season of The Valley.” However, as fans questioned his involvement in the series, Sandoval stepped into the comments to set the record straight.
“What I was trying to say is, [Victoria Lee Robinson] and I are both really excited to watch [Tom Schwartz] on this season of The Valley!!” Sandoval wrote, adding a brief “Sorry guys” to clear up the misunderstanding. The clarification confirms that as Tom Sandoval reacts to Tom Schwartz on The Valley Season 3, he does so as a viewer rather than a primary cast member.
A Friendship Tested by Business Failure
The warmth expressed in Sandoval’s social media posts comes after a period of significant professional and personal strain for the pair. Central to their recent tension was the December 2024 closing of Schwartz & Sandy’s, the bar the two opened together in the Franklin Village area of Los Angeles.
During a March 3 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Sandoval reflected on the difficulties the establishment faced. He admitted that the business struggled to gain traction from the start, suggesting that the closure was inevitable. Sandoval described the location as a “tricky area to be in,” noting that he felt the business was “never fully accepted or embraced by the neighborhood,” though he maintained that he remained proud of the effort they place into the venture.
The financial and emotional toll of the business failure has left a mark on their friendship. While they remain allies, Sandoval acknowledged on a recent episode of House of Villains on Peacock that the dynamic has shifted. He admitted that the two are “not quite as close as we once were,” citing the immense pressure and financial stakes associated with the restaurant’s collapse.
Despite this admission, Sandoval emphasized a lasting bond, stating, “But you know I’ll always love Schwartz and we’ll always be friends.”
Mutual Support and New Chapters
While the business partnership may have ended, the emotional support between the two men appears to be intact. Tom Schwartz echoed these sentiments in an April 2 interview with Entertainment Tonight, where he described Sandoval as “brother and family” and expressed gratitude that they are “friends again.”
Schwartz specifically highlighted Sandoval’s genuine reaction to his casting in The Valley Season 3. According to Schwartz, Sandoval reached out personally to express his happiness for him, describing the gesture as “sweet and genuine.”
This support extends beyond the screen and into Schwartz’s personal life. At BravoCon 2025, Sandoval spoke with The Daily Dish regarding Schwartz’s new relationship with Kiana Carroll. Sandoval expressed high energy for the pairing, stating, “She’s awesome. Dude, I am so stoked. I have secondhand excitement.”
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event | Context |
|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | Schwartz & Sandy’s Closes | The partnership ended after struggling to gain neighborhood traction. |
| March 3, 2025 | WWHL Appearance | Sandoval discusses the “tricky” nature of their former business location. |
| April 1, 2025 | Instagram Clarification | Sandoval clarifies he is watching, not starring in, The Valley Season 3. |
| April 2, 2025 | ET Interview | Schwartz affirms that Sandoval remains like a brother to him. |
The Broader Reality TV Landscape
The intersecting lives of Sandoval and Schwartz continue to play out across multiple platforms. While Schwartz navigates the drama of The Valley, Sandoval is currently appearing as a cast member on Season 3 of House of Villains. The two recently reunited for a cameo on the Peacock series, providing a public glimpse into their current rapport.
For viewers looking to follow the progression of these relationships, The Valley Season 3 airs on Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
As the season unfolds, the focus remains on whether the “brotherly” bond Schwartz describes can fully withstand the pressures of their shared history and the public scrutiny that follows both men. The next confirmed checkpoint for the pair will be the ongoing rollout of The Valley episodes, which will offer more insight into Schwartz’s new chapter.
Do you think the “Toms” can ever return to their original level of closeness? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
