Andy Cohen says he respects Raquel Leviss’ departure from ‘Pump Rules’
Despite the drama it would have added to season 11, Andy Cohen supports Rachel ‘Raquel’ Leviss‘ choice not to return to Vanderpump Rules.
“I think it’s a personal decision. If that was the healthiest move for her, I respect looking at it and saying, ‘This wasn’t something that brought out the best in me, so I’m going to choose something else,'” Cohen, 55, told exclusively We weekly on Tuesday, January 9, while promoting its partnership with Walmart+.
Cohen made it clear that his support extends to every Bravo production he produces, adding, “I always respect that decision on all shows.”
Despite Leviss’ absence, Cohen hinted that the upcoming episodes will be a wild ride.
“[I’m] very excited for people to see Vanderpump Rules [season 11]. Listen, it picks up where we left off,” he noted. “I think seeing the changing relationships and platelets and the growth in some – and stagnation in others – will be really interesting for people.”
Filming on season 11 began months later Tom Sandoval And Ariana Madix called it quits after nearly a decade of dating due to his affair with Leviss, 29. Most of the cast members eventually returned to the film, including Madix, 38, Sandoval, 41, Katie Maloney, Tom Schwartz, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, James Kennedy, Ally Lewber And Brock Davies.
However, Leviss checked herself into a mental health facility in April 2023 after the scandal made headlines. She remained in treatment for 90 days before confirming that she had no plans to return to the Bravo series.
“Oh, no, no. No, because I refuse to disrespect myself at the level where I would tolerate that emotional abuse any longer,” Leviss said. Bethenny Frankel‘s “Just B” podcast in August 2023. “I can’t do that to myself.”
Vanderpump Rules cast members have given a glimpse into how much they’ve earned during their respective tenures on the hit Bravo series. The topic of paychecks has come up under various circumstances over the years since Vanderpump Rules debuted in 2013. After Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval’s shocking affair behind Ariana Madix’s back – which came […]
Leviss claimed that the network shutting down her request for a larger salary contributed to the final decision.
“One of the things that producers also told me is that you get paid based on your performance the season before,” she claimed. “The mistakes I made in front of the camera will live on forever. And you said something about the addiction to reality TV and the way they always dangle that carrot in front of you. Like it, [they say], ‘You have to tell your side of the story, otherwise it will be written for you.’ And that is terrifying.”
Leviss was seemingly the only cast member who had reservations about his return. Sandoval, for his part, continued filming the show even though most of his cast members sided with Madix after the drama.
During his interview with UsCohen said he’s not sure if season 11 of Vanderpump Rules will redeem Sandoval.
“It’s up to the people on the show. I guess the question is, “How long are we going to keep this guy on an island?” And it’s up to the fans,” he continued. “We’ve known him for ten years through television, so where is he? What place does he occupy among us now?’
Raquel Leviss and Tom Sandoval faced major backlash for their cheating scandal — and their Vanderpump Rules costars were front and center throwing shade. The couple made headlines in March 2023 when Us Weekly confirmed that Sandoval and Ariana Madix called it quits after nearly a decade together due to his infidelity. The beauty […]
In addition to preparing for Vanderpump Rules‘ long-awaited return, Cohen is also focusing on Walmart+’s Save Your Resolutions campaign. He partnered with the company because they strive to “save” every New Year’s resolution.
“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what my resolutions will be, and like millions of Americans, I abandon mine every year,” Cohen said. “So we’re trying to get you to keep your resolutions, and if you sign up for Walmart+, it’s kind of like the ultimate savings membership. It saves you time and money on things like free grocery delivery, free shipping, discount on fuel, all these ways to kickstart and save your New Year’s resolutions.”
If fans sign up for Walmart before the end of January, they will receive $50 dollars in Walmart cash. “Who’s going to say no to that?” Cohen added.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi