Ariana Madix Opens Up About Friendship with Scheana Shay

In a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live, Ariana Madix discussed her strained friendship with Scheana Shay alongside The Real Housewives of Dubai star Sara Al Madani. When host Andy Cohen inquired about the impact of the reunion on their relationship, Madix confirmed that their friendship had indeed suffered, although she emphasized that there remains a foundation of love between them. Madix expressed happiness for Shay, who recently received recognition for her advocacy regarding postpartum OCD. The tension between Madix and Shay has roots in the fallout from Madix's breakup with Tom Sandoval, who was caught cheating with their mutual friend, Rachel “Raquel” Leviss. During the filming of Vanderpump Rules Season 11, Madix made it clear that she would not maintain relationships with anyone still close to Sandoval, placing Shay in a difficult position. In a previous appearance on the show, Madix and Katie Maloney noted that Shay had been a better friend to Sandoval than to Madix during this tumultuous period. The situation escalated during the Season 11 reunion when Shay aligned herself with Lala Kent, who criticized Madix for her refusal to film with Sandoval. Despite facing backlash for her actions, Shay later stated on her Scheananigans podcast that she had "no regrets," although she acknowledged she would not repeat her choices. Shay explained that her decisions were made in the moment to prioritize her own peace of mind.