Rachel Leviss Claims She Would Need ‘All-Expenses-Paid Therapy’ to Consider ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Return!
Rachel Leviss Claims She Would Need ‘All-Expenses-Paid Therapy’ to Consider ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Return!
Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, former star of Vanderpump Rules, recently opened up about her departure from the reality series following the intense fallout from her publicized affair with co-star Tom Sandoval.
In a candid interview with Us Weekly, Rachel revealed the emotional and psychological toll the backlash has taken and her current stance on returning to reality TV.
Leviss humorously remarked, “It would take all-expenses-paid therapy. I would need a therapist on call and therapy sessions after every single filming session!” This light-hearted comment underscores her serious concerns about the toxic environment the show created for her.
With a firm decision to prioritize her mental health, Leviss stated, “It’s not a healthy dynamic. I’m trying to protect my mental health, and I’m trying to live an authentic life.”
Reflecting on her time on the show, the 29-year-old former pageant queen described watching Season 11 as difficult, particularly because it focused heavily on the aftermath of her affair, a narrative she had no control over as she was absent from the series at the time. “That was, like, a full-circle chapter, and it’s complete. I don’t see myself returning because there wouldn’t be anything positive coming from that,” Rachel expressed, sealing her decision to move on from the series.
Despite stepping back from the Bravo hit show and the newly proposed spinoff “The Valley,” Rachel hasn’t closed the door on reality TV entirely. “I could see myself doing a competition show,” she mentioned, highlighting her newfound appreciation for privacy and anonymity, which she felt she lost amid the public scrutiny.
Leviss also touched on the personal losses she faced due to the scandal, particularly the estrangement from her former friends within the “Vanderpump” crew. “Of course I miss those friendships. I haven’t heard from anyone,” she lamented.
The sense of betrayal by those she considered close was particularly poignant, especially since she acknowledges her role in hurting a friend. “I had to learn the hard way to completely cut off all communication to all of my friends … so that was a really difficult time,” she reflected.
After the scandal dubbed “Scandoval” erupted in March 2023, Rachel retreated from Los Angeles to a mental health facility in Arizona, where she spent three months focusing on her healing and recovery. “The dark times were so dark, and it felt like there wasn’t a way out for the longest time. I need[ed] to start making better decisions,” Rachel shared about her journey toward mental wellness.
Now, Rachel is embracing a new chapter in her life, marked by sobriety, engaging in nature, and practicing yoga. These changes signify her commitment to a healthier lifestyle, away from the chaos of her previous reality TV fame.
“This era I would say is the era of freedom,” she declared, finding solace in her new environment and the simple pleasures that ground her.
As for her former relationship with ex co-star Ariana Madix, Leviss is philosophical about their future interactions, stating, “I think we’re both moving on in our lives and I wish her continued success.”
Leviss continues to explore her personal growth through her podcast, “Rachel Goes Rogue,” where she connects with others who share her aspirations for healthier interpersonal dynamics.
“This is how it should be like. It should be healthy friendships. It shouldn’t really be people tearing each other down in order to get power over one another,” she concluded, hopeful for what lies ahead on her path to healing and self-discovery.
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Olivia Davis is a Staff Writer at All About The Tea. Olivia’s hobbies include binging Netflix series, and watching Housewives on Bravo. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in History.