The friendship between Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval is still very much alive.
Fans got another glimpse at the dynamic on Night 2 of BravoCon 2025, when the Vanderpump Rules alums snapped a photo of their backstage reunion. The November 15 Instagram Story showed Tom Sandoval with his back turned toward the camera, while Tom Schwartz stood right beside him, facing forward.
Tom Schwartz made sure to tag his longtime friend/former castmate as well as his stylists, Elana and Dina Solomon, who created his all-black BravoCon look.
Inside Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval’s Years-Long Friendship
The Toms’ friendship goes way back — well before their Bravo years. The two reportedly met around 2009, when Tom Schwartz moved to Los Angeles. The Minnesota native was looking for a roommate at the time, and ultimately connected with Tom Sandoval via Craigslist. The pair immediately hit off and established a tight friendship that was seemingly unbreakable — that is, until a few years ago.
Following the shocking events of Vanderpump Rules Season 10, Tom Schwartz announced he was distancing himself from Tom Sandoval’s cheating scandal, which led to multiple rifts and fallouts within their friendship group.
RELATED: Tom Schwartz Shares a New Look at Tom Tom Bar During the “Best Time of the Year” (PHOTO)
What “almost destroyed” Tom Schwartz & Tom Sandoval’s relationship?
Tensions continued to flare as the Toms faced financial issues within their joint business venture. The former besties had opened Schwartz & Sandy’s Lounge in November 2022 and shut it down roughly two years later. Tom Schwartz spoke about the decision on The Valley After Show, saying the now-defunct business “almost destroyed” his friendship with his fellow Tom.
RELATED: Tom Schwartz Reveals What Happened to Katie Maloney’s Wedding Ring After Their Divorce
“The financial aspect really put our relationship to the test and, unfortunately, almost destroyed our friendship at one point,” he explained, before insisting Tom Sandoval was “like family.” “I’ll always love Tom Sandoval, but, of course, I have some deep-rooted frustrations with him.”
Tom Schwartz addresses joining The Valley without Tom Sandoval
Tom Schwartz made similar comments during the Peaks & The Valley panel at BravoCon 2025, where he was also announced as one of The Valley’s newest cast members. The podcaster was asked how it felt joining the series without Tom Sandoval by his side.
“It’s been nice. That’s not a dig at Tom, but it’s nice to establish my own identity,” he said. “You know what I mean? I’m not a sidekick. I’m not riding in a sidecar anymore. Although I’m not above that. And I love Tom. He’s family. For better or worse, I love Tom.”
Tom Schwartz will appear on The Valley Season 3, alongside former Vanderpump Rules cast member Lala Kent. Tom Schwartz said the experience was “really fun,” as the returning cast welcomed him with open arms.
“I feel like everyone here really embraced me,” he said on the panel. “I didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable… You guys took me in like an old rescue dog… I feel like an old rescue dog, and I found a new home.”
Elsewhere in the panel, Tom Schwartz confirmed his new relationship with Kiana Carroll. Find out what he had to say about his model girlfriend.
